Advantages of Online Learning for Working Professionals

Online education has gained tremendous popularity in recent years in a world powered by digital technology. And it’s likely here to stay for the long term. In our 2021 Global Consumer Sentiment Survey of more than 520 adults in India who planned to further their education in the next year, 84% of respondents said they believe the adoption of online education will increase soon.

Given the greater need for virtual communication amid the ongoing pandemic and a renewed emphasis across industries on upskilling and reskilling, it’s safe to say the benefits of online learning and online classes have become much clearer to working adults.

What to Expect in an Online Course

Online learning can take all sorts of shapes and sizes. So, what to expect varies widely depending on the type of course or program you seek.

A free online course may be the answer if you’re looking to gain basic knowledge of a specific topic. These are more likely to be self-paced, which often means less direct guidance from an instructor. Offerings are available in virtually any subject area that comes to mind, including soft and hard skills.

You may consider a paid online program offering a credential if you’re looking to make a more dramatic career change or advance into a managerial role (or help team members move into new internal positions or gain new skill sets). This credential may be a certificate, professional certification, or a complete online degree program.

Online Learning Formats

Paid online classes also vary in structure and format. Some require you to attend live lectures at a set time. Others have you complete coursework on your own schedule with weekly deadlines. Even classes designated as “online” may have some in-person or on-campus requirements. That’s why exploring your program’s website for details is crucial before enrolling. Each program will offer a unique learning experience.

You may interact with your classmates in various ways in online classes, whether through your virtual classroom (often referred to as a learning management system or LMS), email, videoconferencing, and more. Group work may be required with some online classes.

Before committing to online learning, look into what credentials and types of coursework can help you reach your goals—whether you’re furthering your education or enrolling your staff in courses to help keep their skills up to date. A noticeable factor is that on 25th march 2020, UGC published the University grant commission (Credit framework for Online Learning courses though Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds) Regulations,2021. Under this new regulation, UGC increased the number of credits that can be earned online to 40%. But first, you should decide whether learning online is right for you or your employees.

Benefits of Online Learning for Adults

If you’re looking for courses to factor into an already busy work schedule, then online education may be the route you ultimately decide to take. So, what are some advantages of online learning? Here are 12 to consider when weighing your next move.

1. Flexibility

Many people turn to online learning for its flexibility. Learning virtually from anywhere allows you or your team to pursue coursework without commuting to a physical campus. While some online courses require learners to attend live lectures, you can otherwise factor your coursework into your already busy schedule and move at your own pace.

2. Ability to Advance a Career

In the Emeritus survey, career advancement was the respondents’ main motivation for furthering their education. This is also very much the case in online education. Career advancement may include upskilling or reskilling, earning a promotion or salary increase, or switching career fields. Since online learning is a flexible option, this format appeals to working professionals.

In India, the survey found the following among its respondents:

• 10% were career restarters, or those looking to re-enter the workforce after a break
• 23% were career builders or were hoping to build upon existing skills
• 20% were career switchers or were looking for ways to expand opportunities
• 34% were career advancers or were hoping to advance in their current field
• 13% were career launchers, or those looking to start a new career
• 0% fell into the “other” category

3. Wider Range of Courses and Programs

One of the significant advantages of online learning is that professionals can learn from schools worldwide and find the program that best meets their needs without uprooting their lives. In contrast, those studying on campus are limited to local options or must move to another city for a full-time program. This provides a greater span of options to help you achieve your goals or train your staff. (At Emeritus, our learners are located across 80 countries, with our partner institutions spanning the U.S., Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia, India, and China.)

4. A Broader Range of Perspectives

Given that your online classmates may be based around the world, you can gain perspectives from professionals in various countries. You can explore how businesses operate overseas and prepare for a global workforce. Better yet, because online learners typically have a wide range of goals and professional backgrounds, you can gain insights from other adults both within and outside your industry.

5. Immediately Applicable Coursework

One of the great benefits of online learning for professionals is directly applying your coursework to your full-time job, especially if you’re upskilling and want to stay in your current industry. What you learn from your instructor, classmates, and course materials may align with your tasks the following day at work. You can put what you know into practice in the real world.

84% of learners polled in the Emeritus 2021 Global Career Impact Survey said their coursework was immediately applicable to their work, and 7 in 10 respondents feel that completing an online program enabled them to be more effective at their jobs.

6. Affordability

Overall, online program costs vary, but with a broader range of offerings and types of credentials comes a more comprehensive range of price points. You can choose an online program that not only meets your professional needs but also that fits within your price range. A study of Global Career Impact Survey shows that in India personal expenditure increased 57% after the 2nd Wave, implying changes in expenditure priorities. Generally, you’ll save money that would otherwise be spent on housing and commuting to campus daily. Your employer may also be willing to pay for your education or reimburse you for tuition if your program aligns with your current or future responsibilities.

7. Time Management Skill Development

In all areas of life, managing your time is an important skill. You may juggle family and personal obligations with your professional responsibilities and everything else life throws your way. As a professional in an online course, you’re likely balancing your job with your education. This requires you to plan ahead and perhaps break your assignments into smaller chunks. Knowing how to manage your time is a skill that will serve you well in the long term.

8. Virtual Collaboration Opportunities

Especially as COVID-19 persists and many professionals continue to work remotely, virtual collaboration skills are more important than ever. Completing an online course or program teaches these valuable skills as you’ll collaborate on group work, engage in live and offline discussions, and analyse viewpoints from classmates based worldwide. This is also important as many companies, big or small, hire teams with employees across the globe, and working with people across various time zones may be part of your job.

9. Ability to Gain Technical Skills

Also, among the advantages of online learning is: You’ll gain technical skills that will benefit you in and out of the classroom. You’ll learn how to use different hardware and software (like Zoom or Google Hangouts), and you’ll become a master at using your course’s learning management system and navigating digital learning materials. Especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, knowing how to use different technology is critical.

10. A Customizable Learning Environment

With online classes, you can complete coursework anywhere you’d like—from your kitchen or living room, office, coffee shop, etc. While some students learn better in a traditional classroom environment, others might prefer to watch lectures in a comfortable setting. That’s one of the great benefits of online learning—even if you’re traveling for work or fun, your coursework is still accessible regardless of location. Plus, distance learning has become a safe option throughout the pandemic.

11. A More Sustainable Option

For several reasons, online learning is an environmentally friendly option. For one thing, you aren’t consuming gas on your way to and from a physical campus. Plus, you’re most likely not depending on printed materials to complete your coursework.

12. Multiple Modes of Communication

With online learning, it’s expected that you’ll communicate with professors and classmates through multiple channels—email, videoconferencing, and in your course learning management system, to name a few examples. Online education encourages you to ask questions, complete group projects, and even attend lectures in whatever format works best for you.

Does Online Learning Make Sense for You?

Different learners have different learning styles. What type of learning experience would you thrive in? Knowing where your strengths and weaknesses lie will help you conclude whether online learning is right for you. Make sure to educate yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of online learning.

Online learning may be the right choice if you’re self-motivated, have strong time management skills, and don’t want to commute to campus. But if you prefer face-to-face guidance from an instructor, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons of this learning format.

To truly experience the benefits of online learning, make sure you have clear goals in mind when enrolling. That way, you’ll pick not only the right learning format but also the best credential and course of study to meet your needs.

Experience the Benefits of Online Learning

Looking to move forward with online learning? Learn more about how you can work with Emeritus Enterprise to develop top university content tailored for your industry, company, and team.

Emeritus India offers a range of online learning courses. You can explore our full list of online courses for individual enrollment.