How to make the most of online learning
Online graduates enjoy similar employment outcomes to those who study on campus, but this type of learning is not for everyone. Here’s how to make it work.
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Graduates of online qualifications enjoy the same employment rates as those who study on campus.
Despite the commonly-held notion that online study is inferior, research shows employment outcomes for online graduates are similar to — and sometimes even slightly higher than — those for courses delivered via other modes.
About 8.6 per cent of all vocational education and training (VET) program commencements are in courses that are delivered fully online.
National Centre for Vocational Education Research managing director Simon Walker says it “is not an insignificant figure’’.
“This study shows us that a high-quality online course can result in good outcomes for students that complete the course,’’ Walker says.
But he says online learning is not for everyone, with the research also showing online VET is characterised by higher subject withdrawal rates and lower course completion rates.
TAFE SA quality and teaching and learning executive director Margie Fixter says the benefits of online study, including flexible learning times, can also be a disadvantage for many students. “Some students who study online find it difficult to stay motivated when they don’t have to attend classes,’’ she says.
“This means it is important to have strategies to stop distraction and create the time and space for study.
“A prospective online student will (also) need to consider their access to technology and the ability to use it.
“This includes access to the internet and an internet-connected device like a laptop, tablet or phone, as well as an audio or microphone headset and webcam.’’
Despite the isolation of online study, Fixter says successful students strive to forge strong connections with their lecturers and other students and a variety of supports, as well as all student and library services are available for those enrolled externally.
She says it is no surprise employment rates for online students are similar to those who study on campus, with educators committed to delivering strong job outcomes for students of all modes of study.
Sophie Maxwell has completed online certificate-level qualifications in business and local government as part of her traineeship with regional South Australian MP Fraser Ellis and says setting firm deadlines for study helped her to succeed.
“I wanted to be finished (the qualifications) before the end of (last) year — that was my goal — and TAFE gave me my own individual timetable that I stuck to,’’ the 21-year-old says.
ONLINE STUDY
Qualifications
Students can obtain many vocational and higher education qualifications via online study, including many courses that require a practical placement to be completed. Certificates, diplomas, bachelor degrees and postgraduate qualifications can be obtained online. Visit the education and training provider’s website for the courses available.
Benefits
Students can study at a time that suits them, rather than be tied to lecture times, enabling them to juggle study with life and/or work commitments. They can be in a different region, city, state or country, and study at home, their workplace, or commuting on public transport if they have the right mobile technology.
Drawbacks
Students will not gain the support or insight offered by peers in a face-to-face group setting.
Course providers
Most universities and registered training organisations offer online study modes for courses. Providers such as Open Colleges and Open Universities Australia can facilitate courses offered by a range of training providers.
Originally published as How to make the most of online learning
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