How Does Online Learning Work?
Online learning makes it easy for students and instructors
to connect to go through course work.
Assignments are submitted online and students can ask questions via
email and forums. Sometimes there is a
live weekly lecture and other times students will attend lectures on their own
through a recorded presentation. All of
this can be done on the computer so students have no need to leave their
home. They can even attend classes and
do work while sitting in a coffee shop if they like. This makes it easier to fit learning into
your daily life.
How Can Online Learning Programs be Financed?
Employers will often assist employees by encouraging them in
their continuous learning efforts. They
may offer them paid time off or they may reimburse them for the costs of the
program. Talking to your employer about
education benefits should be your first step.
It is a win-win situation for both parties. You gain the education you need to advance
and the company gains employees that are able to move forward in the company so
that they do not have to look outside of the company for advanced positions.
You should also consult with the financial department of the
school that you are thinking about attending.
They will be able to advise you on funding options for the program that
you want to take. Not every program and
not every region will have the same options so speaking to a financial advisor
at the school will get you pointed in the right direction.
What are the Challenges of Online Learning?
Online learning is an easy way to advance your career but it
comes with its own set of challenges.
One of the most challenging things for online learners is the fact that
there is no one-on-one contact with classmates and instructors. Some people like the personal contact they
make when they are taking a course. But
you can work around that by taking advantage of free chat rooms and video
conferences like Google+ Hangouts where you can talk and see each other in real
time. These are great for study groups
as you can have conversation that leads to ideas and better understanding with
your peers.
