Get Online!

There are so many benefits to going online for training, learning and orientation in the workplace. Below are just a few benefits and reasons to consider getting online for information, education and extending knowledge.

• Online learning provides flexibility for all of those involved.
  


• It also provides accommodation for different learning styles as well as teaching styles.
  


• Online learning is convenient for all involved.




• The field is ever growing.




• The Internet allows you to reach those less accessible otherwise.

Although online learning may not be for everyone it does provide opportunities that may have been there before. It is an option that is now allowing people to go back to school or participate in a training that wold not have been possible otherwise. Learning is a lifelong process. We do not stop learning just because we graduate or "grow up". We all learn something new everyday and going online makes that learning even more powerful and possible!!! I myself know when I have a question I always "GOOGLE IT"!

Disadvantages of Online Learning

We are all so excited and drawn to the advantages of learning online that we may forget that it isn't for everyone. Below are a few disadvantages of online learning.

• You must be self-motivated! If you are one to procrastinate and lack self motivation, online learning is not for you!!! It is very possible to put an assignment off for a long time in an online class, especially one that does not have assigned times to be turned in.
• If you are not willing to find time to do the work then online learning is not for you! We all have busy schedules. Finding and making time for classes is essential in online learning. You must be prepared to set aside time for classes.
• If you need face-to-face interaction for communication then online learning is not for you! Communication is not absent but may not be immediate either. You have to be willing to be patient for responses to questions that may arise.

Online in the Workplace

Below are some online tools that can be used in the workplace:

Blogs-First of all it is free!! This would be a great tool for bosses to use to communicate with their employees as a whole group and allow feedback through comments! You can post news and upcoming events.

Chat forums-Great for open discussions and allow everyone to express opinions without interruption or feeling like they are being judged. Shouldn't be used as a place to trsh others or the boss but for legitimate discussion (should be monitored).

Training-Less time away from the office or job site! Offers a variety of methods options for employees. Less expense for travel and accomodations for employers and companies.

Orientation-Become acquainted with your work place before staring a job. Help you know the ins and outs before hand. Great way to introduce other employees and their positions. You can go over things in a sset format that otherwise may not be brought up in discussion.

Lifelong Learning

Online learning helps support lifelong learning.

Why is lifelong learning important? We may grow and mature but we never stop learning or we should never stop learning. Wikipedia define lifelong learning as the self motivated pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons. Also noted by Wikipedia is that lifelong learning helps promote employability and competitiveness.

Learning takes place throughout life not only in childhood and school years. Online classes, trainings or information in general makes information and resources readily available and accessible to everyone which promotes lifelong learning.

This quote by Albert Einstein sums it all up...
"Learning is not a product of schooling but the lifelong attempt to acquire it"

Attitudes Toward Online Learning

Another positive of online learning is the comfortable attitude now associated with it.

Technology is now a part of our everyday lives. People are not as intimidated by the Internet and more comfortable with the reliability of it. Many colleges now use online sites, such as Blackboard, for class information. Colleges are also putting more classes online. Many younger people have grown up with technology making them very comfortable with the idea of learning online.

One reason for a positive attitude toward technology and getting online is the way technology has connected so many people. Facebook has connected me to so many people I have not had contact with in years. It is not just the young but also the older generation that is catching on to technology and social sites. Things like this make individuals more comfortable and create a positive attitude toward technology and learning online.

New and Better Technology

Continuing with the positives of online learning, new and better technology is a constant. There are always new and innovative ways of putting information out there. For example you can blog or whatever from your cell phone!! Technology is continuously growing and changing.

Why is this positive?

I believe you can continuously find new and better ways to reach those that may not be able to participate because of location or other situations. New innovations for collaborating online are being developed. These advances are making it possible for individuals to participate and be part of something that may not have been possible before. This is why new and better technology is a positive in online learning.

Growth of Online Learning

Why the growth in online learning?



According to Getting Online: The Go Project, online learning is in an increased demands for many reasons. First the reduction of travel cost and geographic barriers, as well as accomodation cost. Another reason is the reduction of education cost to participants and the flexibility in learning opportunities. Next there are more learning opportunities now available online as well as access to experts in the subject matters. Finally it is more environmentally friendly and nore accessible to culturally diverse and underserved groups.