Thinking about enrolling in an online degree program? Online learning can be an excellent way to advance your education without having to commute to a physical campus. For those with jobs, families to raise, and busy schedules, an online degree program offers convenience and flexibility.
At the same time, online classes could be just as challenging — if not more challenging — than their on-campus counterparts. Not only do online learners need to have a great deal of self-discipline, but they must maintain excellent time management to juggle the demands of schooling with other responsibilities.
Is online learning right for you? Take some time to consider the many benefits of online adult education programs before you decide whether to enroll. From there, you may be better prepared as you embark on your educational journey.
Understanding Online Learning
First, it is important to understand online learning today is not the same as it was even a few years ago. With a better comprehension of what online learning in the digital age looks like, as well as how the landscape of online learning has evolved over time, you may be able to better prepare for an online program.
Defining Online Learning in Today’s Digital Age
While no two online courses are set up exactly alike, today’s online learning spaces tend to incorporate a wide range of tools and resources to enhance the learning experience.
At their very core, most online classes are either synchronous or asynchronous. With synchronous learning, online classes still meet “live” during designated dates and times of the semester. This may mean holding live video lectures or simply using chat or instant messaging to hold classroom discussions in real time.
In an asynchronous class, there are no designated meeting times. Instead, students have the flexibility to access course materials and complete assignments at their own pace, but within a structured timeline that includes deadlines throughout the course. Unlike competency-based learning, which allows students to progress based on mastery of the material, asynchronous learning follows a predetermined course schedule with set start and end dates. This format is particularly beneficial for learners who need more flexibility in managing their schedules, but still requires them to meet deadlines for assignments, quizzes, and exams. While students can pace themselves, they must complete the course within the established timeframe.
Both synchronous and asynchronous classes may incorporate different learning tools and resources. For example, students access their online courses, check grades, and refer to class materials through a learning management system. Most online courses also include a number of engagement tools, ranging from quizzes and games to interactive simulations.
Despite not meeting in person, most online classes also have some kind of community-based component, where students are encouraged to discuss class topics with one another. This could be anything from a discussion board or blog to a weekly audio or video chat session.
However, it is worth noting some online classes may be a combination of both asynchronous and synchronous. Some classes exist where the bulk of the semester is asynchronous, but there may be specific assignments, lectures, or events that may be required to be attended or completed on a specific time and date.
How Online Learning Has Evolved Over Time
It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when online learning got its start. Some might argue that online learning began in the 1960s, when the first computer-based training (CBT) systems emerged. However, it was not until the rise of the internet and personal computers in the 1990s that the first web-based learning management systems (LMS) were developed.
Online learning has come a long way, especially in the past five or so years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools were forced to shut down and make a rapid shift to remote learning. Out of this challenging time came many adaptations and innovations in online learning, including the widespread use of Zoom calls for synchronous class work.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, an estimated 9.4 million students took at least one distance education course during the fall semester of 2021 alone.
Core Benefits of Online Learning
If you are considering an online degree program, you may be wondering whether this option is right for you. While only you know your own learning style and specific needs when it comes to your education, there are many benefits of online learning that students could enjoy regardless of their background and lifestyle.
Flexibility and Convenience for Busy Schedules
First, an online education tends to be a convenient and versatile option for those who want to advance their education. Because there is no need to commute to a physical campus each day, online students could save themselves the hassle of getting to a traditional classroom while also freeing up more of their valuable time.
This level of flexibility could be especially useful to students with busy schedules, such as those working part- or full-time jobs and/or those raising families of their own. In this sense, an online education could make obtaining a degree or certificate more attainable and realistic than a traditional, on-campus education.
Access to a Wide Range of Courses and Programs
Online learning has also improved access to educational courses and programs to students not just across the United States, but across the globe. This is especially true in more rural and remote areas, where the closest college may be an hour or more away. For students living in these areas, higher education opportunities may seem unattainable, especially if these students are unable to relocate to live closer to the nearest college or university.
With distance learning, however, students can access degree and certificate programs from their choice of colleges and universities across the country without having to leave their homes. Meanwhile, students can explore more specialized and “niche” online degree programs that may not be available through schools in their immediate area.
Enhancing Professional Skills Through Online Learning
In addition to the added flexibility and convenience offered through online education programs, online learning also gives students the opportunity to build upon such professional skills as technical proficiency, self-discipline, and time management. These are all skills that could be readily applied to students’ future careers.
Gaining Technical Proficiency for the Modern Workplace
Online learning requires a certain level of technical proficiency, particularly as it relates to navigating learning management systems and other unfamiliar frameworks. Meanwhile, many online degree programs require students to use software and apps common in the modern workplace, such as:
- Video conferencing software (such as Zoom and Google Meet)
- Word processing programs (such as Microsoft Word)
- Spreadsheet and presentation programs (like Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint)
Likewise, being in an online degree program requires students to have a certain degree of computer literacy. From knowing how to download and open files to using the internet to find information, students could sharpen these skills in adult education programs to prepare for the demands of the workforce.
Developing Self-Discipline and Time Management Skills
Finding success in an online degree or certificate program also requires students to develop strong time management skills and maintain a strong sense of self-discipline throughout the program. This may be especially true in asynchronous degree programs, where students are not required to meet at set dates and times each week. Instead, they have the flexibility to work through the course materials at their own pace, while still adhering to deadlines and completing the program within the established term limits.
This level of freedom and versatility is attractive to many online learners, but without the right level of self-discipline, students can easily procrastinate and fall behind. To truly succeed in an online program, students will need to learn how to stay focused and use time management techniques to proactively keep themselves on track. These are skills often applicable to the demands of the modern workplace.
Online Learning and Career Advancement
Still not sure whether online learning is right for you at your current stage of life? For instance, if you are already working, you might feel uneasy about adding the responsibilities of a program to your already heavy workload.
However, it is also important to consider the many ways in which online learning could potentially boost your resume and provide you with valuable networking opportunities.
How Online Certifications Can Boost Your Resume
First, consider the fact that you do not necessarily have to spend years completing an online bachelor’s or master’s degree program to reap the educational benefits of online learning. In fact, there are many online certificate programs specifically designed to be completed in just one to two years. These could be ideal options for working professionals who want to add some designations to their resume as a means of setting themselves apart from others in their field and potentially exploring new opportunities for career advancement.
Networking Opportunities in Virtual Classrooms
Participating in a virtual classroom could also expose students to valuable networking opportunities — not just with instructors who have worked in the industry, but with other students and professionals as well. Synchronous and asynchronous learning environments offer the chance for students to connect with each other professionally, which could open up doors to new career opportunities, partnerships, and more down the road.
Tips for Succeeding in Online Classes
Enrolling in an online certificate or degree program can be exciting, but it may also stir up feelings of anxiety and uncertainty for those who have limited or no experience with online learning.
The good news? If you are feeling nervous about your first online class, there are some tips and best practices you can keep in mind.
Strategies for Effective Online Learning
First, set yourself up for success by creating a designated study space somewhere in your home. This could be an entire room (such as a home office) or even a quiet corner of a bedroom or living room. Minimize distractions as much as possible in this space by eliminating clutter; you might even want to make your study space a phone-free zone or consider putting your phone into “do not disturb” mode during your study time.
Another useful strategy for online students is to invest in a planner, whether it be a digital or physical planner. Block out specific time for each course throughout the week, and be sure to mark important due dates, exam dates, and other deadlines so you can stay on track.
Tools and Resources for Online Students
Finally, take advantage of the many tools and resources available to you as an online student. If your school offers online tutoring services or other dedicated adult learning support, use it. Do not hesitate to reach out to your instructors for help if needed, as many will host virtual office hours throughout the week for this exact purpose.
As the end of your program draws closer, check in with your school’s career services center for help in refining your resume and preparing for job interviews. Even colleges that offer degrees primarily online often have tools and resources to help students as they approach their graduation date, so use them to your advantage.
Learn More About Online Degree Programs at Post University!
Although online learning may not be right for every student, those with busy schedules who are self-motivated could enjoy the many educational benefits of online learning and adult learning support. At Post University, every student is assigned a personal support team focused solely on their academic success. Meanwhile, we offer a wide range of online undergraduate and graduate programs to align with your career goals.
Because we have been offering online learning options since 1996, Post University knows a thing or two about providing our online students with the best learning experience possible. Learn more about our online degree and certificate programs or get started with your application for admission today.
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Please note jobs and/or career outcomes highlighted in this blog do not reflect jobs or career outcomes expected from any Post program. To learn more about Post’s programs and their outcomes, please fill out a form to speak with an admissions advisor.