Continuing education is becoming more and more of a necessity for career growth and personal productivity. This trend is driven by the need for lifelong learners constantly scan the technological landscape to maintain their skills, knowledge, and competency in an ever-changing world.
Due to the Great Recession, people are turning to continuing education programs to ensure they don’t fall behind and be left behind in the face of constantly changing job trends.
Medical Conferences from site like Coat Connect for formal education is associated with a degree from a respected university, the need to pursue continuing education continues to grow. While a degree may help you get your foot in the door for an entry-level position, that does not guarantee a job. As technology changes, people entering the workforce regularly must update their skills and knowledge base. The need for formal and informal education is growing even among adults working for decades.
Table of Contents
1. Adapting Campus to Today’s Students
Because of the digital revolution, traditional education is no longer sufficient for today’s learners. Teaching methods must be adjusted to suit the needs of this generation learning in a digital environment. Distractions are a reality in today’s society and take away effective learning. Educators must develop differentiated learning environments to maintain relevancy with today’s learners. How colleges currently operate and prepare students for the workforce is quickly changing. Many universities are investing in online delivery and online learning options – including continuing education programs that can be delivered almost anywhere, anytime.
2. The Changing Nature of Work
With the change in international economies, jobs are becoming more and more unstable. This can be seen in worldwide unemployment rates, which have remained relatively high over the past few years. Continuing education is one way to learn new skills that can be put to use well into retirement age, even if the job market to which one is accustomed goes sour. It is becoming more important for workers to prepare for a wide variety of possible job scenarios rather than just focusing on one specific area and hoping that it will provide a secure income into retirement age. People cannot afford to take economic risks, so they return to school and get new skills, securing their financial future while building a framework of security around their families.
3. Expanding Curricula to Prepare Students for the Jobs of the Future
Education brings on a huge benefit, not only for the students in school but also for the economy. Expanding the knowledge base requires various efforts – both on the part of academia and a governmental level. The U.S. faces a significant issue: education and training are not keeping up with technology demands, workforce demands, or demographic changes. This demand increase has led businesses to seek employees who can handle all these demands simultaneously.
This can be seen in the growth of online learning programs offered by traditional universities. People who want to attend a college degree program may not have the time or financial resources to spend four years on campus, but they still want the same credentials that a traditional campus program can offer. Online programs offer a way for people with busy schedules to earn a degree while living at home and maintaining full-time employment.
4. Creating Welcoming Spaces for Adult Learners
Adult learners are changing the face of education just as much as those in school. These learners have different needs and schedules, so universities must adjust their programs accordingly. Some programs thrive because of their accessibility to adult learners who pursue a degree from home or afar. Distance learning programs may not be appropriate for all students, but they allow adults with special occupational needs to continue learning at their own pace and in a flexible environment.
Teaching and learning environments that embrace alternative learning styles can offer quality educational opportunities for all learners – especially adult learners. Adult learners returning to school may want to enjoy the freedom and flexibility found in online programs. They generally do not want to be confined to a classroom, so online education provides a solution that still provides the quality education desired by students. Higher education is just one aspect of continuing education, but it is pivotal in today’s economy.
5. Benefits for Both Students and Institutions
Schools and colleges that embrace the changing face of education will be able to attract more students and create a fuller, more vibrant campus. Students want to feel welcomed into a school environment. This can be accomplished by providing all the resources necessary for success and offering support services, including student counseling, career advising, and internship opportunities. Students enjoy their experience in school more when they feel it is tailored to their needs. It is also possible to make continuing education programs more widely available for students, faculty, and community members by offering these courses online.
The need for continuing education is growing. Distance learning programs and online learning options are available for learners of all ages, allowing for a customized educational experience. The demand for education is growing because of the changing face of the economy, which means that more and more adults are seeking to continue their education by pursuing degrees to improve their earning potential and offer financial security.
