An online learning FAQ: 7 key questions, answered
Posted on: 4 September, 2024
We’ve answered some of the most commonly-asked questions about online learning. If you’re considering digital education, here’s what you need to know.
Online learning is the future. With digital studying already on the rise over the last decade, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have put the benefits of this new medium into the spotlight. In fact, 21% of people in the United Kingdom participate in some form of online education, and in 2023, almost a third (30%) of internet users in Europe had undertaken some form of digital learning.
However, while the market for online education grows, many still remain sceptical about this format. Some have concerns about the credibility of online education providers, and others question whether they’ll be able to make meaningful connections with others when they’re learning via a computer.
We’ve compiled some of the most common questions we’re asked about online learning into one helpful article.
7 key questions about online learning
1. How does online learning work?
Online learning isn’t as simple as just watching someone go through a PowerPoint presentation. Through institutions like UCEM, students get the chance to interact, both with lecturers and their fellow cohort on webinars and virtual lectures, giving them an immersive and engaging experience that effectively mimics in-person study.
At UCEM, students also have access to the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) – a specialised platform that provides students with easy access to everything they need for their studies, all in one centralised hub.
What’s more, courses like UCEM’s BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology offer students the opportunity to work in virtual design studios, giving them the chance to get hands-on experience with the tools they’ll end up using later in their career.
Learn more: 7 skills all architectural technologists need
2. Can you actually get a degree through online learning?
UCEM has been a fully online institution since 2015, with thousands of students graduating from the institution since then. What’s more, it’s far from the only online education provider offering Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
Today, online education is a well-recognised way of gaining qualifications. You can hear below from several of UCEM’s current students and alumni about their experiences studying and obtaining online qualifications:
- My understanding of sustainability has completely changed: a student profile with David Harris
- How sustainability influences my work: Interview with alumnus Phoebe Farrell
- How sustainability influences my work: Interview with alumnus Jason Ratcliffe
3. Is online learning the same quality as studying in person?
If you’re unsure about the quality of an online programme, check to see if it has any accreditations. UCEM’s courses, for instance, are recognised by global institutions like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) – the same professional bodies that accredit courses from in-person education providers.
Achieving this level of recognition requires courses to be held to the same standards as those from face-to-face institutions. This means that students can be confident in the quality of their education, and their degree will be just as reputable to potential employers.
What’s more, many of UCEM’s lecturers are experienced academics with a lengthy background teaching at other Higher Education institutions, meaning they already have experience delivering high-quality education.
As Joe Ellison, a graduate of UCEM’s BSc (Hons) Real Estate Management programme, commented:
“The knowledge I have gained while studying has given me both promotion and pay rises. This has been helped through the combination of modules relating to the built environment, valuation, management and business.”
Learn more: Built environment careers and the advantages of a vocational degree
4. What are the advantages of online learning?
Students that take their study online can expect a variety of benefits, including:
- Greater flexibility
Online learning has helped opened the door to education for people who previously couldn’t attend in-person institutions. Without having to go to a physical campus and with the freedom to watch lectures at any time, students with other commitments, e.g. family or work, can base their studies around their life. At UCEM, you can even decide how many modules you want to take per semester.
- Save money not needing to travel
Another benefit of online learning is the opportunity to save money. Online studying is often a more affordable alternative to in-person education, and not having to visit a campus means students can save money on travelling costs.
- Easy access to resources
What’s more, you don’t need to spend money on expensive resources, either; UCEM’s comprehensive e-library will give you access to the journals, study materials and textbooks you’ll need during your studies.
- No need for relocation
Relocating and moving into new accommodation is another expensive and stressful aspect of higher education, as students may have to move to a different part of the country (or even a different country altogether) for their course. This can be avoided through online learning, allowing students to attend lectures remotely and wherever is comfortable for them.
As Ruth Kyamuwendo, Assistant Quantity Surveyor and student at UCEM, commented:
“The flexibility of online learning means that I can study on the weekend, or grab a few hours here and there during the week as needed. It didn’t actually take long before I was in my stride and able to balance my work and study commitments.”
Learn more: The flexibility of an online degree: balancing work and education with UCEM
5. How can you meet people when studying online?
Studying online does not have to mean studying alone. UCEM’s VLE is host to an active community of students, where people can interact, start conversations and ask questions to lecturers and tutors. Many courses also have a WhatsApp chat set up, giving students the chance to speak to collaborate and support each other through their studies. With many of UCEM’s programmes such as the new MSc in Urban Planning emphasising team work, communicating and working together with your fellow students will be an important aspect of your studies.
These opportunities to connect don’t end after graduation. CEM’s Global Community, a platform that gives students and alumni the chance to network with others and even find employment.
6. What support is offered for online study?
It’s natural to think that getting the support you need during your studies is more difficult online, but this isn’t the case. Throughout your studies, students will have access to support from academics and tutors, who actively engage in VLE forums. There’s also a wealth of resources available to students, from mental health support and student services to language translation and dissertation supervision.
UCEM’s Student Experience Survey found that 92.1% of students responded positively to the question ‘how well have teaching staff supported your learning?’. What’s more, a similar 92.4% had positive feedback about communications around UCEM’s mental health services.
7. How is UCEM different to other providers?
Online learning isn’t a new phenomenon, but in the wake of the pandemic, more and more providers are emerging or offering this medium. Unlike other institutions, UCEM have been facilitating online education for thousands of students over the last decade, meaning it already has both the experience and the infrastructure to deliver digital learning effectively.
UCEM’s specialism in providing education for the built environment and its recognition in the sector make it well-placed to prepare students for careers in areas like real estate, urban planning and building control. What’s more, accreditation from professional bodies like RICS and CITB mean degrees from UCEM are well-respected. This, combined with the flexibility and convenience of online learning, mean people who study at UCEM can expect a rewarding, engaging experience.
Find out more about the online learning experience at UCEM: It’s Time for Online – University College of Estate Management
