Are you considering studying online but aren’t sure if it’s the right option for you? We are here to help! It is essential to choose your mode of study carefully, consider the pros and cons carefully, to ensure it is the right choice and that you get the education you deserve. To help you, we have detailed the pros and cons that most students experience when studying online, allowing you to narrow your choices and make a decision today.
What are the pros of studying online?
Studying online offers numerous advantages, including flexibility, lower course fees, and instant access to resources. The benefits you experience can vary depending on your learning preferences, but you can expect to enjoy some of the following;
You can study anywhere
Perhaps the biggest advantage is that you can study anywhere. Online courses do not require physical classes or live lectures, allowing you to work from the perfect place for you. You can choose to study in bed, at your kitchen table, or even on your daily commute. Being able to study anywhere makes online courses more accessible and removes the need for a commute, saving money on petrol, bus, or train fare!
The ability to study anywhere also allows you to study while you travel, so you don’t need to put your career or study goals on hold. The flexibility makes it ideal for anyone with a busy schedule or numerous commitments.
You can study at any time
Another benefit is that you can study at any time, making it super flexible. As there are no live classes, you can choose the perfect time for you to study. This means you don’t need to juggle your course with any other time commitments; you can simply study at a time that works for you.
Most online courses are also taught one unit at a time, reducing your workload so you don’t need to fit too much into your schedule. Many course providers also allow you to take breaks in between each unit, too, providing you with more flexibility than in-person courses.
You have instant access to materials
All of the resources you need for your online course are provided the second you enrol, allowing you to access everything you need from the first day. This provides you with all the support you need and ensures you can work at your own pace, without waiting for any resources. Most resources can also be downloaded, allowing you to study on the go without worrying about internet access.
Online resources also save you money compared to buying physical books, making them a more affordable option than in-person classes and a good choice for anyone with a tighter budget.
You will save money
Another benefit is the lower course fees that often come with online courses. You will find that online courses are often cheaper than in-person courses, making them ideal for anyone with a limited budget. Many online course providers allow you to pay for the course one unit at a time, too. This helps you spread the course, making it more accessible.
Just like with in-person courses, you can access fee assistance, grants, and loans that will help to reduce or cover the cost of your course. The fee assistance will vary depending on the course provider and your personal circumstances, so please speak to them directly before applying.
What are the cons of studying online?
Despite the many benefits of studying online, there are a few cons that you should consider before moving forward. The disadvantages will vary depending on your studying preferences, but typically, students can experience some of the following:
You can feel isolated
It is common to feel isolated while studying online, especially if you prefer to interact with other students while learning. Feeling isolated might be worse if you work remotely or live alone, too, and you will need to find other ways to ensure you are getting the social interactions that you need.
Many online courses offer forums and discussion boards where you can interact with other students, and we recommend taking advantage of these opportunities whenever possible.
You can struggle to stay motivated
You might also find it challenging to motivate yourself throughout the online course, as there are no in-person classes to build your routine around. You need excellent time management and self-discipline skills to thrive in an online course, which helps keep you motivated and ensures you complete all your assignments.
You should carefully consider whether an online course aligns with your study methods to ensure it is the right choice for you.
You can struggle to access support
Online courses often lack in-person support, which can make it challenging for some students to reach out and ask for help. You are limited to when you can speak to your professors, usually with set times for calls and emails. These time slots may not align with your other commitments, making it challenging to reach out and receive the help you need.
Find your online course today
Despite its drawbacks, an online course offers numerous benefits, making it a great choice for many students. Online courses are offered by many course providers across Australia in a variety of topics, including a graduate certificate in mental health. When considering an online course provider, we recommend checking out ECU, who offer an impressive postgraduate mental health course entirely online with complete flexibility and round-the-clock support. Check out their graduate certificate in mental health online today!
