In a post-Covid world, online education has never been more popular. A 2020 article in Forbes cited, “Even before the pandemic, Research and Markets forecasts the online education market as $350 Billion by 2025, so the numbers might be updated after analyzing the growth impacts of COVID-19 on the online learning market.”
Those are hard-to-ignore statistics, which are quickly becoming reality. With the rise of remote working, it’s more possible than ever to work and study – at the same time.
But where does this leave full-time learning, is it soon to be a dinosaur and relic of the past? Not so fast...
The rise of online
Thanks to the Covid pandemic, millions of learners were left with little choice but to fully embrace online learning and all its quirks. Of course, we can’t discount the students who had already made online learning their modus operandi and status quo, to accommodate full-time work and personal commitments.
It’s hard to ignore the perks of online learning. Students are able to juggle classes around a career, chores, and personal responsibilities while minimizing the costs and time associated with traveling to and from classes, and paying for accommodation needs.
The flexibility to multitask (although this could be a disadvantage) and the freedom to study in a relaxing setting at home while going at your own pace are definitely beneficial markers of online study.
Then there’s the self-responsibility and work ethic boon. By choosing to study online, you are holding yourself responsible to complete your education, essentially on your own. This means motivating yourself and managing your time responsibly. Some may find this intimidating but self-starter students who are capable of great self-motivation could thrive in this context.
Plus, it’s a great selling point for any future job application!
Full-time benefits
We can’t and shouldn’t dismiss the fact that nothing can quite replicate the social dynamics of a vibrant, diverse and bustling physical learning environment. Education involves more than just learning – there’s a whole social element to student life which serves as a handy template for adjusting to the corporate world.
Getting to interact with people from other countries, cultures and walks of life will stand you in good stead for the diversity of a globalized workplace where your co-worker might be from halfway across the world and your manager from your neighboring city. It’s this cross-cultural melting pot that allows students to become globalized citizens.
A physically present classroom can also make for a dynamic and charged learning environment where quickfire thoughts and robust discussions can turn a subject on its head. It’s an exciting context as everyone gets to share thoughts and enjoy the vitality of real-life interaction. Your professors are immediately on hand to answer questions, guide and support and you’re easily placed to draw motivation from friends.
Which suits you best?
Here’s the simplest answer: whichever format suits your personality best. Are you motivated to sit down and tackle your assignments without the structure of a formal classroom? Do you run out of steam quickly and forget deadlines? Your education format comes down entirely to your lifestyle, preferences and personality. Choose an avenue that you can sustain that will allow you to effectively navigate your studies with the ultimate goal of success.
