Technology is revolutionizing the way we learn. In education, while course material is always updated with the latest trends and knowledge, models of delivering content are also incorporating innovative ways of making learning more engaging and enjoyable. Examples include the use of smartphone applications, multimedia and online platforms which are often customized according to learner needs.
Assignments can be submitted through learning management systems (LMS) like Moodle, Blackboard and Canvas; assessment of student learning can take place in online forums by peers and professors; and lectures can be attended from the comfort of one’s own home, located anywhere in the world, via streaming.
Many learning institutions are making use of technology by offering high-quality online education. Distance learning programs are suitable for different types of learners with different needs. It may be a good alternative for self-motivating professionals looking to develop themselves yet cannot take time off due to commitments. In this post, we discuss the benefits of studying online through distance learning.
Convenience
Convenience is key as distance learners are not always confined to specific campuses or classrooms. Course material might be the same or adapted to suit a distance learner’s needs. If the mode of delivery is asynchronous, distance learners can study outside of their commitments via multimedia, video, podcasts or audio files. If delivery is synchronous, students can attend scheduled classes or tutorials via audio- or videoconferencing or live internet chats from anywhere with an internet connection.
Since assignments for distance learners are often submitted via LMSs, lecturers are notified through the platform and prompted to reply. It’s all about easy and accessible exchange of information. Lecturers could also give interactive feedback upon submission of homework.
Diversity
The typical profile of a distance learner varies. You might have a learner who is not too fond of classrooms or a learner looking to grow within a company or start up a business. Distance learners might also be at different stages in their professional careers and could offer a wide variety of opinions about business problems unique to their experiences. ‘Distance’ also means that your colleagues might come from different corners of the globe. This broadens your worldview as well as increases cross-cultural knowledge, a huge benefit if you want to do business in a global context.
Immersive
Tech innovations are evolving at a fast pace. In education, this translates into improved online learning tools. Using a variety of multimedia, online learning tools provide real-world experiences. They stretch your critical thinking skills, allowing you to make mistakes and correct them at the push of a button. In many cases, you could also control for specific situations to challenge you in different ways.
For example, students can learn about the effects of climate change by accessing 360-degree videos, enhanced even more with the use of a Virtual Reality headset. Online courses have also been used to teach psychology students about mental health issues by putting them in the shoes of mental health sufferers, allowing them to experience their lives through the students’ eyes.
Less Expensive
Online programs are usually more affordable than on-campus learning. While the tuition fees of online degrees don’t vary that much, it’s the additional expenses that add up like commuting to class, renting a room or living on your own, buying textbooks not to mention, packing up and moving to your campus city. This is one of the biggest worries for students and their parents when deciding on studying away from home. Distance learning relieves such headaches—and stops you from breaking the bank—as you can save money by studying at your own pace.
Ready to Start Your Distance Learning Journey?
At EU Business School, our online campus offers bachelor’s, master’s, MBA and further education programs that cater to all our students’ business needs and interests. These English-taught degrees are designed to be flexible and personalized, combining practical, experiential learning methods with the freedom that comes with distance learning. Our online students learn through live interactive webinars, group projects and business simulations. Programs are supported on easy-to-use web platforms and are delivered by acclaimed lecturers who offer real-time, personalized tutoring from across the globe.
Our online syllabus also includes guest speaker sessions and conferences with industry leaders which online students attend via webcam, giving them the opportunity to ask questions and join in the dynamic group discussions. Students are also invited to participate in the EU on-campus weeks where they participate in a vast array of activities including company visits, seminars and conferences to further immerse themselves in a real-world business environment. Upon enrollment to our outstanding online programs, EU students will also become part of a 27,000+ global network of academics, colleagues and alumni from around the world.
