The rise of online education in recent years has opened up a trove of new possibilities for flexible learning, which means you can access courses from anywhere, at any time, and whenever you feel like it. This has been particularly attractive for busy adults who may find it difficult to commit to traditional classroom formats due to their busy schedules and external responsibilities. This is precisely why many busy professionals choose to study an MBA online, which allows them to upskill without stepping away from their work and family commitments.

But these are not the only reasons why many people are starting to choose the path of flexible learning. Let’s look at some of the other grounds adults choose self-paced, flexible learning over the usual, traditional classroom format.

What is Flexible Learning?

Firstly, we should establish what flexible learning is foremost. Flexible learning, as per its name, is essentially a method of study where students are provided the freedom in what, how, when, and where they are to learn.

They more or less allow students to customise the pace, place and mode of learning; for pace, this may include accelerated programs or part-time courses; for place, this can include being done in the comfort of one’s own home via the Internet, while commuting, or as a work-study program; and for mode, this simply refers to the way the content is to be delivered through digital technology, whether that be through entirely online courses, blended learning syhstems or technology-enhanced experiences. As such, there are three common modes of online learning that you should take into consideration:

Synchronous learning – attending a class virtually every week with real-time instructors and classrooms.
Asynchronous learning – complete work each week according to your schedule with recorded lectures, and receive immediate feedback on the assessment.
Blended learning – a hybrid model of both, where students are to attend some real-time sessions while completing parts and/or assessments independently at their own pace.

Now, let’s examine why all of this is so attractive for adult students today.

Optimised and Continuous Learning Experience

From interactive elements such as discussions, animations, graphics and learning checkpoints for motivation, to extra tutoring or coaching opportunities from the education provider through learning management systems, many adult learners can feel challenged and motivated to progress through their chosen courses. Evidently, while there are very clear benefits of in-person learning, with flexible online courses, research has shown that adult-mature learners have been found to be more satisfied with this format than on-campus courses, which also means higher course completion rates and information retention. Moreover, these flexible learning courses cultivate a way of continual learning, which develops students’ confidence in applying the knowledge they have acquired in real-time to expand skills and adapt to changes, whether personally or professionally.

Flexibility in Work, Life, and Study

Having family responsibilities, paid work, and then studying at that can be extremely demanding; having a flexible structure in online learning can encourage a healthier balance between these three. Having a self-based study mode allows adult learners to complete their course within a timeframe suitable to their needs, which can be especially important when there are external responsibilities of taking care of loved ones (e.g. young children or ageing parents) and work. Such an ecosystem gives adult learners viable opportunities to continue their education journey, and this form of autonomous learning has been proven to work especially well for busy adults. Not only can you study in your slippers, but these online learning platforms also accommodate wherever you are in the world, with a wide range of apps for mobile devices as well as websites to bring learners from all corners of the world at the click (or tap) of a button.

Transferrable Skills

Many opt for further education for the goal of greater professional skill development and career prospects, and an online course is a convenient way to deepen your current skills while testing out new ones. The job market is almost always populated by graduates, so a flexible learning course can maintain your competitive edge as well. Of course, students need to be clear if they are choosing to study as a way to enhance their current skills in their current job or to transition to an entirely different field; these are different goals that very much require different types of learning. Another key skill within flexible learning itself is the use of digital tools and platforms, which can be crucial to building digital literacy, critical for pretty much all modern careers, and navigating workplaces that are increasingly more dependent on digital skills.

Accessibility and Affordability

The next crucial part of flexibility is accessibility and affordability. Flexible learning is one of the most accessible and affordable ways for adult-mature learners to continue their education journey. Those living in remote areas or individuals with a disability who are unable to attend in-person classes and lectures can equally access quality education from their own comfort zone. These platforms have been reshaping how education is delivered and received, and one of them is giving a greater wealth of opportunities for such learners. Further, they are also a lot more cost-effective than traditional courses, broadening the scope of accessibility; a study on an online degree from a private school costs around $60,593, while a traditional degree would be $185,252.

Networking and Support

Finally, flexible learning offers a wide range of networking opportunities in connecting with peers and professionals worldwide under a collaborative global network. These courses also provide continuous support with tutors and amongst your own peers as well. The latter can potentially be very important, considering that balancing work, family, and study can sometimes be an overwhelming, herculean task.

Conclusion

The flexible education market in Australia has been growing steadily, indicating that many Australians are choosing it as an answer for the crossroads they are at in either their professional or personal lives. Obviously, this is not to say that flexible education does not have any demands from you as the student; self-organisation, diligence, and motivation are just some of the many skills needed for a successful flexible learning journey.