Flexible learning [FL] is all about providing a quality education around the needs of the student who has work and family commitments. FL’s philosophies and theories aim to make education accessible to a wide range of students and to enable students to get the most out of it, in the time frame and course structure that is right for them.
Thanks to e-learning technologies such as virtual learning environments and online degrees, flexible learning is a strong feature of many online courses available to full-time students.
FL also lends itself to employers, as students often find that online or distance learning fits into their work/family schedule. Additionally, staff at colleges that offer FL format courses will also understand that their students are professionals too.
This helps in two main ways: online degree and FL teachers will realize that the course needs to be delivered with consideration for the student’s other responsibilities, and that they could be in a career that contributes to and from their assignments as well benefits chosen route from FL.
Engaging students in the e-learning environment is key to ensure the technology is accessible, functional and user-friendly. This fits well with FL’s philosophy, where focusing educational resources and coursework in alignment with the student’s professional schedule can achieve better engagement in online education.
Components such as project work and team exercises are accessible via FL online courses thanks to the possibilities of the virtual learning environment. Web-based applications can enable a range of functions that in many ways have a better impact on student outcomes than a traditional on-campus college.
While FL is not necessarily dependent on a range of web-based technologies, when the technology is in place to support and develop the delivery of online education, it can only broaden the spectrum of students who might not otherwise find it possible to study for an online degree.
The future of FL seems to be more and more connected with the development of the virtual educational environment. For example, distance learning courses now offer a much wider range of study activities thanks to innovations and the development of Internet educational applications.
However, the student’s self-motivation and discipline attributes remain the same as any educational platform for a flexible or distance online educational program to be of benefit.
However, studies show that employers see flexible learning as a necessary way to expand their employees’ skills and knowledge, with a professional attitude to study already being embedded through study-related skills in the workplace.
Far from being a simple approach to learning, FL exists merely to support students who would otherwise find it impractical to attend college in a traditional setting. FL is the educational platform of choice for both employers and employees.
Thanks to Sarah Maple
