We understand that most of our students are working in practice, so providing online learning that fits around their work and home life gives them the flexibility to schedule their study pattern around these obligations.

There is no doubt that the transition to virtual studying due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been rapid. But perhaps we could look at this experience with an open mind and re-evaluate what it has to offer?

Read on to discover five key benefits that come with online learning:

1. Added flexibility and self-paced learning
   Nowadays a lot of people need to juggle multiple commitments, trying to fit their studies around work and home life. The flexibility of online learning provides individuals with this unique opportunity to study in their own time, growing professionally while still working. Additionally, virtual learning helps students to work through the lessons and collate research at their own pace and decide when they are ready to move on to the next lecture.
2. Better time management and self-motivation
   Online classes allow students to design their schedules, stay on top of and meet deadlines, and productively manage their time. Students will learn how to be more independent, multitask, and they will have the ability to tackle conflicting schedules and adapt to various challenges.
3. Improved virtual communication and collaboration
   Participating in virtual discussion forums, communicating with your tutors, and learning to work with other students in a virtual environment can help students develop critical leadership skills, learn how to make decisions about the best communication practices, getting stronger at pitching ideas, and respond to different perspectives respectfully and thoughtfully.
4. Refined critical thinking skills
   Online learning stimulates students to develop their critical thinking skills and accommodate to the virtual environment in a way they may not have practiced in the classroom, in person. Students are challenged to be more creative and demonstrate that they can overcome any obstacles that may come their way.
5. New technical skills
   More workplaces are now opened to collaborate remotely. With an online education experience, the learners gradually become more comfortable with the new technology, virtual communication tools, learning from technical hurdles, or collaborating in teams on a project. Now more than ever, it is beneficial to know the way around a computer and virtual workspace.

For individuals who are facing challenges of balancing family, their work and education, the virtual education world provides many opportunities and benefits. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it could be an option worth considering for people looking for greater flexibility in achieving career advancement.