ONLINE COMES OF AGE
ONLINE study is no longer considered inferior to classroom learning, with some employers preferring candidates with the motivation external training requires.
Recruitment agency Hays says employers are more interested in the calibre of the university and experience gained while studying than how students obtain their degree.
“Employers want people with some level of proven experience combined with good grades,’’ Hays director Jane McNeill says.
“Whether you complete your degree online or by attending classes on campus, it has no bearing on employers. What matters to employers is the qualification is legitimate and you studied at a reputable university.’’
Online study has rapidly increased in popularity. Education Department enrolment data shows there were 104,000 online enrolments between 2011 and 2015. There were 314,000 oncampus enrolments for the same period.
Paul Wappett, chief executive at online higher education provider Open Universities Australia (OUA), says online study has suffered a poor reputation but that is no longer the case.
“It’s important to highlight that, through OUA, when students graduate they receive the same certification from the providing university as you would on-campus,” he says.
Wappett says learning online can be advantageous as it demonstrates to employers graduates have managed to juggle multiple commitments while earning their degree.
Tracey Hamilton, 56, is studying a Bachelor of Behavioural Psychology online and believes while she has to be more self-disciplined, it allows her to use her time more effectively.
“I try to keep ahead,’’ says Hamilton, who juggles study with work as a facilitator of corporate training programs.”