Concrete benefits of online learning for business courses
The case for online learning tends to be mixed: although many can appreciate the convenience, others question the options available and whether those who view them really learn or are simply entertained.
Inquirer Academy recently partnered with Australia New Zealand Institute (ANZI), which has developed online courses, the completion of which will entitle the participant to an international certification.
We spoke to Calvin Tay of ANZI and asked him for three concrete benefits for those who take ANZI’s online courses.
1. Relevant and practical
ANZI has structured our programs to be relevant and practical, where the main objective is to develop and enhance skills. ANZI programs are not academic, and have been designed with working people in mind. As with all modes of learning, the success of learning and skill development is always determined by the interest and commitment of the learner.
For example, our Business Finance programs allow participants to apply the theoretical knowledge that may have been acquired from other sources such as at college or university.
Meanwhile, for professionals who have not received any formal education or training, ANZI’s online programs will be suitable and effective, as there will be no time pressures or fixed schedules, and no physical attendance requirements, which allow the participant to develop and further enhance additional skills: time management and prioritization.
2. Assurance of learning
ANZI programs are designed with models, case studies and examples that are common and widespread. As the participant engages with the modules, the learner will begin to develop skills in identifying similar situations highlighted in the programs that are present in their work environment.
This will then allow the participant to apply the learning to the workplace situation.
Participants will also be subject to an assessment of application ability upon completion of the online content, and this will provide the learner and employer with an indication of skills developed, and the ability to apply those skills. The true indication of learning will be in the performance of their work duties.
As the culture of independent and self-directed learning is still weak, ANZI (in partnership with Inquirer Academy) does give employers the option to engage with a follow-up face-toface training session.
This option has been widely adopted by many organizations, as they are able to gauge the interest and commitment of employees toward learning by identifying those who have engaged with the online content, before making decisions to provide further face-to-face training.
3. Cost-effective and convenient
ANZI programs are designed with the specific purpose of alleviating time, travel, and financial costs to participants and employers. Online learning allows participants to engage with learning at their own space and time, with internet access being the only requirement. Participants can engage with the learning during a commute, before or after work hours, or at any time that is convenient and practical. Online learning also allows participants to download the content to be viewed at a later time, or when they are in an area without internet connection.
Where there is a needfor further training in other areas, employers are able to use employee engagement with online training as a tool to assess which employees are serious about personal and professional growth, and therefore, a sound investment decision in human capital development can be made.
In terms of strategic planning, online learning can be used as a cost-effective solution to employee engagement, which leads to improved productivity, employee loyalty and reduced turnover.
Inquirer Academy is the official partner of ANZI in the Philippines to offer online courses. Inquirer Academy offers special rates for those who will enroll until Dec. 15, 2018. The Inquirer Academy is located at 4168 Don Chino Roces Ave. corner Ponte St., Makati City. For more information about the workshops or if you would like to add your input to the article, you may e-mail ask@inquireracademy.com, call (632) 834-1557 or 800-8110 and look for Jerald Miguel.