The Benefits of Online Learning
Online learning offers a number of advantages for busy people who have time-demanding obligations. None bigger than the ability to gain a degree anywhere and at any time.
Small wonder, then, why online learning has taken off with universities, corporations and among professionals.
With an online degree, your life won’t change that much. The only difference being, your free time will be focused more towards studying than other activities.
Here are some reasons why online learning might be a smart choice for you:
1. Lower Cost
You can literally save thousands of dollars to get a degree.
Online learning doesn’t use traditional classroom space or equipment. All you need is a laptop and an internet connection (and maybe a cup of coffee now and again).
Tuition fees are obviously lower, but there are hidden costs which you’ll avoid also.
You won’t need to cut down on work hours to fit around your lecture schedule nor will you need spend time and money on travel. To top it off, you'll still be able to spend quality time with family.
2. Fit Study Around Work
Working long hours in Hong Kong is normal. Career progression is also a priority. How do you comfortably fit both in?
Online learning allows you to fit study around your work schedule so that you can gain the necessary qualifications to move up the ladder.
There are no fixed timetables or lecture schedules. You won’t need to rush across the city to get to a class on time.
You study at a time that suits you.
This does mean that you’ll need to prioritise some time during the week to study, but it will be a time of YOUR choosing.
3. Same Quality And Recognition
The University doesn’t make a distinction between online learning and on-campus learning.
The certificate you’re awarded when you complete the programme is identical to students who studied on-campus.
It doesn’t mention that you studied online. It just mentions the important stuff: the University name, your name, your degree and the University emblem.
Also, studying a degree from a recognised UK University is respected by employers all over the globe. That’s thanks to the long history of the well-trusted UK higher education system.
People look up to the it.
Just make sure that the UK University is reviewed and monitored by the UK Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).
4. Better Learning Environment and Greater Ability To Concentrate
Feel more comfortable studying in your pajamas? Better able to concentrate in a dimly lit room with only your computer and the sounds of Beethoven?
Without the disruption of physical class sessions, you’ll study wherever makes you feel comfortable.
You won’t have to fight traffic, find parking spaces, leave work early or miss important family time to get to lectures.
Furthermore, you know what you need and don’t need in your environment to reach optimal concentration. Some of us need music, some of us need absolute silence.
Whatever it is, you can make sure your studying in the most suitable learning environment to you.
5. Choose to Interact or Not
Some of us thrive on interacting with others. We like to bounce ideas off them or seek validation. Some of us are maybe more shy or simply just thrive on doing things independently.
Online courses offer all students the opportunity to participate in class discussions or chats.
Whether you’re itching to get your opinions across or would rather read other peoples opinions, the option to connect with real students is always there.
6. A Good Fit for A Demanding Travel Schedule
If you’re in a position where you need to travel a lot for work, then doing some study whilst on your travels will be no problem at all.
As mentioned above, all you need is your laptop and an internet connection.
Whether you’re in a hotel or a coffee shop, all your assessment and learning materials are always accessible from the University’s online learning platform.
7. Access To The Same Content – No More Expensive Textbooks
Even though we take it for granted, accessing a whole 20 story library through our computer screens is amazing.
Once enrolled onto an online programme, you get given access to the University’s E-library. Here, you just search for the book, journal or article that you need and click on what you’re looking for. It’s as simple as that.
No more going to a library to search for a book only to find out that someone else has taken it.
You basically get access to all the same materials that on-campus students do, so that you get the same opportunities to excel.
At Douglas Business School, we try and facilitate faster learning with our online programmes. Find out if Online Learning is a suitable option for you.
Download our Course Delivery Guide to see what you can expect from an online programme.
