Today we live in a fast-paced environment and there is a growing necessity for working professionals to enhance their skills and gain a competitive advantage in their careers. In addition, tough economic times have led to companies tightening staff education budgets. So what options are available for an individual who seeks to develop industry relevant skills? [1]
Online short course education is a growing trend in educational technology. Working professionals can log in and out as their schedules allow and industry experts can make a living from sharing their knowledge online. Industries such as digital marketing, information technology and design are so fast-moving that most syllabuses are out of date before they’ve even reached the lecture rooms. Online learning solves this problem by making real-time and ongoing training and development accessible for all. This allows for a lot of flexibility for working professionals. [2]
Some of the advantages include:
- It’s flexible and can fit around work and family commitments.
- It can boost employment prospects and incentives.
- Online learning has made part-time study far more accessible.
- Savings on textbooks as most online courses offer e-textbooks.
Some of the disadvantages are:
- Working in isolation.
- Different distractions may arise.
- Need for high self-discipline.
- Demands large effort and cost to develop appropriate materials. [3]
It cannot be disputed that online short course education has some disadvantages, but it proves to be highly beneficial. Online education can allow working professionals to further their studies anywhere at a time convenient to them thus empowering their careers. [4]
Contribution by: Nomsa Mhlontlo (1311276)
References
[1] https://www.bcx.co.za/Internet-of-Things/Internet-of-Things-Proof-Points/Digitisation-of-Education Accessed on 03 May 2016
[2] http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/continuing-education/online-learning/what-is-online-learning.html Accessed on 04 May 2016
[3] http://www.emergingedtech.com/2012/06/a-report-on-the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-online-tutoring/ Accessed on 04 May 2016
[4] http://www.careerfaqs.com.au/news/news-and-views/the-long-term-benefits-of-short-courses/ Accessed on 04 May 2016
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