Do you have a love for learning but feel overwhelmed by the thought of taking on a full-time university course? Worried about paying for your studies and finding the time to dedicate to your studies? Wanting to learn more but don’t know where to start? Sound familiar? If so, then this post is for you, because we’re going to tell you all about free online courses and why you should consider them!
Why Learn Online?
It’s no secret that the world of higher learning is evolving, and as classes become increasingly online, the demand for quality education continues to rise. In fact, according to Future Inc, by 2022 over one-third of all higher education courses will be available entirely online.
While universities have traditionally been a place for learning, with many offering degrees that can only be gained online, students are now able to learn at their own pace, whenever and wherever they please. And if that’s not convenient enough, many universities will even make accommodations for part-time students, allowing them to continue earning a salary while adding more learning time to their schedules!
With so much information readily available online, students can access university courses and degrees without needing to be physically present at a campus. They also benefit from engaging with teaching assistants and professors via live chat, email, or video conference — further reducing the feeling of physical distance between learning and earning a degree.
These are just some of the reasons why so many people are taking to the internet to educate themselves, and for good reason! With so much flexibility and so much convenience, why wouldn’t you?
Types Of Courses You Can Access
While some people prefer to learn digitally, older generations might find it easier to remember learning certain subjects via a traditional, in-person lecture. However, as the world becomes more accessible online, this option becomes less and less practical for students.
Therefore, if you don’t have access to a traditional campus, but would still like to learn something, then you have several options available to you. You can start by taking an online degree, which many universities offer, and which can still allow you to earn credit for your existing knowledge and skills. Or, if you’re looking for a more hands-on experience, you can take an online course, which will often include assignments, exams, and/or projects that you must complete to obtain the most out of it. Finally, you can also take a hybrid course, which combines the convenience of online learning with the involvement of an instructor, allowing you to learn while working, travelling, or doing other things.
No matter which option you choose, don’t forget that you’re still learning! Even if you decide to pursue a digital degree, you might find that some of the information taught in lectures is a little outdated. That’s why it’s always a great idea to take classes from multiple sources and to participate in forums and chats with other students, as well as with teachers and professors, to make sure you’re always learning and developing as a student.
The Great British Society
One of the things that make Britain so great is its educational system. Not only does it offer a wealth of higher learning opportunities, but it also rewards its students for their efforts. As the saying goes, “An education is a good thing”, and in many countries around the world, this sentiment is shared. However, while some countries specialize in providing top-quality education, others struggle with inequality and low social mobility.
In the UK, which ranks 5th in the world for the number of international students it welcomes annually, and in other top-performing countries such as Singapore and Australia, universities play a key role in creating a more equitable and flexible society. In these countries, universities are seen as a driving force behind social mobility and a tool for reducing inequalities.
The UK’s Minister for Education, Damian Hinds, said in a September 18, 2021 news article that universities “can and should be stepping up and doing more to encourage social distancing, to give everyone the best chance of getting back to a normal life.” Hinds went on to say that “It’s not enough to have a degree, you’ve got to do something with it. It’s not just about getting a qualification, it’s about developing your skill set and being able to make something of yourself.”
Whether you agree or disagree with Minister Hinds’s statements, it’s clear that UK universities have a crucial role to play in preparing the country for the future.
Top Tips For Success
If you’re looking to pursue a university course but don’t want to go it alone, then why not join a student union? Around the world, students’ unions provide crucial support and advocacy for students, helping them to navigate the ever-changing world of higher learning, and allowing them to connect with others who are also seeking to better themselves. They can also help to connect you with scholarships and bursaries that can assist with your studies.
Another thing you can do to ensure you succeed on your chosen course is to read as much as you can. Like any other skill, learning to read effectively will make you a stronger and more capable student. There are several free dictionaries online that you can use to develop your vocabulary, as well as online articles that you can read to learn new things, such as vocabulary. You should also consider taking longer to study, as being organized and attentive will undoubtedly help you to achieve your goals.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Universities are a great place for learning, but also for networking and building relationships. If you’re not sure about something, then ask the person next to you, or search for the answer online. This will not only help you to learn, but it could also assist you in the future, when you might need to refer back to the information you were given.
At the end of the day, higher learning isn’t something that’s supposed to fit neatly into a slot in your life. The world is changing, and as higher education becomes more accessible and flexible, the role of a university student is evolving to match. Perhaps the most practical lesson that we can take away from this is to enjoy the journey, because you never know what opportunities might present themselves.