The death of traditional education? How online learning is changing the game

Flexibility

One of the biggest advantages of studying online is its flexibility. Unlike the rigidity of class timetables in traditional education, online education enables individuals to study around work and other commitments. Traditional education also often requires you to commit to a longer study period. Degrees, for example, can take 3 or more years to complete, whereas with online learning programmes study time is decreased by as much as 60% and can be completed in a matter of months.

At Learning People, for example, students receive a minimum of 12-months unlimited access to their learning pathway that can be completed part-time in just a few months. This flexibility allows students to work at their own pace, instead of trying to keep up with an instructor’s schedule. The ability to learn on-demand instead of fixed term dates, makes online learning a practical choice for professionals wanting to upskill. 

Accessibility

Another advantage of online learning is its accessibility. Commuting can be stressful and time-consuming but with online learning this isn’t an issue. When learning online you can work from anywhere, at home or abroad. 

Financially, online learning is often far more affordable than traditional degrees. A degree can cost you anywhere from tens of thousands to even hundreds of thousands, whereas online learning programmes are a fraction of the price. Additionally, online learning removes the burden of travel expenses and pricey study materials. Flexible finance options are often an option with many platforms, meaning that you don’t have to break the bank to upskill.

Sustainability

Believe it or not, online learning is more environmentally friendly than traditional in-person education. Attending in-person classes often involves commuting leading to increased carbon emissions. Additionally, physical learning institutions require heating, lighting and other resources that create a high amount of energy consumption. 

Traditional education also requires a large amount of physical study resources that contribute to waste and have an impact on the environment. Online learning, however, significantly reduces these impacts with 85% less CO2 emissions per student than in-person learning, making it a more sustainable choice.

Multi-modal learning 

When studying not everyone learns the same way and due to the nature of traditional education, classroom learning can be restrictive in how much it caters to all these learner types.

There are four main types of learner:

• Visual - best understand information through images.
• Auditory - retain information best by hearing.
• Reading/writing learners - prefer learning through written text.
• Kinesthetic - learn best by engaging in hands-on activities.

Online learning, however, allows for multi-modal learning where training content can be presented in a range of mediums such as text, audio, image and video. Studies have shown that online learning can achieve retention rates of 25% to 60%, while traditional training methods result in only 8% to 10%. This higher retention rate can be attributed to online learning’s ability to cater to different learner styles and allowing students the opportunity to revisit the content, making it more engaging and easier for students to retain information.

Career-ready education 

Employers are increasingly recognising the value of online certifications. They’re industry-specific, equipping students with specialised expertise directly aligned with the needs of the job market. Whereas a degree, for example, offers a broader, more generalised approach that isn’t always as applicable to your chosen career.

For individuals looking to enter fields like tech and project management, online certifications provide a direct path to employment. These certifications are typically developed by experts in the field and are updated frequently to reflect the latest industry trends and job requirements. Sectors like tech change so rapidly that they require a more dynamic learning solution, as opposed to traditional learning where physical learning materials can become outdated quickly. Online learning providers can also offer additional resources such as career support teams, helping students to navigate the job market, alongside their learning. All of these aspects set you up to be a competitive candidate in the job market.

With more accessible, flexible and engaging options for learning, students are no longer bound by the constraints of traditional models. While traditional education is far from "dead," particularly in fields like law and medicine where in-person learning remains crucial, online education is proving to be a valuable alternative. It allows learners to gain industry-relevant skills that employers are looking for quickly, flexibly and affordably. With these advantages, it’s no surprise that online learning is reshaping the qualification landscape and setting a new standard for career advancement.

Ready to advance your career with online learning in tech or project management? Get in touch to find out how we can help.