How Online Learning Can Sharpen Your Skills?

Edited By Vivek Kumar | Updated on Jun 25, 2024 03:43 PM IST

Key Takeaways:

The significance of online learning for upskilling in today’s digital world cannot be overlooked.
Based on our survey, Online MBA is considered a good career option by 30.8 per cent of professionals.
The Indian online education market size is forecast to reach US$2.28 billion by 2026.

Introduction

The need for continuous learning and skill development has increased significantly in a world dominated by technology. Online learning has emerged as a cornerstone of modern education, offering greater flexibility and accessibility to a diverse array of courses in various fields.

Whether someone is looking to advance his or her career, gain new skills, or pursue a desired career, online education provides him or her with an effective avenue for skill development. There are several top institutes and e-learning platforms worldwide that give students the opportunity to excel in their careers with online courses and certifications.

How Online Learning Can Sharpen Your Skills?

If you are the one looking to upskill yourself to stay ahead in today’s competitive business landscape, this article is for you. We will discuss the benefits of online learning, the online education system and traditional learning methods, free and paid skill development courses, and strategies for choosing the best online courses for skill development.

Also Read: 30+ Free Certification Courses

Demand for Online Education

In the last few years, everything has shifted to digital, and so has education. With the emergence of online learning platforms, people have various new opportunities to enhance their professional skills and career paths. The COVID-19 pandemic has also played a crucial role in the demand and growth of online learning.

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This market growth trend reflects the increasing acceptance and trust in online education as a viable alternative to traditional classroom learning. Growing internet penetration, the proliferation of smart devices, and the demand for continuous learning and upskilling are some crucial factors backing this growth.

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Education in India is governed by several state and central bodies. At the school level, education is governed by CBSE, ICSE, and state boards. Higher education in India is governed by UGC granting colleges and courses.

UGC also approves and allows universities to offer online degree courses in different domains at different levels. There are more than 80 colleges and universities in India that offer UGC-approved online degree programmes in various disciplines and specialisations.

Online learning has the potential to revolutionise and reform the education system and make it accessible and affordable to every level and section of individuals. According to the Ministry of Education, the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) has significantly increased with the advancements in online education.

E-learning platforms like DIKSHA and SWAYAM offer updated online courses and training content, in-class resources, projects, and assignments that provide learners with an interactive experience.

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Advantages of Online Learning

There are various benefits of online learning not only for fresh graduates but also for individuals with other commitments and who do not have time to attend classes in-person.

Flexibility and Convenience: The flexibility that online courses offer, allows learners to study at their own pace and convenience. This is particularly beneficial for working professionals and those who have other commitments. According to the survey, 53.8 per cent of learners choose online learning mode owing to its flexibility.

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Access to a Wide Range of Courses: Online learning platforms give students access to a wide range of courses across different fields and disciplines. Whether you want to upskill yourself in technical fields, business, arts, or languages, online courses meet your needs.

Global Learning Opportunities: Students enrolling in online programmes can learn from institutions and educators worldwide. This global access to learning exposes them to different perspectives and teaching styles while helping them find their career paths.

Enhanced Skill Development: Online learning can help learners in their skills development. In response to how an online course like an Online MBA has helped in their careers, many professionals stated that it has boosted their management knowledge and created better opportunities.

They also felt that programmes like Online MBA can play a very big role in life only if you are passionate about business and do it from a very good college specially in a country like India.

Other advantages of pursuing online courses are cost-effectiveness, personalised learning experience, networking opportunities, and continuous learning and professional development.

Also Read: 40+ High-Demand Certification Courses Which Offer High-Paying Jobs

Online Education vs. Traditional Education

Education, whether it is delivered in an in-person classroom environment or online mode, offers unique advantages and challenges. Understanding the differences between these two can help learners make informed decisions about which mode of education suits best their needs. The selection between online and offline education ultimately depends on individual learning preferences, goals, and circumstances.

Online Education vs. Traditional Education

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Top Skill Development Online Courses (Paid & Free)

Several institutes and e-learning platforms offer online courses and certifications for skill development in both paid and free versions. These skill development online courses help learners upskill themselves in their chosen fields and pursue careers in their desired domains. Students can even opt for online degree programmes for further studies and enhance their professional aspirations.

Here, we have listed some of the top online courses for skills development.

Certified Chemical Plant Safety Incharge by Vskills	Logical and Critical Thinking by The University of Auckland via Futurelearn
Design Thinking and Global Startup by Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon via Coursera	Grow Your Business Programme by SPJIMR, Mumbai
Soft Skills and Personality Development by DU SOL	Leadership Essentials by IIM Tiruchirappalli
Developing Life Skills by Central University of Kerala via Swayam	Inspirational Leadership Skills for the Post Pandemic ERA Insights from Bhagavad Gita by IIM Bangalore

Free Government Online Courses for Skill Development

There are several government online learning platforms that offer skill development online courses to help learners upskill themselves. Some of the courses are mentioned in the table below.

Learning and Teaching by IGNOU via Swayam	Accounting for Managerial Decisions by IGNOU via Swayam
Strategic Management by IIM Bangalore via Swayam	Developing Life Skills by Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod via Swayam
Robotics Basics and Selected Advanced Concepts by IISc Bangalore via Swayam	Introduction to Peace and Conflict Management BGP-001 by IGNOU via Swayam
Android Mobile Application Development by BAOU Ahmedabad via Swayam	Academic Writing by HNBGU Garhwal via Swayam
Production Management by IGNOU via Swayam	Introduction to Retail Management by IIM Bangalore via Swayam

How to Plan For Online Learning?

Individuals looking to pursue online courses in their preferred domains must make strategies to make the most out of their learning. Some of the strategies are as follows:

Selecting job-specific upskilling and credential programmes
Creating a personal development plan
Dedicate their time towards upskilling
Choosing the right online learning platform

Resource Links for Online MBA

Conclusion

With a myriad of online courses and certifications available, both free and paid, learners can gain new skills and advance their careers. As the world is increasingly heading to digital, online learning will revolutionise education by making it more accessible, flexible, and personalised to individual needs.

High-speed internet, mobile technology, and learning management systems (LMS) will help learners access their online degrees or certification programmes from anywhere in the world. Although challenges like the digital divide, quality assurance, and student engagement remain significant considerations, online education continues to reshape the educational landscape and upskilling.