There are a number of different reasons why you might be considering taking your studies further,
whether you’re keen to steer your career in a different direction or you want to expand your knowledge in a certain area to help progress in your current field of work. But when it comes to choosing between classroom lessons or online learning, it can be tricky to decide which one to go for.
Whether you’re signing up for a mortgage advisor course or enrolling to complete a degree in nursing, keep reading to find out which style of learning is best for you.
Are you flexible?
If you’re thinking of enrolling on a course, you’re going to need to set some time aside that’s solely dedicated to your studies. However, before you sign up, it’s worth considering just how flexible you can be. Depending on your personal circumstances, you may find that you’re more suited to one way of learning than the other.
For example, if you currently have a full-time job, it’s likely that you’ll find it difficult to balance your work and take part in classroom-based lessons. Similarly, if you’re a parent, it might be a stretch to attend classes in person as well as being there for your family. In instances like this, you might find that online learning is a better fit for you. E-learning gives you the opportunity to study at your own pace and at a time that suits you, even if this is of an evening or at the weekends.
On the other hand, if you have greater freedom in terms of how you arrange your schedule you could find that classroom-based learning is the best option for you. For example, if you’re fresh out of education, such as college or university, not only will you have the time to attend lessons in person, but you will also be able to continue learning with the face-to-face interaction that you have experienced previously.
Do you have self-discipline?
There’s no denying that self-discipline is an absolute must when it comes to any form of learning. In order to complete your studies, you will require drive and motivation to ensure that you succeed. However, while online classes offer an extremely convenient way of studying, it could be said that more self-discipline is required for this style of learning compared to classroom-based lessons. Online studying means that you won’t have the same structure as you would if you attend lessons in person, and you’ll be expected to work independently more of the time.
That said, even if you don’t consider self-discipline to be one of your strongest traits, there may be ways you can make online learning work for you. For example, you can create a study schedule and keep a diary of important dates and deadlines to help you stay on top of your workload.
Regardless of whether you attend classes in person or you choose to learn online, when it comes to your studies, it’s important to go for the style of learning that best suits you and your personal circumstances.