Online short courses are a solid choice to upskill and gain essential knowledge in specific areas. All without the need to enrol onto diploma, A Level or degree courses.
It can be disheartening to feel like you need years of studying before you’re able to realise your ambitions. However, that isn’t always the case.
Short courses can get your foot in the door for new job roles or advance your career in your current area of work. What’s more, online learning enables you to do so from the comfort of your own home.
Regardless of your current circumstances, online learning gives you the flexibility that physical colleges just can’t match. Making education far more accessible to people who would otherwise be unable to learn.
Futhermore, there are thousands of online short courses to choose from that may not be available in your area. So if your local college doesn’t offer the course then you’d be stuck without online learning providers.
That being said, accessibility isn’t the only reason people opt to enrol onto an online short course.
There’s More Variety in Online Short Courses
Online learning providers don’t have the cost bricks and mortar institutes accumulate. There’s no need to hire a teacher, furnish a classroom or even print a textbook.
These extra costs mean that physical colleges will only supply a course if there’s a big enough demand for it. Therefore, if the course you’re wanting to enrol on is particularly niche, then it’s unlikely they’ll offer it.
Whereas, online learning providers do not need to worry about these costs. Once a course has been designed it can run pretty much indefinitely. It can even be updated easily if information changes over time.
This allows online learning providers to run a broad range of courses to suit most needs. Whether you’re looking for a bookkeeping course to help run your business or a CPD course to develop your skillset.
Online learning providers offer niche courses so you can get qualified from the comfort of your own home.
Online Short Courses are More Flexible
Online courses give you the flexibility to study whenever suits you best. Whether that’s in your lunch break or after the school-run, you decide.
Unlike physical colleges where you need to stick to the provided timetable, you’re in control of your learning. You won’t have to worry about rearranging your schedule to attend classes. Simply log in and begin learning.
What’s more, you’re able to set the pace of your learning. So you can work through the material as fast or slow as you like. This allows you to relax and enjoy the experience as you decide what’s best for you.
Even if life gets busier and you find yourself with less time on your hands then that’s ok. Just pick up where you left off at a more convenient time, a luxury physical colleges can’t cater to.
If you miss a class then it’s unlikely the teacher will go back through the material for you. Whereas distance-learning allows you to go through modules as many times as you’d like.
So, if you’re time-poor then online courses can provide a solution. Even if you’re not, they’re a solid choice that allows you to be more in control of your learning.
Choosing Your Online Short Course
There are a few factors to consider when choosing your online short course. Mainly, you need to know what you’re looking for and what it is you’re trying to achieve.
You may want an accredited qualification that is recognised by potential employers. In this case, it’s worth looking at what these employers are asking for by researching job vacancies.
For example, daycares may ask for an early years-related certification. In which case, it may even be worth asking if they’re looking for any particular awarding bodies as well.
However, it’s not always necessary to enrol onto an accredited short course. If you’re wanting to gain a specific set of skills then it shouldn’t matter. As long as you get the knowledge you’re after.
Studying for continuous professional development can help you advance your career or even better perform in your current role. The value of the information is greater than the need for an accredited qualification.
Is Doing a Short Course Online Harder?
There’s a preconception when it comes to online learning that it’s more challenging than enrolling onto a physical course. Although online courses may present different challenges than attending classes in person, it’s not necessarily harder.
Often people wonder if they will receive any support throughout their distance learning experience. Despite not having teachers, reputable online learning providers will include tutor support with all their courses.
This will ensure you can progress with your learning and seek any assistance where needed.
The tutors will be experts in their respected field so they’re able to confidently assist you with any queries. As well as provide constructive feedback to help you develop your skills and knowledge further.
However, it’s still a more independent learning style, so you need to ensure that you stay focused on your learning. There won’t be a teacher making sure you complete your assignments and progress through the course. You need to be able to motivate yourself.
If you’re a determined individual then this won’t be a problem. But if you struggle with time management and organisation then be realistic on whether online courses are right for you.
The most successful online students plan their studies in advance, this allows them to factor in all their other commitments. Whether that’s work, holidays or any special occasions.
Planning when you’re going to study gives you a realistic overview of how long the course will take. As well as identify when the best time for you to sit down and study is.
It’s less likely that you’ll decide to study on a whim, so planning helps you prepare mentally in advance.
Getting Started
Whatever your professional or personal goals may be Stonebridge Associated Colleges can help.
Stonebridge Associated Colleges is one of the UK’s leading online learning providers. We offer a broad range of online short courses to suit almost all needs.
All our courses have flexible payment options to help you spread the cost and dedicated tutors to guide your learning.
To find out more on how to prepare for your online learning experience visit our blog here.
Whether you’re looking for short courses in business, beauty or animal care get in touch today or browse below.
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