EDUCATION IN DIGITAL AGE
Nowadays, E-learning mobile apps have created a buzz in the industry, as most of the content on the internet is accessible through the convenience of smartphones. Swati Mittal shares how different apps and websites are transforming the education industry
In this day and age, there is no excuse to not know anything that you’d like to know. The profusion of a multitude of digital mediums like websites and apps have revolutionised the process of imparting knowledge and learning new skills. Learners can now access learning material from anywhere in the world at minimal cost and sometimes even for free. From learning to code to honing your cooking skills, you can practically teach yourself anything online. Here are some ways in which digitsation has changed the world of education.
ROUND THE CLOCK AVAILABILITY
With the onset of digitisation, there are practically no restrictions and boundaries in the learning process, one can learn from anywhere and anytime. This was unimaginable with the conventional study hall programs. Mobile applications have made learning much more viable than conventional classroom programs, as it is a fun, simple, and advantageous procedure. With the assistance of digital mediums students have access to data and study material all day, every day.
SELF-PACED LEARNING
Self-paced learning modules allow students to complete the course as per their convenience and make a learning schedule that meets their individual needs. While enrolled in a traditional college program you have little time left for other passions, whereas in a self-paced course, you can access the material at any time as per your convenience. If you have to work or take care of your home and children during the day, you can study at night.
That’s an advantage the traditional educational system cannot beat.
MORE CHOICE OF COURSE TOPICS
Studying online allows students to choose a course of their interest at a university or college of their preference. Many students dream of studying at top universities like Harvard, MIT, Columbia, etc, but it’s not easy to get admission there. Through online learning they can easily enroll at these universities and focus on the subject they are interested in. Also, online courses make a great addition to one’s resume.
LOWER COSTS
Majority of courses offered online are cheaper when compared to the ones offered in traditional campus setting. The average tuition for online courses depends on multiple factors, so it varies from one program to another. If you opt for an online program which is in popular demand and is offered by a premier institution than the tuition fee might be slightly high. But if you opt for a MOOC website or an app offering courses from multiple institutions, you might find a range of free, lowpriced and highpriced courses.
A lot of educational websites and institutions also offer financial aid for learners who cannot afford the fee, so that's something you should always keep in mind.