How to like studying online - Why e-learning is cool

E-learning is cool for so many reasons. You could write a whole book about what it can do for you.

But you might disagree. Maybe your e-learning course doesn’t make you feel like you’re skipping through the Land of Chocolate. Maybe it looks more like a long, tedious trek through the desert. You’re getting pretty sick of living on insects and watching the circling vultures.

If you’re wondering how to like studying online, wonder no more.

Online learning can change your life for the better. It’s not that hard to like!

If you’re just not convinced that e-learning is cool, here are 10 reasons you might want to change your mind.

The top 10 reasons e-learning is cool

1. It’s flexible

You don’t have to put the rest of your life on hold while you study. This fact alone is life-changing.

There’s no need to move to a new city to be near the right campus. You don't have to wait for the kids to grow up. As long as you have internet access, you can learn online, no matter where you live. You can attend an online lecture at 3am if it suits you.

2. It’s easier to stay motivated

When you study online, you have access to a whole world of information and knowledge. You can choose your course to make it relevant to your personal or professional interests. You’re bound to find it worthwhile at some level. This can help to keep you motivated.

And you don’t have to wander through this strange new world alone. You have a guide – your tutor or facilitator.

3. It’s good for your career

By learning online, you’re showing your employer you’re serious about professional development. The new skills you learn could lead to a promotion, or new opportunities.

4. You’ll meet interesting people

Your fellow learners may not be in the same room with you, it’s true. But it’s still possible to make great new contacts via email and discussion boards.

5. It’s a great self-esteem booster

Successful e-learning will prove – to yourself, and everyone else – that you’re capable of stepping up to a new challenge.

(We’re now halfway through the list. Are you beginning to see how to like studying online yet…?)

6. You can get a valid qualification

Online courses cover more than stamp-collecting and flower arranging. Choose the right course, and the qualifications you earn will be recognised by current or future employers. Or you can use them as a stepping stone for further study.

And, if you have a half-finished qualification you’ve been meaning to get back to, or years of experience but no piece of paper to prove it, e-learning can help you fix that, too.

7. You can access a range of learning materials

E-learning can involve reading, listening, watching, or hands-on activities. This is good news if your learning style is not suited to traditional study.

8. You can “test-drive” a course without a commitment

It’s easy to find out whether you’d like to learn more about a topic by taking one or two papers to start. You don’t need to sign up for a three year, on-campus course.

9. If you don’t “get” a concept right away, you can repeat the lesson until you do

No-one’s watching you learn, or judging how long it takes for you to make progress. As long as you keep up with the course schedule, you can review the material as often as you like, without pressure.

10. You develop independent thinking and research skills

The ability to think independently, and research and analyse a topic, are invaluable skills. They’re just priceless. You’ll use them all the time, to enrich both your personal and professional life.

So now you know a bit more about how to like studying online.
When you look at all it can do for you, it’s hard not to get excited about online learning!