Studying for an online degree whilst staying in your job is a great idea, and has a range of benefits. The essence of work based learning is that you can either study for a course related to your work, or a subject that can help you change career or enhance your existing career. Work based learning can improve what you do in your job and get you important qualifications to give you more choice and direction in your profession.
Since colleges and learning providers began to change their philosophies on how students study, and importantly where, the concept of work based learning has become the norm for many students returning to education.
The advent and innovation of the Virtual Learning Environment - an all in one online format for getting the most out of studying for online degrees and flexible or distance learning - has meant more students can now study around their work and family commitments.
Work based learning is a specific strand of distance learning, in that it is geared especially for students who need to learn and combine their learning with their jobs.
Study and learning activities are integrated within their jobs, and often the online course will be tailored exclusively, with input from the employer, to make sure the syllabus relates to their work activities and schedule.
This makes it easier for the employer to see the direct benefits of their staff who are studying for a degree online in their own time, and the impact on their work. Often an employer will allow students on work based learning some work time to complete their studies. As the student on work based learning will usually disseminate and apply their new skills and knowledge in the work place, giving the employee time off for work based learning is a sensible investment for companies.
Learning while working but with the aim of changing jobs outside your existing organisation is often better arranged solely by the student, as it is less likely the employer will find it to be of use when the work based learner aims to leave the company. Even so, an online management course or distance learning business degree online will usually have an immediate positive impact on the student back at work.
Colleges that offer work based learning are not simply offering courses for students while they work, but online degrees or foundation degrees online that will be integrated with their job. Such is the nature of work based learning that the ongoing studying can assist the job, and the ongoing job can assist with the studying. Both activities can be dependent on each other, while the student has the opportunity to introduce new skills and approaches to their work right there and then.
Work based learning is about making education relevant to the work place, while teachers have experience in the industries of their students, giving them practical understanding of the work of the students. Thanks to web technologies, work based learning is increasingly convenient, accessible and affordable.
Author Info:
Sarah Maple writes about marketing courses and distance learning
