What are the advantages and disadvantages of online courses?

In recent years, and particularly since the health crisis, many schools and universities have digitised a large part of their training. Indeed, the e-learning market is booming. This new learning method is based on digital learning, which consists of distance learning using online tools, videos, exercises, and exams. In line with this trend, our business school offers you an online campus IPAG Online, which provides distance learning degree courses. To find out if taking a course is right for you, here are the advantages and disadvantages of this type of learning.

The advantages of online courses

There are a number of advantages to distance learning, which explain the particular interest in this new learning method.

A wide range of online courses

This online training offer is now easily accessible and is intended for all types of public : students in France, students from all over the world, working people, jobseekers, or people undergoing professional retraining. It allows students to follow the programme from home, at work or on the move, without having to travel to the school.

More flexibility with online courses

Distance learning courses offer greater flexibility in scheduling. It is easier for those who have a professional activity or those who follow a double course to manage their schedule thanks to this new form of teaching. Unlike face-to-face training, which requires travel time to the place of training, taking distance learning courses allows you to train, acquire new skills, improve your skills and prepare for a diploma relatively independently according to your personal constraints. For distance learning, there are different types of course formats that can be adapted to different situations. IPAG Online combines synchronous and asynchronous training with correspondence courses that can be followed in real time and offline.

Personalized follow-up

This type of training provides students with access to the tools they need to become more independent, as well as support from teachers. Each student progresses at his or her own pace, adapting his or her working hours and learning process, while benefiting from personalised follow-up with a teaching coach. E-learning provides a variety of educational content (videos, questionnaires, podcasts, homework, MOOCs, tutorials, etc.) that enables learners to learn at their own level and pace.

Lower training costs

The advantage of correspondence training is that it is less expensive than face-to-face training. This type of learning reduces the costs associated with travel expenses, the training centre, the teaching staff and the necessary equipment.

It is also possible to benefit from various forms of aid (CPF, Pôle emploi, alternance, training organisation, etc.) to finance distance learning in business schools, depending on your status (employee, jobseeker, self-employed, student).

The disadvantages of online courses

Before choosing e-learning as an alternative to traditional teaching methods, you should also consider the disadvantages, particularly in terms of technology and people.

Isolation

Because of the individual learning format, e-learning leads to less social interaction, which can make students feel lonely. Indeed, the dynamic is quite different from a real face-to-face classroom, which allows for lively discussions in a group and with a teacher. IPAG Online has set up a collaborative platform (virtual classroom, video conferences, discussion forums, etc.) to facilitate exchanges and communication between learners and trainers.

Self-discipline

Self-discipline is essential for successful distance learning. Unlike traditional education, online courses do not require scheduled meetings with an instructor or deadlines. The student is more autonomous and less guided in his or her learning, and must follow a course schedule, set goals and keep them in mind to stay motivated. Throughout the online course, it is essential to remain rigorous and committed in order to complete the programme and obtain a degree.

Mastering computer tools

E-learning has developed with new technologies. To be able to follow distance learning courses effectively, you need to have a good command of the various computer tools. Future graduates must have the necessary equipment to access the platform and all the teaching resources available. E-learning implies a certain comfort with a computer, which becomes a daily working tool.

Faced with the diversity of online courses on offer, it is not always easy to choose the course that suits you best. Indeed, choosing a course from a wide range of possibilities can be stressful for the future student. Discover our recommendations for choosing an online course adapted to your profile and your needs. With IPAG Online, we offer a range of online training courses at bac +5 level, consisting of 4 RNCP-certified Masters of Science.