The Appeal of Self-Paced Learning
In our early academic lives, learning is usually scheduled and regimented. A kid’s main job is to go to school for at least 12-13 years and learn the fundamentals of math, English, history, and science before moving into adulthood. But learning doesn’t stop there. Many go on to higher education and beyond. And for the ones who truly love to learn, they seek out opportunities to boost their knowledge just for fun.
With the growth and popularity of self-paced learning, finding ways to learn has become easier and more accessible. For-profit platforms like Masterclass and The Great Courses allow individuals to learn whatever they want on their own time. From astronomy lessons to the history of the medieval ages to a crash course on the fundamentals of photography, these platforms offer a huge variety of classes for a large range of interests.
These programs are only gaining in popularity, largely fueled by the convenience of their self-paced learning style. According to leading market research company Technavio, the self-paced e-learning market size is expected to increase by nearly $7 billion between 2024 and 2029. That trend of growth makes sense when you consider the major appeals of self-paced learning.
Flexibility and Convenience
The primary advantage of self-paced learning is just that—the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Learners have the freedom to decide when, where, and how they want to consume and engage with course material. Even if your days are already packed, a self-paced course allows you to move through the material at a pace that fits your schedule.
Personalized learning
Outside of school or work, no one is telling you how to spend your time. This is when voluntary learning can become truly personalized to an individual’s unique interests. No matter what you want to learn—an analysis of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, how to speak and understand Spanish, or master tai chi—there’s probably a course out there for it. Many self-paced programs also offer additional levels of customization tailored to your learning style. Some people retain information best when it’s written, while others prefer auditory learning. Deciding to learn something new on your own means you can find a program that meets your unique needs.
Accessibility
Self-paced learning has made education more accessible to a global audience and to people in a variety of circumstances. Many programs offer classes that can be accessed any time and from anywhere, breaking down geographic and time-related barriers to learning. This increased accessibility also benefits those who have physical constraints that prevent them from being able to attend traditional in-person classes.
Cost-Effectiveness
Traditional education can be a huge financial burden, but self-paced e-learning provides a cost-effective alternative. Students can save money and time on physical course materials and commuting, and program administrators can save operating expenses related to physical buildings and classrooms. The wide variety of programs also allows learners to find and select one that best fits their budget.
Scalability
With self-paced e-learning, classroom location is not a factor. That means there’s no limit to how many students can participate at one time. With no physical limitations, programs can scale to seemingly infinite heights.
Looking to streamline a self-paced learning program? Contact us to get started with Learning Stream today.
