Introduction
Online learning has recently become an important tool for students to further their studies. Educational institutions globally are now looking towards online learning tools as a flexible and sustainable way to assist students in their academic journeys.
The Potential for a Broader, Richer Education
Due to the flexibility online learning offers, students are responsible for planning their own schedules and making sure they cover all their subject content in a timeous manner. This encourages students to hone their organisational and time management skills, so that they are productive and consistent in their overall weekly progress. This does not only apply to their studies; it also includes organising and planning any social activities and extra curriculars around their studies. This flexibility and independence encourages a more mature approach in students and stimulates self-motivation and self-discipline.
Many students are most productive at different times of the day. The flexibility that online learning offers means that students are able to study when they are the most focused – be it early morning, evenings or anytime in between. Additionally, this allows students break their day up into more productive study sessions that correspond with their concentration limits.
The flexibility that online learning offers goes still further, because students can also access a wide range of extra-curricular activities that mainstream schooling may not – and in most instances – cannot even offer.
The responsibility that comes with managing one’s own timetable and organizing one’s own studies is a key life skill, something which is looked upon very favourably by tertiary institutions and even future employers.
Global Connections and Communication
Online learning has set itself apart from regular schooling by allowing students from all over the world to connect with one another and learn together. This has resulted in an enriched academic experience for students, as they are able to learn about different cultures and different ways of life from their peers. Online learning has also strengthened the development of key communication skills in a world that is dominated by digital media and communication.
Critical Thinking and Conclusion
Online studies challenge students to think in new and creative ways as they analyse and absorb their subject content. Students are encouraged to critically assess how to be productive and how to learn in the best way possible for themselves. Self-paced and self-motivated studies may present students with many obstacles they will need to overcome themselves, thus teaching them very important skills like critical thinking, time management and independence.
Online learning has paved the way for students to obtain educational success and key life skills in the comfort of their own homes. At IIC, we hope to further this educational success and help students achieve these life skills in the flexible environment of online learning.
