Do you have plans on taking online courses or classes sooner or have started already? Here are the requirements that online courses demand. Let’s get started.
There has been an upsurge in online learning ever since the pandemic happened, and from a report according to Statista, the curve is still going up. ” In the Online Education market, the number of users is expected to amount to 1,121.0m users by 2029.”– Statista
Key Takeaways on Online Learning
The source of data is Oxford College
– Online learning is the fastest-growing market in the education industry with a 900% growth rate globally since the year 2000.
– Online learning reportedly reduces energy consumption by 90% compared to classroom learning.
– Online learning increases information retention rates by up to 60%, compared to 8-10% for traditional learning.
What are Online Courses?
They are web-based classes organized according to syllabus and can be viewed or taken on a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. There are a lot of online courses for almost anything you want to learn today. And the amazing thing is that you can learn from anywhere and at any time.
Requirements for Online Courses for Students
These are basic things you need to take your online courses. With them, you are surely going to have an awesome virtual learning experience.
Smart devices like computers and tablets
Since online courses are web-based classes, you would need equipment that can access the web to view or take them. Examples are your smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
While specifications don’t really matter when it comes to the computer, it is good to get one with enough RAM and memory so that you will experience lagging while using it.
Necessary Software or Application
You will need to install some useful software on your smart devices such as Microsoft Office suites (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) A good web browser like Google Chrome, Bing, or Microsoft Edge is also required.
Note: Having an anti-virus software installed in your computer will save you from some malicious virus when you go online. If you don’t have any already, install one.
Good Internet Connection
Without a reliable internet, you would not be able to take online courses. It is a vital thing to have a good internet connection so as to enable you to study stress freely.
Basic Computer Skills
Having basic computer skills can help save the day as at some point while learning, you would need to navigate through some applications to get one or two things done before you continue.
For instance, you can be sent a file through email. In this situation, you will have to access your email, download the file, open it, and continue your learning.
Conducive Environment
Inasmuch as you can take your lessons anytime from anywhere, it is still necessary you stay in an environment that supports learning whenever you want to do so.
It may not be okay to take an online course when you are in a bar due to noise and distractions. You need to focus in order to get what the instructor is saying.
Why You Should Take Online Courses?
These are the reasons you should consider taking online courses or classes.
- There is room for flexibility and self-paced study.
- It is quite affordable when compared to traditional learning. Moreover, a large number of online courses are free. Visit Coursera or Udemy to see them.
- There is a wide range of courses available. This means that there are even courses you may see in traditional schools, but well taught online.
- There is room to juggle other activities such as work, even while learning.
- You can take any course you want from any part of the world as there are no borders to online learning.
- You save time and money that you would have used for accommodation, transportation, etc.
- You can make international friends and partners from live online classes.
How to Succeed as an Online Learner?
The truth is taking courses online is not as easy as it is projected. You would need to have the right skills and knowledge to make it work. Below are some of the tips that you can use.
- Learn how to manage your time.
- Be persistent enough to push through some challenges that may come up.
- Organize and back up any completed work.
- Develop good communication skills, and ask for help when necessary.
- Equip yourself with basic computer skills/ knowledge.
- Familiarize yourself with the online classroom and course syllabus at the beginning of the course.
- When taking tests or having live video classes, it is advised to use a desktop or laptop computer rather than a tablet.
- Get a good computer with enough RAM and memory.
Platforms to Take Online Courses
You can access online courses on the following platforms;
- Udemy
- Coursera
- Skillshare
- Udacity
- Thinkific
- Linkedin Learning
- Codeacademy
- Podia
- FutureLearn
- Canvas
- Alison
- Pluralsight
- Academic Earth
- Kajabi
Conclusion
You have seen the various requirements for online courses for students. You have also seen what you stand to enjoy when you enroll in online courses as well as tips to succeed as an online learner.
I implore you to take a step today and start learning online. I wish you the best of luck!
Did you enjoy your reading? Let me know in the comment section.
