As it’s National Online Learning Day this Sunday, I thought it was an apt time to share some thoughts on the benefits of studying online. Speaking from my personal experience at Lewis College, where every student has a dedicated Tutor for each unit, the most common feedback I receive is the flexibility of studying amongst the busy lives that we all lead.
The Flexibility of Online Learning
Studying whilst working a full-time job can feel intimidating, even impossible when things are particularly busy at work, but the flexibility of studying online allows you to do just that as you can progress with your course at any time during the week. During lunch hour, after dinner, once the kids are in bed, or even with a glass of wine for an hour on a weekend. Whatever suits your schedule.
Balancing Work and Study: Is It Possible?
If you’re still thinking ‘I still wouldn’t have time for that’. I would add that in my opinion the best way to study is in short bursts that fit your schedule. I think it’s natural to think I’m going to sit down and ‘crack on’ for a few hours at some point during the week when you have a specific project. But when it comes to studying, this is not an effective way to learn. It can also become overbearing, and ultimately put you off from wanting to do it at all.
The Power of Short Study Sessions
The trick is to study in short, half-hour to 1-hour sessions where you can take in what you are learning and retain it as you progress with your course, but do this regularly so you don’t waste any time going over what you have already covered. 2 or 3 short study sessions a week and before you know it you’ve completed 2-4 hours of study time. You may recall BBC’s learning platform for GCSE students used to be called Bitesize, and I think that sums it up perfectly.
Support from Tutors
I know our graduates certainly think so, as with every short study session they complete, they know they have access to their Tutor who can help them provide feedback promptly, so they are all ready to go for the next session.
So if you are considering an online course, don’t let your busy schedule put you off, just remember, little but often is the key.