Within the last few years, the concept of traditional education has shifted dramatically. Being physically present in a classroom is no longer the only way to learn – not with the rise of the internet and new technologies, at any rate. Nowadays, as long as you can get online, you can get a quality education whenever and wherever you want. We are now entering a new era – the online education revolution.
This couldn’t have come at a better time for nurses looking to progress their careers. As the demands within this industry become increasingly time consuming, many nurses just don’t have room in their schedules to attend university, which is where online learning can help. And there are many more benefits to learning online, which we will explore within this article.
While some people still believe that in-person learning is superior, educational changes prompted by COVID-19 have shifted the landscape, and many now believe that online education is not only equal to in-person learning but superior, providing greater flexibility, equality, value for money and networking opportunities. Choosing the best nursing path for you is critical to a successful learning journey. Gathering reliable information about your options will let you make an informed decision. If you’re not sure if studying online is suitable for you, here are some of the advantages of doing so.
Advantages of online learning
More opportunities
Online learning has the advantage of connecting students and teachers worldwide. With traditional education, your location determines which classes you can enroll in. This is not true with online education. You can enroll in classes all over the world. For example, someone outside Texas can easily enroll into Baylor University’s DNP executive leadership program. This course provides you with a more in-depth understanding of the global industry while also assisting nurses in developing networks and an international mindset.
Learning about different cultures and perspectives also aids their development. This emphasizes the significance of online learning for students because it can provide them with new opportunities and help them develop skills that will benefit them in their future careers.
Greater flexibility
With flexible learning, students have complete control and accountability over their learning. They can choose and allocate time for their learning rather than being forced to attend a class. This control enables them to schedule their education around their obligations and ensures that they are learning at the most appropriate time. For example, some students may be more productive in the evening.
Traditional education, on the other hand, may limit students by only offering classes during the day. Flexible learning enables students to learn when and how they want by tailoring their courses to their specific requirements. As a result, they remember more and produce better results.
Students enrolled in an online program also have the advantage of learning at their own pace, which can help relieve a lot of stress. Teachers frequently rush through modules before launching into an assignment that students must complete. This can put individuals under pressure to complete the task quickly, leaving no room for students to ask questions. If a student does not understand a concept or idea, they will be unable to complete the task to their fullest potential.
Due to the flexibility of online learning, students can gradually grasp concepts and ensure complete comprehension before moving forward to the next lesson
Strengthens your resume
Highlighting online learning on your resume demonstrates to potential employers that you are digitally fluent, which is one of the essential requirements for employment in the 21st century. In addition, online learning necessitates a high level of self-motivation and discipline, both highly valued by employers. This not only demonstrates your eagerness to learn and advance in your career but it also indicates excellent time management and organizational abilities
Continue to earn
Most people cannot afford to take a six-month leave of absence from work to learn a new skill, which is the typical length of a semester-long classroom course. According to recent research, 50 to 75 percent of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, depending on annual salary and household income. You can study while working if you take online classes. When you get home from work, you can complete an online lesson and repeat the process the next day. You could squeeze in some study time during your lunch break and on weekends.
Reduces costs
Online education is less expensive for everyone involved: universities worldwide can afford to offer online courses at reduced rates because they are cheaper for the institutions, which reflects in the student fees. Moreover, because online universities do not have to maintain a campus, enrollment prices are reduced accordingly – and this is without considering that students can complete the course requirements without the burden of traveling or finding a place to stay near the institution. In addition, the learning material is usually included with enrollment in the form of digital texts and does not require additional, costly textbooks. This makes online learning the ideal solution for economically disadvantaged students and contributes significantly to the creation of equal opportunities for success in life.
Final thoughts
Nursing is a diverse industry with numerous career advancement opportunities. Although many of the skills and responsibilities in different nursing careers are similar, each has distinct characteristics that can help you decide which is best for you and your goals. There are numerous ways to advance your career as a nurse, and embracing online learning can broaden your options.
Nursing has a competitive advantage over most professions because it provides many options for individuals looking to advance their careers. In addition, working in various settings and roles in healthcare allows aspiring career builders to find the job that makes them feel the most at ease.