Suppose you are planning to further your knowledge and expand your skillset, but are unable to do so for certain reasons such as being unable to take time off work or to afford the cost of transportation. Does that mean you will never be able to improve yourself?
Not quite. With technological advancements, there is an alternative – Online Learning, which is a more accessible and affordable option compared to traditional physical learning. Everyone around the globe will be able to learn anything they want at their own pace and location of their own choosing.
Apart from these, did you know that online learning is known for offering a sustainable learning experience due to its environmental benefits?
Here are a few ways in which online learning benefits the environment:
- Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emission
Transportation is one of the leading causes of greenhouse gas emission worldwide. The traditional learning approach requires learners to attend their academic sessions physically, contributing to more greenhouse gas emission. Online learning would remove the need for learners to commute to the place of study. Instead, all content and instructors’ interactions are accessible to learners via their connected devices.
This environmental benefit of online learning is readily apparent, especially during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, a study by the Stockholm Environmental Institute indicated that individuals who chose online learning created 90% less greenhouse gas emissions than their counterparts who needed to commute to their place of learning. This suggests that a balance could be struck between online and traditional face to face learning. Given the resurgence in greenhouse gas emission following the end of the pandemic, this is something that should be looked at seriously.
- Reduce Energy Consumption
As mentioned previously, online learning eliminates the need for learners to travel to the place offering the learning experience. This allows training centres and academic institutions to cut down on the energy used for water and electricity, both of which affect the environment negatively.
Even though some countries have strived for a more environmental-friendly approach to generating energy, they still have their downsides. For example, although 95% of Singapore’s electricity is generated by the cleanest of all fossil fuels – natural gas – the extraction process still accounts for a hefty portion of greenhouse gas emission. This clearly illustrates that the online learning approach will provide benefits to the environment but its’ success hinges on the technological infrastructure.
- Save Trees
Every year, approximately 120,000 kilometres of forests are destroyed due to deforestation. Paper production is one of the well-known reasons for deforestation, and training resources from educational institutions such schools and organisational training centres account for 60% of the generated paper waste. Given the overwhelming amounts of deforestation and environmental waste, a blended learning approach would be an ideal option.
As the need for knowledge workers grows, more training areas will be required to accommodate the growing number of learners. Through online learning, organisations could afford to kick start their learning programme and help reduce greenhouse gas emission.
In conclusion, organisations will benefit from looking seriously at online learning, allowing them to expand their capabilities while making the world a better place. At Comeandsee Global, we offer a sustainable learning approach by supporting and providing a user-centric programme.
References:
Greenhouse Emissions Rise to Record, Erasing Drop during Pandemic