In this section we will look at the advantages and benefits of learning online. For the Peoples-uni, we have the special advantage of being able to use this method to assemble an international faculty of tutors, who also benefit by being able to participate in ways that face-to-face courses just do not allow. For students, cost is also a benefit and this education is much lower cost than travelling overseas and/or paying high tuition fees. In general, however, these issues below are usually quoted as the benefits:

Any time

This is the main advantage. The Peoples-uni modules do have a clear timetable with a start date and finish date for each Topic as well as each course module, but within these limits it will be up to you when you learn. Set aside time in your week when you want to (or have to!). Working the night shift? No problem. An online course is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Any Place

You will need access to a computer linked to the Internet to read your materials and to check the online discussions, but you can work away at your assignments where you want to. If you haven’t got a computer at home, there may be a learning centre somewhere nearby where you can get to a computer. Internet linked computers are appearing all over the place now – you might be surprised where you can link up…

Never Miss a Class

So you can’t make the class on Tuesday: online, that’s no problem – catch up on Wednesday, or get a head start on Monday.

Relax

No one is looking over your shoulder, judging you or comparing you.

Collaborate and Share

But at the same time you can work with your fellow students, even if you are in different continents.

Earn and Learn

If you work, you can fit the learning around your own schedule.

Travel Time is Zero

Well, if your computer is upstairs you may take a few seconds to climb them, but you won’t have to catch a bus across town!

No Limitations

People with accessibility issues are not disadvantaged on an online course – everybody is equal. There are plenty of supportive technologies available to help you use a web browser, the home of the online course.

Focussed Attention

When you approach your tutor with a problem, you get her/his exclusive attention. With so much spam clogging your e-mail account it is easy to forget what a powerful tool e-mail is.

Make Friends in Faraway Places

You never know: an online course is accessible all over the world –where will your classmates come from? Sharing experiences with the other participants (students and tutors) from a range of settings and experiences is one of the major benefits.

Learning online can be an exhilarating experience – just don’t let it take over too much!