Learn more about what you can expect from your online experience at Champlain.
There is a lot to appreciate about higher education, like targeted skill development, effortless networking, and the simple joy of learning something new. For far too long, we have limited these experiences to young adulthood under the mistaken assumption that learning is most important at the outset of one's career.
In reality, learning is a lifelong pursuit. Everyone enjoys opportunities to continue expanding their skill set throughout their entire lifespan. Even those who think they've stopped learning, like after leaving college, still encounter new perspectives regularly.
Some learning environments are more impactful than others, and it would be foolish to assume that college is limited to young adults. Realistically, lifelong learning is a noble and crucial pursuit, increasingly becoming the new normal.
The Concept and Importance of Continuous Education
Continuous education should be a cornerstone of every professional journey. Learning should not be limited to one stage of life, and students should not let busy schedules or real-world challenges stop them from growing personally and professionally.
Any efforts to develop new skills or to explore new concepts can be deemed "continuous education.” That said, this term typically references structured learning through courses, workshops, or degree programs that take place after graduating. Continuous education often involves non-traditional formats or class schedules, with many students pursuing online distance learning in hopes of bringing balance to their jam-packed schedules.
The Role of Online Learning at Champlain College
Champlain College offers a wide range of programs and formats designed to meet the unique needs of students from all walks of life. For many, online distance learning is the best way to continue their education because it is flexible, accessible, immersive, and offers ample networking opportunities.
How Online Learning Supports Lifelong Learners
There are several ways to extend the lifelong journey of higher education, but online opportunities exceptionally maximize accessibility. With online learning, essential insights are only a click away. By removing one of the most significant roadblocks to ongoing education, students can continue reaping the benefits of professional development courses.
Advantages of Online Courses for Working Adults
Working students face significant challenges that may prevent them from fully embracing traditional, in-person learning opportunities. Many issues involve commuting or geographic limitations. Students may not have time to add an extra drive to their day, while others may live too far away from colleges to attend class in person consistently.
Online courses remove these barriers, allowing working students to build learning into their professional schedules. This approach can be uniquely advantageous, enabling students to immediately apply insights from their classes in the real world. Applying new knowledge can facilitate faster career advancement by helping students address skill gaps without needing to step back at work to accommodate their academic training.
Exploring Professional Development Opportunities
Professional development is a purpose-driven process that involves seeking and acquiring new skills after entering the workforce. Professional development is an ongoing pursuit that remains important throughout the employee's lifespan. All professionals, no matter how accomplished, can benefit from upgrading their skills and exploring new perspectives.
Key Areas for Professional Growth
Professional growth means different things to different people. Some may need to focus on technical learning, while others may seek soft skill improvements. Common areas addressed through professional development courses include:
- Mastering new technologies. As cutting-edge platforms and solutions take over, professionals must keep up. Targeted coursework can make emerging technologies feel less intimidating, thereby helping students navigate tech-based learning curves with ease.
- Communication skills. No matter how impressive their technical or clinical skills seem, professionals must be able to make their perspectives known in conversations, as public speakers, and through the written word.
- Data analysis and problem-solving. Regularly cited by employers as today's most in-demand skills, data analysis, and problem-solving determine whether professionals can leverage information or resources to drive positive outcomes. Case studies and experiential learning opportunities help students develop these essential abilities.
Selecting the Right Course for Your Career Goals
While 'traditional' degree-seeking students often look to targeted curricula to guide course selection, this process may be more individualized for those taking advantage of lifelong learning opportunities. There is no easy way to choose the 'right' course, and arguably, any skill or knowledge gained will hold inherent value. However, when time is limited, it is vital to choose classes that will drive maximum impact.
When in doubt, assess current skill gaps and determine which courses provide the best chance of addressing these concerns. Consider past course experiences and current objectives, but remember the power of passion to produce the most impressive learning outcomes.
The Role of Lifelong Learning in Navigating a Changing Job Market
The job market is undergoing significant changes, and while it is not always easy for professionals to keep up, lifelong learning can help. Those who continue to update their skills are more likely to stay competitive and uncover exciting opportunities for advancement. Without continued education, it can be easy to grow stagnant or even to lose that spark that makes professional endeavors so exciting and rewarding.
Practical Tips for Lifelong Learners
Lifelong learning is worthwhile, but challenges are to be expected. Students deal with busy schedules, financial limitations, and a whole host of other roadblocks. Finding balance is key, and these suggestions may help:
Setting Personal and Professional Learning Goals
There's nothing wrong with enrolling in classes simply because you enjoy them. Having said that, if you have major professional ambitions, you may get more out of these courses if you take a goal-oriented approach. Setting goals begins with determining why you want to attend classes and what you stand to gain from each course. Set your own goals for these classes and determine how short-term, course-based objectives play into long-term career plans.
Balancing Work, Life, and Learning
It takes a lifetime to learn how to achieve proper balance. Even defining balance can be difficult, as this will change along with your career. Spend some time reflecting on your goals and your current way of life. For example, which areas do you want to prioritize, and where can you afford to scale back? Next, find creative strategies to ensure that you use available time to the fullest.
Online distance learning should help by limiting commutes, but you may also need to delegate household tasks or seek help with childcare. Continue to evaluate your take on balance and adjust as needed.
What Are the Benefits of Lifelong Learning?
Lifelong learning helps professionals stay up to date with critical skills and concepts in a rapidly changing workforce. Furthermore, lifelong learning holds intrinsic value, as students enjoy expanding their knowledge and often find that their confidence increases considerably upon completing challenging courses.
Pursue Lifelong Learning at Champlain College Online
The joy of learning is always well within reach when you take professional development courses with Champlain College Online. Check out our online degree and certificate programs, or reach out to learn more about our career-driven offerings.
FAQs
Online courses promote skill development while addressing common barriers that stand in the way of lifelong learning, such as scheduling difficulties or geographical concerns. Today's online courses are immersive and engaging, with networking and personal connections strongly encouraged.
Online learning can help working students achieve balance by offering scheduling flexibility and potentially minimizing commuting time. Balance may also be achieved through strategies such as time blocking, prioritization, or setting boundaries.
Champlain College Online provides extensive support for online students. Academic advisors, online tutoring, and online library support can help students master concepts or seek assistance as needed.
Professional development is a lifelong pursuit and will be a continual priority throughout the entire course of your career. Consider refreshing your skills at least once every five years. Otherwise, look to industry-specific licensure or continuing education requirements for guidance.
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