Online Learning Flexibility Matters: 4 Things to Look For as a Military Student

If you’re in the Army, Air Force or Coast Guard, enhancing your skills or furthering your education isn’t as easy as simply applying to a traditional school. After all, you could be issued a permanent change of station at any time. You need flexibility.

That’s why so many Army, Coast Guard and Air Force students are choosing online learning flexibility. Online learning is an increasingly popular method of education in which students attend classes or complete programs remotely via the Internet. Just like in-person education, students earn a certification or diploma upon successful completion of coursework.

The National Center for Education Statistics reports that since the coronavirus pandemic, the percentage of students who learn exclusively online has grown significantly. While just 36% of students enrolled in a distance learning course in 2019, almost double — 61% — did in 2021. It’s not just health reasons that caused such a rise. Online learning offers a level of flexibility that is crucial for many students, especially those who are serving the country. 

You can complete your training, improve your resume and set yourself up for a successful career when you transition to civilian life through online learning. To get the most out of your education, do your research to ensure you’re choosing the right school for flex learning.

Checklist for the Best Online Learning

Once you start searching for a flexible learning environment, you’ll quickly discover they aren’t all the same. Here are four things to look for in online learning flexibility.

1. Self-Paced Learning

Most importantly for servicemen and women, you need to have a program that will allow you to go at your own pace from wherever you are stationed. Traditional schools demand that students arrive at a specific time every week, and that’s not always possible with the demands of the Army, Coast Guard and Air Force.

When your school has self-paced learning, you can set yourself up to be a thriving student.

2. New Simulation Learning Technology

A benefit of online learning is the technology, but some schools lag behind. You want to find a school that offers instructional design with learning simulation technology that clearly teaches the processes of each skill.

For example, these simulations could be created with augmented reality, 3D demonstrations and even apps that make learning easy and fun.

3. Immersive Learning

Of course, you don’t want to sacrifice learning quality when you enroll in a school that offers online learning flexibility. If the academic institution doesn’t have a high percentage of students who pass the certification exams and leave good reviews, look elsewhere.

4. Support for Students

Finally, you want to look for a military-friendly school. Not every online learning institution has the experience to help students navigate the U.S. Department of Defense’s programs like Army Credentialing Assistance, Air Force COOL and Coast Guard COOL. To maximize your benefits, you need to work with advisors who won’t waste your time and help you take the steps you need for success.

Check Out MedCerts for Online Learning Opportunities

When you begin your search for online learning flexibility, start with MedCerts. We’re an approved vendor for Army, Coast Guard and Air Force Credentialing Assistance, or COOL programs. Reach out to us today, and you’ll be connected with an education consultant who knows how to help you get the skills you need to come out ahead while in the service and after you’re discharged.

Disclaimer: The Department of Defense is not affiliated with MedCerts and does not endorse our services.