Online learning makes studying a qualification easier for many country Australians

One big trend that emerged in the COVID-19 pandemic has led to positive change for these students pursuing their dream careers.

Online learning has removed the barriers faced by many remote and disadvantaged Australians to train for a career.

Experts say the coronavirus pandemic has exponentially increased options for online study and made it a far more acceptable method of learning.

Smith Family higher education manager Roberta Greimel says young people linked to the charity are participating in learning activities more than ever before, with online opportunities reducing issues of accessibility.

She says a Year 12 university pathways program, previously offered on-campus to disadvantaged students, almost trebled its participation rate after moving online.

“Online learning can be hugely advantageous,’’ Greimel says.

“The fact that students are able to participate online reduces many of the barriers that exist with on-campus programs.

Studying online has saved Chloe Abraham a 2.5 hour commute and given her more time to achieve her career goals.

“It provides opportunities that might have otherwise been limited by virtue of geographic location and facilitates opportunities for young people to perhaps pursue particular areas of education that … might not have been offered to them in their local educational institutions.’’

However, access to technology remains problematic for many regional and low-income students, reducing their access to online opportunities, Greimel says.

Open Universities Australia chief marketing officer Catherine Reynolds says while online learning has been available for more than a quarter of a century, it took COVID-19 for it to become “solidified’’ as an acceptable form of learning.

Reynolds says new online programs are continually being offered, with OUA this year introducing postgraduate qualifications in clinical pharmacy and an associate degree in agribusiness.

“Online learning removes barriers for not only regional, rural and remote students but students from all walks of life who are approaching higher education in a less traditional but increasingly common way – online,’’ Reynolds says.

“There are many social and economic benefits of studying online, none more so than the ability to stay at home and not have to travel to university.

“What’s really important to note is that there is no variance in the content delivered, learning outcomes achieved, skills developed or the qualifications received by undertaking study wholly online versus wholly on campus.’’

Chloe Abraham, 17, participated in an online university preparatory program to help achieve her aim of eventually becoming a paediatric and oncology nurse.

She says had the program been offered face-to-face, she would have been prevented from attending because of a two-and-a-half hour commute.

“If I didn’t do the program I don’t think I’d be successful (in getting into a nursing degree),’’ Abraham says.

“I was able to ask a lot of questions and it has really opened up my eyes to how I need to push myself harder.’’

Originally published as Online learning makes studying a qualification easier for many country Australians