Traditional education has evolved drastically over the last couple years. For students or learners to sit in a classroom physically isn’t the only learning option anymore. Technology has created room for the rise of the internet and digital gadgets.
Many people believe the rigid format of attending a bricks-and –mortar building early in the morning, sitting in front of desks, listening to lectures, and working on class exercises and assignments can get extremely tiring.
Online schooling/learning is defined as an alternative learning process that is done over the internet. Through research it has been discovered that both learners and teachers have a certain need for the use of technological devices as a means of learning.
Nowadays, a person can access quality education from wherever and whenever he wants as long as he has access to a computer and good internet connection. We are gradually entering into a new era of digital learning.
A number of schools from elementary to tertiary have resorted to online teaching, using platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Google class. However, despite this profound growth, unfortunately most Nigerian schools are yet to embrace or fully implement it.
One good example of an institution in Nigeria that makes use of online education is the University of Lagos (UNILAG). It offers people the platform to study for Online Degree Programme and it is accredited by the Nigerian University Commission (NUC). Its online classes and degree and can be accessed by anyone, anywhere within the country.
Online education comes with a number of benefits which include:
1.Class Flexibility
2.It enables Selection of wide area of programs
3. It is accessible
4.Co-effective
5.Improves technical skills
CLASS FLEXIBILITY
One of the most profound benefits of online education is the level of flexibility it provides. A person can continue working while running other aspects of their lives all at once. Although online students receive deadlines to turn in certain exercises, assignments or exams there is usually more flexibility around their day. That is to say, they can choose when to study, complete assignments, listen to lectures, take an exam and more. This also enables teachers to set their own teaching pace and schedule that fits everyone’s agenda.
IT OFFERS WIDE SELECTION OF PROGRAMS
With how vast the internet space is, there are an infinite number of skills and subjects a person can teach and learn. From music, to mathematics, communications, fine arts and more, there are options for every type of students. Studying a program online also gives a great option of getting an official certificate, diploma or degree without the need to physically set foot in a traditional school or learning environment.
IT IS ACCESIBLE
Online education enables you to study from anywhere in the world. You can save time as well as money for other basic priorities. One can have access to virtual classrooms with just a computer and internet connection made available.
For example, a Nigerian living in the United States could easily enroll for online classes here in the country with institutions that accommodate them, while the person works and attend to other things without interrupting one over the other.
IT IS CO-EFFECTIVE
Online education is quite affordable to a large extent. It is more considerate in its paying options compared to traditional institutions. Online education had various payment options that allow you to pay in bits (installments) or depending on the number of classes you intend to take. Some also provide discounts and a few class materials can be gotten for free. Therefore, the monetary investment is low but the output yielded is high.
IMPROVES TECHNICAL SKILLS
Learning online can help students acquire various technical skills. New skills include the ability to use new softwares suites, perform in-depth research online and communicate online in various formats such as teleconferencing.
Other additional skills one can acquire include organizational skills, ability to meet deadlines, ability to effectively work with others and time management.
Some people have the ability to combine both online educations with traditional education. Engaging in both allows students to get the best of both worlds. While this alternative may not work well for everyone, it is still very much a convenient option for international students all over the world. Here are 6 sites you can check out for free online education:
Coursera
Khan Academy
Udemy
MIT OpenCourseWare
Stanford Online
Codecademy
