Continuing Education usually defines learning programs that adults take up after formal education.
The demand for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) has been rising. CEUs can be of different formats such as classes, seminars, hands-on training courses, and advanced certificate programs.
The dynamic nature of professional fields like medicine, law, and finance needs people who practice them to have continuing education.
To retain their professional licenses, lawyers, doctors, nurses, architects, teachers, and many other licensed professionals must fulfill a certain number of credit hours.
Licensing boards are established by government agencies to set standards and to ensure that individuals follow them.
Professionals are guarded as their skills are kept up-to-date and can network with the help of continuing education.
It also plays a pivotal role in hiring, assuring that the professional is qualified and familiar with the advances in their familiar.
With advancements in internet technology, an abundance of CEUs is available at ease for learning.
Utilitarian Education
In 2019, the global market for online learning had an estimated worth of $187.87 billion shooting, a 400% rise from what it was in 2013.
The biggest reason behind this growth is the convenience that it has to offer. By pursuing your continuing education online, you get all the course content available to you 24/7.
It eliminates the conflict of a tight schedule, enabling you to develop self-discipline and make your deadlines for assignments, practice quizzes, and tests.
You can also go through study materials online, ask queries and receive responses via email or chat rooms.
Many traditional universities have active and expanding distance-learning programs and continue to make significant investments in online learning programs.
Hundreds of online universities are available on the internet, like the University of Phoenix, which you will find on the web in addition to campus locations.
These virtual campuses offer programs scaling from basic literature to advanced health care strategic management.
These online programs are much cheaper than their offline counterpart; for instance, an online master’s science in computer science is $9000 cheaper than its offline counterpart.
Universities also assist the learners by simplifying course listings and registration processes. Innovations in technologies and connectivity will make the online education experience more real down the lane.
Few Necessities to Lookout for in Online Continuing Education
You are not required to be a techie to do programs over distance education, but you must know how to navigate your online learning platform.
Keep yourselves well-equipped with high-speed internet and the latest operating systems from easy learning.
Learn the basics of Microsoft PowerPoint, acrobat, and similar software. Being proactive in discussion and questioning forums can facilitate your learning one step forward.
With face-to-face communication unavailable, strong communication skills will make you more expressive.
Building your networking skills over the internet will help you further reach out to peers and experts in the field, strengthening your skill development.
CEUs provide the flexibility to do tasks at a comfortable pace and demand better time management to complete the learning goals on time.
Scheduling your work amongst possible distractions at home is a skill you will need in your online learning quest.
What Can Online Continuing Education Do For You?
You don’t have to be a professional seeking continuing education to take advantage of the numerous certified programs available through online institutions.
If you want to start a new profession and earn a certificate, or if you want to learn a new skill, chances are you can locate a class on the Internet.
In your professional career, taking-up online continuing education helps your employers see your pursuit of continuing education as a compelling cause to promote you.
Continuing education may be the way to go if you are looking forward to receiving a promotion or advancing in your career. Continuing education also helps you learn new skills necessary to make a career transition.
The additional education from CEDs will make your resume look proficient.
Employers will also notice that you have gained fresh insights into the most recent trends and skills in your sector, as well as extra technical expertise as a result of your time spent learning something new.
Tips to Find the Course That Suits You
With the help of online platforms, it has become easier for experts with invaluable knowledge to provide continuing education credits, and the sheer number raises a question of credibility as well.
Verifying the accreditation of the course becomes a responsibility of the student. Even amongst highly specialized content, many online continuing education providers can choose from.
Having an array of courses to choose from with limited information on course descriptions and learning objective makes it difficult to compare the courses under an objective lens.
You could also use the help of your licensing agency to ensure that the class you take provides the credits required for renewing your license.
Seek a specific online continuing education program to bring your knowledge up-to-date, and tackle the areas of weakness in your work.
The learning objectives don’t explain the full scope of the course; however, they will help you scale its level. While reading the learning objective, look out if they cover the things you are not yet updated on.
It is always good to have old information reinforced, especially when it’s been a while.
Being in the same field for ages can be tiring as well; try to keep a student’s mindset when picking a program. Picking a program that you are unfamiliar with can be an exhilarating and refreshing experience.
Your continuing education should be challenging your professional skills and intellect.
Conclusion
So, now that you’ve decided that continuing education is the right option for you, what’s the next step?
Relevance to the constantly changing workplace should be your priority. Engage in office conversations regarding the course and seminar recommendations.
Whether you are a new student or an established professional, your opportunities for continuing education are limitless.
