Valuing Online Learning

One of the most exciting developments in the field of education in recent years has been the growth of online learning opportunities. It is now possible, like never before, to interact with other learners, and to access information on a truly global scale. As a student you should do everything in your power to make use of the opportunities presented by the development of online learning.

The coming of the internet age heralded what some people call the ‘democratisation of information’. This simply means that it is now possible for an ‘ordinary’ human being to access vast stores of information that would previously have been the preserve of a select few. It is true that there is a lot of ‘dross’ out there on the net, but it is also possible to find some real ‘gems’ online to aid you in your studies. As a learner you can therefore use the internet to supplement and enrich your learning experience by using it as a ‘knowledge base’ and research tool. In doing so you should obviously be very careful to make use of reputable and trusted sources but you should not allow the fact that there is some bad information on the net keep you from accessing the good!

One of the greatest benefits of the internet is ease of access. This is true, not only in the field of research but also in terms of formal educational opportunities. The fact that information can be made available anywhere in the world means that, you can now access courses by some very prestigious institutions without leaving your home. As a student you should therefore look beyond the obvious local opportunities and perhaps use the internet the ‘bring the world to your door’!

Another positive aspect of the internet is in the ‘connections’ that it provides. The web is becoming much more interactive (some people refer to this development as the rise of ‘Web 2.0’). This means that is becoming ever easier to interact with people all over the world who are perhaps studying the same things that you are. Making contact with them through the internet (e.g. through a forum or a social networking site) can eventually lead to the development of ‘interactive learning communities’ where issues related to certain subjects can be discussed and dissected. Being part of such a community can greatly enhance your understanding of different topics while at the same time providing you with a much broader perspective on those topics through the insights of people from around the world.

The internet is often seen by some as one of the great ‘enemies’ of a student as it can often serve as a distraction when trying to study. While it is certainly true that you have to manage the time that you spend on the internet very well, you should not ‘throw out the baby with the bathwater’! Used correctly, online learning can lift your studies to the next level!