Why Online Learning is the Future of Education

Table of Contents:

• From On-Site to Online Learning
• Why do people opt for Online Certification Courses?
• Are Online Courses the Future of Education?
• Online Short Courses for Full-Time Professionals in 2024
• Conclusion
• Bonus Points

From On-Site to Online Learning

While Online Learning has always existed in some shape or form, it is the advent of the global Pandemic that popularised it across the world. Schools, Universities and other educational institutions offering short courses switched from on-site to online learning. 

While lockdowns have ceased around the world and most returned to on-site learning, there were students and institutions who preferred the convenience of online education. This begs the question: Are Online Short Courses a passing fad, or the future of education?

Why do people opt for Online Certification Courses?

People choose to pursue online short courses for many reasons:

• Professional Certifications: 

Professionals across industries prefer Online Short Courses with Certifications. These courses not only provide in-demand skills, knowledge and expertise, but also boost career prospects via reputable Certifications from recognised institutions.

• Flexibility: 

While the demand for skills have risen, the time available to pursue professional growth has not. Online Certification courses come with the added benefit of flexibility, usually in the form of self-paced learning via recorded lectures and online reading materials.  Learners can progress in their own time and space. 

• Affordability: 

Quite possibly the most influential factor, free short courses allow Professionals to develop industry-level knowledge without spending a dime. Although Certifications may involve a nominal fee, these are often still far more affordable than pursuing an academic degree in person at a university. 

• Growing Options: 

The Global E-learning Market is colossal, valued at $217 Billion in 2022. The global success of online education has attracted many new players into the industry, which offers Professionals a wide range of Courses featuring multiple domains, proficiency levels, fee structures, certification institutions and more.

• Short Learning Duration: 

Also an influential factor, most Short Courses can be completed in as little as a few hours. Usually not lasting beyond a year, these Courses offer Professionals on a time crunch the perfect opportunity to build skills faster than ever. This is particularly lucrative in comparison to years-long academic courses. 

Are Online Courses the Future of Education?

Years from the Pandemic that popularised it, it is evident that Online Short Courses are here to stay. In addition to the benefits listed above, distance learning has also made it possible for Professionals to learn at foreign Universities and institutions without the hassle of travelling and its associated expenses.  

Online Education not only connects Professionals from across the globe, but encourages them to engage and exchange ideas, supporting each other in their learning journeys. In many ways, Online Learning offers advantages that Professionals and Learners seek in 2024. 

Online Short Courses for Full-Time Professionals in 2024

If you want to explore Online Education Courses, UniAthena is a solid place to start. Operating as a subsidiary of Westford Education Group, a well-established provider of Higher Education programs, UniAthena’s Short Courses cater to the needs of full-time Professionals. 

• Executive Diploma in Business Communication

UniAthena’s Executive Diploma in Business Communication is a free-learning Short Course that offers Learners the opportunity to elevate one of the most crucial soft skills of the modern workplace. This short online course covers both verbal and written communication, including report writing,  group and interpersonal communication, and more. The course is delivered online with self-paced, free-to-access lessons – making it the perfect option for Professionals on a budget. 

Complete the quizzes and become eligible for a Professional Certification from UniAthena.

• Basics of Digital Marketing

Digital Marketing is the soul of every organisation’s marketing and sales tactics. If you want to explore this industry without committing to a full-time program, this beginner-friendly Basics of Digital Marketing is an ideal choice. In addition to a comprehensive coverage of Digital Marketing fundamentals, the course also explores modern marketing tools and their advantages. 

This online certification course is 100% Online, Self-Paced and free to learn. Complete it and qualify for a Certificate from Cambridge International Qualifications, UK. 

• Master ChatGPT

AI skills are among the most sought-after by Employers in 2024 – need we say more? UniAthena’s Master ChatGPT Course offers insight into OpenAI’s development of the chatbot, their similar products and the art of engineering the ideal prompt. The course also explores the different ways to use ChatGPT’s abilities and considers the future of the technology.  This short online course is also 100% Online, free to learn and self-paced.

• Fundamentals of English Grammar

Find yourself making errors in your daily written and verbal English communications? UniAthena’s Fundamentals of English Grammar is a great option for both native and non-native speakers. This course covers the basics of English Grammar, including Nouns, Pronouns, Adverbs, Adjectives and Tenses. 

The course also explores common errors made by English writers and speakers, and mentions the corrections. This self-paced course is delivered online and can be accessed for free. 

• Crack IELTS in 7 days

If you plan to pursue an academic program in the near future, you may be required to complete the IELTS, a standardised test of English proficiency. You can skip expensive and rigorous courses and go for UniAthena’s Crack IELTS in 7 days. 

This short online course covers speaking, listening, reading and writing portions of the test, including expert tips and tricks to help you give your best performance possible. The course covers the test format, allowing you to become familiar and confident with the material. 

Conclusion

Online Education appears to have cemented itself into the fabric of Higher Education. For Professionals short on time and money, Online Short Courses offer affordability, variety in options, flexibility, and certifications within a shorter span of time than a degree program. 

With UniAthena’s Short Course recommendations on the most sought-after professional skills of the contemporary workplace, you are sure to find the perfect online course to elevate your professional prospects. 

Bonus Points:

• According to Gallup’s Research Report, when workforces receive appropriate skill development opportunities, companies have reported a whopping 17% increase in productivity. This indicates the competitive edge Upskilling offers companies. 
• Since 2015, skill demands have evolved by 25% (Source: LinkedIn). This points to the ever-evolving nature of the workplace, and the need to upskill regularly to stay updated.