Why Online Courses Are A Golden Opportunity For Engineering Students During COVID-19

No one imagined that a virus would one day confine us to our houses and disrupt our lives, least of all engineering students. 

From not attending lectures in their classes to not meeting their friends on the college campus, their life has taken a full 180-degree turn. 

When it started, engineering students were in a fix as attending classes is all they have known. Although the students had to adapt to this new way of learning, the pandemic has, in no way, put an end to it. 

On the contrary, students and teachers are exploring new ways to ensure that their studies are not hampered in any way.

For instance, there has been a deluge of online courses from which the students can benefit in multiple ways. These courses are now seen as a blessing in disguise by the engineering students. 

Let’s look at the reasons behind this.

A Comfortable Learning Environment

When the students are on their campus, they have no option but to take the classes in their classrooms. Their lessons are often riddled with distractions. 

For instance, their friend could be way too excited to tell them about the party last night than paying attention to what the teacher has to say.

Online courses, on the other hand, come with no such distractions. Moreover, students can take their classes in a relaxed environment. 

Whether it is in the privacy of their rooms or a coffee shop, they can pay undivided attention to what is being taught.

A Wide Range Of Options

Just like there are good and bad students, there are good and bad teachers. Some teachers have a wealth of knowledge but are not great communicators. 

As a result, students suffer as they are not able to make the most of their classes. Besides, the curriculum at an institute is fixed, and there is very little they can do about it. 

With online courses, students get the option to read the feedback before applying. They get the flexibility to choose as per their preferences. Moreover, they can take sessions they are more inclined to study.

For instance, a few online sites offer exceptional courses on Computational Fluid Dynamics. The students can read the online review and apply if it is the area of their choice. 

Flexible Timings

When attending college, students have no option but to follow the schedule prepared by their coordinators.

At times, they work on their assignments till the wee hours of the night and are back in class at 8 am to attend their next class. Needless to say, their learning goes for a toss.

With online courses, they get the flexibility to take their classes as per their convenience. The program could be a 16-week course but will allow them to schedule the sessions as they seem comfortable.

Apart from the convenience, such courses also ensure that students retain more from their lectures. An added benefit is that students become pros at time management even before they join the corporate world.

Moreover, they can pace their classes as they see comfortable. They can rush through the sessions that they already know and give more time to others.

Motivating

A lot of students may apply to online courses, but only a handful of them complete them. Even lesser is the number who would retain their gained knowledge and put it to some good use.

When students commit to a course, it is the first step that they take towards self-motivation. When they complete it with flying colors, it becomes a source of inspiration for them.

It gives them the confidence that they are capable of doing the right things for their career.

Secondly, when they enter into the corporate world, their CV catches the eyes of the recruiters. Completing an online course is a demonstration of several traits that they appreciate.

For instance, it shows that the individual is a self-starter and ambitious.

Not Intimidating

A few students are not comfortable with public speaking. Any chance encounter with their teacher in the class where they cannot express themselves can leave them embarrassed. 

At times, the issue with particular teachers becomes so complex that they start avoiding their sessions. With online courses, students can rest assured that there will be no such intimidation. 

It is a boon for intellectually smart students who have public speaking anxiety. Some of them are more comfortable expressing their ideas on an online forum.

Career Enhancing

Some students have a clear view of what they want to achieve in their career. They are clear about their goals and are equally committed. Online courses enable them to prepare well for their dream jobs.

For instance, they can enhance their portfolio by applying for a course in SolidWorks. Their institute may not offer a program in it, but an online course will get them where they want to be. 

There is a rising demand for mechanical engineers who are adept at it as it helps in visualizing, designing, and building mechanical, electrical, and software elements.

Engineering students who are studying for their masters can join similar programs to add weight to their resumes.

A Broader Perspective

Online courses can connect engineering students to their peers from across the world. Some of these courses also have forums where the students can collaborate and discuss. 

As they interact with other students from other countries, they get a perspective of what’s happening around the world.

In many instances, it will also give them an idea of the skills that are in demand. By acting on such information, they get the first-mover advantage in their countries of residence.

Conclusion

Online courses are a blessing for engineering students. The current times of COVID-19 have brought a realization that online courses are not only doable but bring multiple benefits to the table.

Not only does it make sense for students to flock to these programs from a convenience standpoint, but online learning can also nurture a fledgling career in a variety of different ways. 

Thus, we can safely infer that these courses are here to stay even after the pandemic subsides.