Is Distance Learning the Future Skill Deficiency Solution?

For individuals hoping to advance in their careers, filling gaps in their skill sets is imperative. And for companies hoping to keep pace with advances in their sectors, they need a workforce that is trained in the latest tools and technology.

Agility is crucial in disciplines as wide-ranging as IT and healthcare or the trades. But traditional educational modes aren’t always a viable upskilling pathway for employees with time constraints.

Upskilling through unique and more accessible educational platforms is the answer. Keep reading to learn how distance learning can help fill gaps in skill deficiencies to empower employees and companies.

Turning to Online Educational Models

While traditional degree programs require you to attend in-person classes and commit to several years and rigid schedules, online educational programs are different. You can select the courses you need to complete certificate programs or degrees that help grow your job prospects without as much red tape or a huge time investment.

Maybe you need credentials, like a Project Management Professional certificate, to pivot into a higher position. Or the right AAS programs can help you move into criminal justice or allied health fields. Distance learning courses and programs enable employees to learn and make these pivots at their convenience.

As another option, with educational approaches like just-in-time education, employees can secure the training they need right away rather than waiting for a particular program to start. That way, learners can engage with the necessary material to hone specific skills needed on the job.

Classes on stakeholder communication or budgeting, for instance, can help employees work toward continual improvement. Asynchronous schedules mean employees can review modules for courses whenever they need to.

Making Learning Interactive

Studying the theoretical ideas behind job-related applications is critical for success in any industry. And the best educational models use interactive assignments and collaborative projects to make distance learning more engaging.

Students can participate in virtual labs and simulated environments where they can apply the content they learn to other parts of the class. They’ll build crucial competencies in areas like project management or IT through active learning, even when they’re doing so through a computer screen.

Competency-based structures have become a greater part of the educational landscape, as well. Through this approach, students can stack their skills, adding micro-credentials that can help them navigate more exciting career pathways. By adding to existing skill sets, employees can show employers that they are willing learners eager to advance within the industry.

Focusing on Ongoing Learning

Making career transitions isn’t easy when you’re bound to traditional modes of learning. Not all employees want to move up within the same field, and the average salary increase for switching jobs is about 14.8%. So, the benefits of career mobility can be excellent.

Consequently, continuous skill development is critical. Through distance learning programs, employees can gradually build new skills and certificates. Many certificates hold broad recognition, too, with stackable credentials like industry certifications adding significant value to one’s resume.

Companies can encourage a culture that values ongoing learning by supporting employee efforts to obtain these credentials. That can happen through funding to support professional development, or webinars and other financing options.

When employees pursue incremental learning, companies stand to benefit through better retention and a better-prepared workforce.

Even the best intentions with ongoing learning will come with challenges, however. Some programs simply cannot replace in-person, real-world experiences.

Blended models can be a compromise, offering those enrolled online and in-person, tactile experiences. And not all employees have the digital knowledge or financial resources to handle taking courses online.

These are instances where employees would be smart to step in and offer the support necessary to put ongoing learning into action for everyone.

Embrace the Flexibility of Distance Learning

Yes, distance learning can help fill gaps in skill deficiencies, producing more knowledgeable employees engaged in their work. Distance learning is flexible and scalable, meaning that employees can accumulate credentials gradually and as needed.

Employees hoping to climb into new positions with greater responsibilities can validate their readiness with the right badges and degrees. And stakeholders can feel more confident about employee competencies when they invest in supporting a culture of learning in the workplace. With the right support, employees can gain the skills they need to propel their careers forward.

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