Studying online has become more popular with advances in technology. Many educational organizations offer high-quality online programs, making courses more accessible to people who work while maintaining other responsibilities. Students taking online courses develop numerous skills that are often transferable to the world of work. Employers look favorably at online qualifications, particularly from reputable institutions. They can view online learners as being self-motivated and determined.
Virtual education can offer more flexible schedules and allow individuals to develop their careers while furthering their education. Students can learn in their environment, at their own pace, and at a time that suits them. Online learning is a good way to prepare for increasingly-online working practices. It is a preparation for career advancement and showcases skills to potential employers.
Online post-master’s NP certificate
The post-master’s NP certificate allows nurses with master’s or doctoral degrees to pursue an additional specialty. Wilkes University offers this program with online coursework and gives clinical placement assistance. Students can specialize in family, adult gerontology, or mental health. Studying for this advanced qualification can increase job opportunities in high-level roles.
Online learning can help students to develop many transferable skills. They often study online alongside working and fulfilling personal responsibilities. The skills developed can be useful when applied at work and can allow students to feel more control over their workload.
Time management
Many online learners combine studying with working and personal commitments. They need good time management skills to manage their time effectively, set clear goals, prioritize, and complete action plans on time. It involves finding new and productive ways to complete tasks. Time must be allocated for completing coursework, and assignment due dates must be adhered to. Studying online is an opportunity to hone these skills and become proficient in organizing tasks. Time management skills are transferable to a work setting.
Learners can set attainable goals that reflect the reality of having other responsibilities. They can break goals down into sub-goals that are easier to achieve in shorter periods. Planning is an essential time management skill. Reading through the syllabus and taking note of major assignments, exams, and due dates helps students to prioritize tasks. Making a schedule with designated study times can help learners feel on top of program demands.
Organizational skills
Studying online requires organizational skills. In addition to meeting other commitments, it is necessary to understand the course requirements. Students need to know which lectures to engage with, any tutorials or seminars to attend, when examinations are held, and any assignment deadlines. They need to organize study materials so that they are easy to access. Organizational skills developed when studying online will be useful when applied to working life.
Students should make sure course materials are easily accessible when they need them. Some learners use a physical filing system with course materials as hard copies. Others work digitally and store files in folders for easy retrieval. Paper planners or planning apps can let students store their schedules in the cloud and access them on any device.
Technology
Online learners develop the ability to function effectively in a digital environment. There are currently rapid technological advances, and students need to have strong digital skills and the confidence to navigate a continually-evolving digital environment. Digital literacy is accessing, understanding, evaluating, and communicating using digital technologies and the internet. Students studying online develop a range of skills and competencies necessary to navigate the digital world. Their digital literacy is promoted and enhanced in several ways, and they become more comfortable with technology.
Online study involves using various digital tools and learning management systems. With constant use of these tools, students become more proficient in handling a range of software, such as meeting tools like Zoom and messaging platforms like Slack. Online learning provides access to various digital resources, including research databases, interactive tools, multimedia content, and educational resources. Using online platforms, learners can develop the skills to search, utilize, and evaluate these resources, improving their overall digital literacy.
Students learn to organize and share information effectively and how to stay safe in the digital environment. They will have to use many of these tools in their professional life and, with these transferable skills, will also find it easier to pick up other digital tools. The National Skills Coalition stated that 92% of jobs in America require digital skills, and one-third of workers have low or no digital skills.
Communication skills
Communication online can be different from other ways of communicating. It involves a particular set of skills to ensure getting the message across and understanding others without being physically with them. Online learning can help students adapt their communication styles to suit different audiences, situations, and purposes. Students can practice various modes of communication, such as verbal, non-verbal, oral, written, formal, and informal.
Through an online program, students communicate with their teachers and peers using a range of remote facilities. Many online courses have discussion boards that allow students to practice communication skills with peers. Programs typically have numerous communication tasks, including team projects, discussions, presentations, and research papers. Students learn to use different tools and platforms like email, chat, and video conferencing.
Active listening is a useful skill for learners to develop while studying online. It is an important communication skill that fosters understanding and collaboration and gives insight into the other person’s perspective. Learners who become confident in communicating online can use these skills in the workplace.
Teamwork
Online learning often involves collaborating with others, allowing the development of teamwork skills in a remote environment. Programs often assign team projects and other collaborative peer work. In addition to developing teamwork skills, students improve their abilities to work with others remotely. With many more people working remotely, these skills can be applied in the workplace.
An advantage of online learning is interacting with people from different backgrounds and experiences. Students can learn to appreciate diversity and inclusion in teams and develop the ability to communicate and interact effectively with people from different cultures.
Peer feedback involves giving and receiving feedback from peers. This feedback can help students improve performance, learn from mistakes, and acknowledge strengths. Teamwork skills can be further developed by working with others on course projects. Project management skills include planning, monitoring, implementing, and reviewing a project. Students can learn to define a project’s scope, goals, and deliverables, assign roles and responsibilities, set milestones and deadlines, track progress and performance, and report outcomes. Online learning can help students become effective team members and leaders.
Networking
Online students have the opportunity to develop networking skills. The approach can be slightly different from networking in person. Connections can be forged through social media and digital communication, such as emails or online messaging apps. Online programs typically have discussion boards for questions and comments regarding assignments and the course in general. Students can be active on these forums and connect with other students. Sharing expertise and opinions is a way to develop relationships. Video conferencing is an essential part of networking. With video chats, learners can network with other students and teachers. This kind of networking will be a useful skill to have at work.
Having a profile on a professional site like LinkedIn can be a way for learners to communicate more about themselves to other students. They can use a photo, a personal summary, and an overview of their skills. Having a robust online presence can help build professional relationships. Learners can also connect to social media accounts sponsored by the institution where they are studying. Networking is an important skill and can be done effectively online. Students can make connections and professional contacts that help them in their careers.
Critical thinking
Engaging actively with course materials can help in developing critical thinking skills. Taking notes, summarizing, and paraphrasing what is learned can help students learn to ask questions, verify facts, and seek clarification. It is also beneficial for students to compare and contrast different ideas, arguments, and evidence and apply what is learned to their workplace. Reflecting on progress and performance is a useful way to understand the learning journey.
Online learning can provide opportunities for students to participate in online discussions with other learners and teachers. Sharing opinions, experiences, and insights with others can develop skills in listening, giving constructive criticism, receiving feedback, and offering guidance and support. All of these activities can challenge and develop critical thinking skills. Feedback is an integral part of online learning as it helps in recognizing strengths and weaknesses and ways for enhancing performance. It can help in identifying areas for improvement and in devising action plans.
Motivation
When studying remotely, students need to be committed and ensure they attend online classes and complete assignments. The motivation to apply themselves to their studies makes successful completion of the course more likely. This ability to stay committed and motivated is useful in a range of professional contexts.
Employment
Online education has become increasingly popular, and a wide range of program offerings exist. Employers recognize the dedication required for online study and the commitment to professional growth. The job market is competitive, and organizations seek to employ staff with more than just academic skills. They prioritize job applicants with personal attributes that should bring long-term success at work and the ability to fit into the company culture. Online students often balance their studies with a full-time job, and employers are likely to view this positively.
Employers recognize the skills required for completing online programs and how they can be applied in the workplace. They often value online learners for their strong work ethic and the motivation they have to accomplish goals with minimal supervision. Online students demonstrate technical proficiency. Many offices have hybrid or fully-remote working practices, and online learners can adapt well to working like this.
Employers do often look for qualifications that are accredited as it verifies that a qualification meets high-quality educational standards. Online programs from regionally- or nationally-accredited schools will stand out to employers. Recruiters are finding that more job applicants have online qualifications. They are giving these candidates serious consideration and hiring more of them to work in their companies. They realize online learners typically have jobs and study topics to improve their knowledge and skills.
Benefits in school and beyond
Online learning is a powerful means of development and requires individuals to adapt to new platforms and technologies. Students develop many skills while studying online programs. Many of these skills can be applied to the workplace and will make learners stand out to employers. Online programs allow individuals to become more qualified and pursue higher-level roles at work. Studying can take place alongside work and offer the rewards of worthwhile and interesting occupations. With the growth of online programs, employers are interested in hiring people with online qualifications, particularly if they have studied at reputable and accredited institutions.
