As our world becomes increasingly digitalized, the way we live, work, and learn is changing and evolving as well. More and more workers are able to take their jobs home or work remotely while on the go. Our day-to-day lives are also made easier with the help of technology, allowing us to tackle everything from grocery shopping to paying our bills completely online. All this wouldn’t be possible without the Internet.
Other than helping us improve the efficiency of our work and daily routines, another important way the Internet has made our lives more convenient is through the rise of web-based learning. Learners are no longer required to be physically present in a classroom. Now, with the click of the button, they can attend various classes and courses that spark their interest. They can read up on virtually any subject or topic, and they can boost existing skills and learn new ones. It’s safe to say that Internet-based teaching and learning systems have a plethora of positive effects on learners. In this article, we’ll be exploring some of the most important ones.
Web-based learning as a way to encourage independence and active learning
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and schools shutting down, students all around the globe needed to take a more alternative approach to learning and move from a physical to virtual classroom. Using digital platforms, teachers taught their lessons remotely, and students were expected to make a successful transition to online learning.
This transition meant students had to learn and understand the material on their own. They also had to acknowledge their successes and errors by themselves, take care of time-planning, and test their own progress. As a result of Internet-based teaching and learning, many students started becoming more independent and active in their learning efforts. And with a wide range of resources and materials available to them, research and in-depth analysis were made much easier.
Virtual learning environment as an efficient tool for delivering course material
In 2020, in an aim to prevent the spread of the virus, staying at home became the norm. As a result, many of us had more time on our hands. Some used the extra time to gain new skills while others decided to advance their careers or start new ones. This resulted in a rise of web-based courses, which served as a convenient alternative to traditional learning programs.
The virtual learning environment became an efficient tool for delivering course materials, providing participants with the training they need to master certain subjects. Those looking to start or advance their career in the beauty industry were able to take a fully online injection course which helped them transition from students to providers in these services. Others relied on crash courses related to marketing, graphic design, or languages to gain new knowledge and skills. Either way, online learning has definitely made things so much easier for those looking to push their career forward.
Flexible learning as key to widening access to different types of learners
While traditional learning has its benefits, it isn’t very flexible. It usually requires full-time commitment, and you need to adjust to learning on a certain schedule. This can be rather difficult for someone who’s already working full-time or who’s often traveling for work.
Online learning, on the other hand, offers an opportunity to learn and grow without interfering with an individual’s professional life. Being able to balance learning and working widens access to different types of learners. In addition, getting an online education also means you can revisit course material and study at your own pace. This is extremely important, because every learner is different.
Online learning as a way for learners to gain new technical and social skills
Interacting in a virtual learning environment also means utilizing different digital tools. As a result of embracing this technology, learners are also gaining a variety of new skills. From Skype and Dropbox to Basecamp and Slack, students all around the world are learning and applying new technical skills. Since more businesses are continuously integrating technology in their business practices, technical skills could be a big plus on a job applicant’s resume, proving that they’re eager to learn and apply new technologies.
Because working in a digital environment also involves communicating with others, learners are also able to boost their social skills. Whether it’s contacting their professors or collaborating with their classmates, participating in an online program and being a part of a virtual team plays a vital role in preparing learners for success in a virtual workplace.
Wrapping up
Online learning changed traditional education radically and continues to reshape the way we approach learning. Kids, teenagers, and adults around the globe are reaping the benefits of distance learning, either by earning online degrees, getting online education, or helping their career progression.
While there are certain challenges we need to overcome, now that we understand the benefits of Internet-based teaching and learning systems, it’s just a matter of time until online learning becomes an integral part of education.