Today’s teens have so many resources at their fingertips – literally. With the emergence of online learning programs and other educational resources, teens can extend their learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom setting.
This helps them hone new skills that will have them ready to enter a constantly shifting and competitive job market. Teens can learn essential programs, earn credentials, and improve soft skills as they explore career paths and plan for a bright future.
Keep reading to discover the ways online learning programs are preparing teens to enter a range of professional environments.
Learning Self-Direction
Students are used to learning within the structure of a classroom with a teacher at the helm. But online learning opportunities require students to take responsibility for their education.
They’ll have to login to watch modules and complete coursework on time. They’ll also need to set goals for completion times if they’re working asynchronously on a course or credential.
These are skills teens will need in the workforce, and online learning offers a great platform for developing initiative and resilience.
Building Credentials
Online learning gives students a chance to build useful credentials that can give their resumes an edge. Teens who complete online certifications in areas like coding, Excel, SEO writing, or graphic design can start building a portfolio of industry-recognized achievements for a potential career path.
Over time, they can even seek stackable credentials and micro-certifications through popular platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning.
A student interested in accounting, for instance, can get their start by taking online finance courses and seeking certification in QuickBooks. That will set the tone for pursuing an accounting degree. And, in the future, they’ll be able to engage in continuing professional education (CPE) to upskill and open the doors to new opportunities.
They will want to choose the right CPE course to continue their development, but all online CPE courses will mirror the digital learning formats students gain familiarity with as teens.
Developing Time Management Skills
Every teen needs to work on time management if they’re hoping to find success and grow in a career path. And although online classes are convenient because of their flexibility in scheduling, they also put the responsibility of completing the course on the student.
In response, teens must learn how to block time to complete assignments or do readings. They have to manage deadlines and academic pressure without getting reminders from a teacher or parent. And, if they’re involved in extracurricular activities, students must learn how to prioritize.
These skills have applications beyond an online course, particularly for students hoping to pursue remote or hybrid careers.
Getting Career Ready
For teens, engaging in online learning paves an early path toward a rewarding career. Students can supplement more traditional forms of learning with career readiness credentials or classes on topics that pique their curiosity.
In the process, teens will learn self-reliance and build valuable time management skills that will serve them well in any profession. By harnessing these skills early, students will have a leg up on the competition.
Also read:
How to Help My Teen Build Self-Confidence
Why Family Therapy Can Help Your Teen
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