The ‘new normal’ means many of us are spending more time at home. For some of us, the extra time on our hands has been an opportunity to slow down and do the things we don’t often get the chance to do. For others, it’s been a time to focus on self-improvement and to keep as busy as possible. If upskilling, changing your career path or furthering your education has been on your agenda for a while, you may want to consider the benefits of online study. Here are our top reasons to get started now. Make the most of your extra time One benefit of these uncertain times is the chance it might’ve given you to reflect on your future. You may also have extra room in your schedule to commit to completing an online course. Studying online has many positive benefits. With the flexibility it entails, it can be particularly less stressful as you’re managing your own schedule. You can study online from anywhere at any time, while planning it around your work and personal commitments. Making the most of any extra time you may have will help you get a head start on your online studies. By starting now when other parts of your life are on hold, you have the chance to achieve your education goals sooner. A great opportunity to upskill and focus on career development Perhaps you’ve used some of your downtime to think about what you really want in your career or you’ve decided to start something new? Online study can help you upskill or reskill to work towards a promotion or a career change. There’s a diverse range of online courses available. Some online courses can be completed within a matter of months, which may make dedicating your time seem more manageable. Kaplan Professional’s online courses are delivered by leading experts with a wealth of industry experience. You’ll focus on practical and relevant learning which can be applied to your career, rather than solely focusing on academic theory. Online courses are also usually more cost-effective, helping you to focus on your future without feeling the financial burden. Extra support is available You may think you’re on your own while studying online. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth as there’s a significant amount of support and guidance available to you. During these challenging times, it has become more important than ever for education providers to offer as much support as possible. As you may be spending more time at home for the foreseeable future, it’s important you understand what support is available to help you achieve your education goals. At Kaplan Professional for example, you’ll benefit from proactive and personalised support throughout your online studies. Our knowledgeable student support team are always a phone call or email away. You have the flexibility to complete your exams online from the comfort of your own home or office, without the stress of attending a public exam venue. If you’re completing a higher education online course, you’ll have the ability to engage with online group study sessions and one-on-one tutor support. This enables you to interact with students and faculty to receive support and foster a sense of community while studying online. You’ll also have early access to assignments and course content, so you can make a head start on your pre-reading and planning before the study period commences. There’s plenty of other great support initiatives available to help ease the burden of studying online. A way to stay proactive and busy There’s no right or wrong way to spend your time at home. Doing what makes you feel best is most important right now. While keeping busy and proactive comes easily for some, others have used this time to step back and take a break. If you’re finding it difficult to maintain a routine and keep your mind stimulated, this could be an ideal time for you to start something new to boost motivation. Completing an online course gives you something meaningful to dedicate your time to. You’ll also proactively be working towards something that’ll benefit you in the long run. Feel connected While being at home can be a nice change, it can often feel isolating not socialising as you normally would. Staying connected is important and online study allows you to interact with your peers through group study sessions and discussion forums. You even have the chance to engage with students of a variety of ages and experiences. Connecting with peers online is a great chance to share knowledge, ask questions and learn more about course content together, while being part of a supportive community. Considering online study but don’t know where to start? Request a call from one of our knowledgeable Course Advisers who’d be more than happy to help you.