Coronavirus has highlighted online learning, and more people now see it as a viable option, when before, they might have preferred on-campus learning.
You can study the same qualifications online
Students who thought online learning didn’t carry the same weight or cover the same subjects in as much depth are now likely to see that’s not always the case. After having no choice but to take their studies online, they now see its benefits and how many qualifications can be gained with this way of learning.
The nursing profession has benefitted from this, and courses at Wilkes University includes DNP programs where nurses can build on their existing qualifications to progress in the healthcare industry.
Finding worthwhile career options
The pandemic inspired people to pursue different careers, whether they lost their job or decided to do something more fulfilling. This included those who chose to start or progress their career in healthcare. The way the virus took hold has sparked an interest in how this and other contagious diseases are spread and how they are treated. Many people wanted to do something to help others and to fight the virus. Even now, as things slowly return to normal, potential students will have learned about themselves and what matters to them, and the true value of online learning.
A flexible way to learn
Online learning will become more common now because students realize how flexible it is. Working around their study and still achieving the same qualification as they would offline means more flexibility. Compared to having to travel, it frees up time for other things in their lives. Even after COVID-19 has become less of a threat, students may not see the point of traveling to and studying in a brick university when they don’t have to. Online learning will also help anyone feeling nervous during the transition of returning to normal.
The pandemic led to everything going online, including learning, which meant people who wouldn’t be able to commit to studying for a qualification could now do so.
More courses online
There already are more courses online, and there’s likely to be more in the future. There will always be a need for on-campus study, but the demand for accredited qualifications online has risen. So, the supply will increase too. Universities which previously didn’t offer online learning are now more likely to add it as an option. It’s already opened up learning to people who would struggle to get to a university regularly. This might be because they have a demanding job or family commitments or a disability, making this challenging.
As universities or those just looking to help more people gain a qualification cater to more students who want to study online, other subjects and qualification levels will be added to this learning method to appeal to more students.
The coronavirus may have forced students into online learning. Still, having seen the benefits and the value of the qualifications on offer, they will be more likely to choose online study in the future.