Monday, 25 February 2013

The Next Wave of the Future - Online Certificate Courses

Online courses have taken the world by storm. With the advent of the Internet, netizens can now afforded the greatest level of flexibility as far as learning new skills, honing existing skills and getting certified for them is concerned. From Agronomy to Zoology, nearly any field of study can now be found online. All you need is a computer with internet connection and you are set. There are many advantages with education online courses, the most important of which is they are self paced. You can study the lessons after work, on your days off or on the weekend - the only one putting pressure on you to learn and finish is you.
Another advantage is that these courses generally cost less than enrolling and attending classes in a physical school. In fact for many students around the world, the high cost of education has made them decide to consider studying online courses as a means to finish their degrees. Lastly, with the Internet, distance learning now has a more interactive nature. Students of distance learning no longer have reason to feel isolated and alone. More and more schools are offering 24/7 access and with many technology platforms, students are able to communicate with their mentors online. Students are able to receive informative comments and timely feedback. This keeps them motivated and focused, thus fueling their drive to finish the course. With distance learning courses, professionals already in the job market are able to build up their skills while working thus helping keep their competitive edge in the market. For those planning to re-enter the job market after a long hiatus such as full-time mothers who now need to work part-time, they are able to balance their studies with their responsibilities at home.
A final advantage worth considering is that employers are now looking more favorably at education or training obtained through online courses. Similar to certification from brick and mortar institutions, what employers want is for the theory learned in school to be supported by some practical experience; this can be from the actual work of the learner, an apprenticeship or volunteer work. The bottom line is that online certificate courses are now moving to be at par with training received from a physical school. All things considered, taking courses online is now proving to be a win-win option for everyone.

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