Many aspects of our lives are becoming digitised, and one that offers a lot of advantages is education. As more tertiary education options become available online as distance options, education access becomes more democratized, offering a more level playing field for people living in remote areas. As well as accessibility, distance education offers a number of other advantages.

For many people in our digitally connected world, the best way to pursue tertiary education is via online distance programs. In particular, when it comes to degrees in the social sciences such as psychology, social work and sociology, there are very few practical elements to the coursework that would necessitate physical in-person classes, opening up these disciplines as excellent distance learning options. Many areas of the US are well-suited for distance education, and Sarasota, FL, is one such area. Online learning options like an MSW degree in Florida allow for flexible learning options that facilitate people changing careers, upskilling into more demanding roles or simply looking to expand their knowledge base. This article will touch on a number of reasons why online education is so useful, with a particular bent towards social degrees.

The glory of a flexible learning schedule

Far and away, one of the most impactful things that many distance learners cite as their favorite thing about online learning is how flexible it is. A traditional tertiary education experience would necessitate sticking to a schedule that involves attending classes and lectures at set times, which means needing to live nearby or commute to the place of study. Online learning does away with this rigidity, allowing students to pursue classes and study when it is most convenient for them. This means that students are able to balance study with their other responsibilities, be those work or family related.

When applied to the specifics of Florida, this flexibility fits in very well with many students' lived experiences. For many people that are engaging in study, they must balance full or part-time work responsibilities based around Florida's thriving tourism economy. This means that schedules can change depending on the season or at the whim of the weather. Being able to use downtime to study and being able to take breaks from studying during more busy periods can be a lifesaver for many students.

Distance education costs less

As a priviso, it doesn't necessarily always cost less, and certain courses will always be more expensive than others, regardless of whether they are distance-based or in-person. With that being said, in the overwhelming majority of cases, participating in distance education will cost you less than attending an on-campus course. Part of the reason for this is due to costs associated with living near universities or traveling to them. 

In addition to costs associated with physically attending classes, digital programs typically will offer digital resources for students to make use of, which will help save on textbooks, which are universally and notoriously expensive. 

Distance education students are spoiled for choice

One great thing about distance education is that now there are so many different options in Florida to choose from, especially in the social sciences. As more and more different institutions start to offer online programs, the glut of options for people interested in pursuing online education will only increase. This means that regardless of your physical location, which might be relatively remote in Florida, you will be able to pick from a variety of well-respected education institutions' courses to advance your education.

Digital education helps build digital skills

It has been shown that participating in online education programs helps to build stronger digital literacy skills. This is great, as most workplaces rely on some level of digital infrastructure for day-to-day goings on, and a greater level of digital literacy will position candidates strongly for consideration. Online education programs typically involve digital communication platforms, virtual classrooms and other digital collaboration tools, all of which will stand students in good stead for a potential future of remote work and digital collaboration with colleagues.

Distance education neccessitates self-motivation

While this can be a double-edged sword for some, those who are able to cultivate habits of self-discipline and self-motivation will find that distance education and studying become much easier, and when they complete their education, those traits will be extremely useful in the job market. While more traditional in-person classes might help students to be motivated by their peers, the ability to effectively manage your own time and work independently is sought after by many employers.

Because of this, students who show completion of online degrees prove that they have these sought-after skills and will be highly regarded in the job market. Especially in counseling, community management and social work roles, proof that you can work without supervision and complete complicated tasks with a degree of autonomy is valuable information for employers.

The chance to meet other like-minded people

Rather than being a space where social skills degrade and people find themselves isolated, many distance education programs go out of their way to push students into working together and interacting as much as possible. With many group projects, virtual events and discussion boards, students participating in online education programs get the opportunity to network with their fellow students and professors at almost the same rate that they would were they to participate in in-person learning.

Conclusion

For those interested in attaining further tertiary education in Florida, especially in the social sciences, online learning options are not to be underestimated. By providing students with flexible learning schedules, savings on the cost of learning and the digital skills prized by many employers, online educational institutions in Florida position their students for success. So whether you are looking to take the next step in your career, hoping to switch tracks and make a life change, or simply hungry for knowledge, online distance education in Florida is an option you should consider seriously.