How online learning is empowering people

There can be no doubt that online and distance learning has revolutionised education. In the US, up to 15 per cent of university students are exclusively enrolled online, and there is a huge variety of opportunities for individuals to learn online through a range of institutions. The figures will vary from country to country but it is safe to assume countries like the UK and Germany will have similar levels if not higher levels of online learning.  Here we are look at some of the ways that online learning is empowering people.

Access to language to breakdown communication barriers

Undoubtedly one of the most popular skills to learn online is a new language. There are many people around the world who have genuine qualifications and experience, but who are unable to consider getting work in other countries because they do not understand the language. In many English-speaking countries there is a shortage of skilled workers in many professions – these could be filled if more individuals learned English.

Thankfully there are fantastic online classes that allow students to get a good grounding and eventually become fluent in English, to the level that they would have the language skills necessary to work in the country. For people who want to learn English for work, but lack the time or budget to take classes, this can be a fantastic option.

Acquire new skills new part time

There are many people who are interested in developing new skills or even re-training entirely due to a newfound interest or passion for a subject. But not everyone can commit to full time learning in order to achieve these goals. Thankfully online learning is changing the way that we think about education and proving that it is possible to pick up skills and qualifications for a new career while only studying part time.

Of course, home learning courses can be studied full-time like any real-world educational institution, but for many it is the opportunity to learn at more convenient times that is one of reasons that online learning is so empowering.

Learning at your own pace

There is also a lot to be said for the flexibility offered by online learning. Real world education typically happens to a very rigid schedule – lessons are provided at a certain time on a certain day, and if you miss them then that is your problem. For many people this kind of learning simply is not possible due to a more complicated schedule.

It is very different with online learning, where typically lessons can be taken at your own pace and you can study the material any time that you like. Additionally, if you are not available at specific time each week, online videos and lessons are typically available at any time, so you can study at a time that is suited to you rather than having to re-arrange your entire calendar.

A cheaper form of education

It should also be noted here that online training and lessons are typically available at a far lower price than real-world education institutions offer. This does not necessarily indicate that the quality of the learning is lower, it just speaks to the additional overheads of premises and other costs associated with classroom learning.

This opens up the possibility for individuals to take classes that would be otherwise inaccessible to them due to high costs. This empowers those from less well-off backgrounds to be able to get the education they are looking for.

Work and study at the same time

One issue that holds back many people from being able to study is that they cannot afford to give up their work in order to do it. This can present a problem in many examples of classroom learning, as lessons make take place during working hours, or make it difficult for individuals to establish a balance between their work and their studies.

This is another way that online learning can empower people. Typically, with online courses it is possibly to work a full-time job alongside the studying without it negatively affecting either. Working around your own schedule may actually also contribute to better education outcomes.