The e-learning market has taken off phenomenally, especially post the COVID-19 pandemic, which compelled educators and students to pause and rethink their approaches. 

Today, the global e-learning market stands at USD 349.34 billion. According to ResearchAndMarkets' latest report, the market is expected to grow by over 18%, crossing $2 trillion by 2035. Undoubtedly, artificial intelligence, gamification, and adaptive learning have contributed to this growth.

Thanks to Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), you have opportunities to explore various subjects. As a teenager or young adult, you can use this learning format for a court-mandated online responsible pet owner class or a defensive driving session to develop more confidence in the driver's seat. 

However, since these courses have proliferated in recent years, it is important to choose wisely. Before enrolling, consider these aspects and judge if the course seems like the right fit. Even “free” courses deserve thorough analysis; after all, they will take up a valuable resource. Your time.

Alignment With Academic and Career Interests

As a young person, you probably seek exposure to many different experiences. It can be hard and also limiting to restrict yourself to areas that connect to your college major or first job responsibilities. Even so, it won't hurt to assess if the course you are planning to sign up for will benefit you in the long run.

For example, consider subjects such as cybersecurity or password-less authentication. They hold high relevance in a time when digital threats are mounting regularly. But they also align well with careers in technology, human resources, and even retail or hospitality. 

These public-facing sectors may deal with sensitive customer data, requiring professionals to be adept at keeping it secure. Therefore, it's hardly surprising that artificial intelligence and cybersecurity were among the most searched online courses last year. Digital marketing was another. 

Besides alignment with their chosen careers, students should also consider if the course connects to their core interests or satisfies their curiosity about a new subject. 

EuroNews reports that many people now sign up for such programs to improve soft skills, apart from preparing to become better at their jobs. The medium is enjoying popularity in countries such as Ireland, Finland, and Spain, where over 30% of Internet users completed an online course in 2024. It is a personal growth revolution out there.

Convenience and Flexibility of the Program

Many online courses seem convenient and tempting at first. They are budget-friendly and promise tangible gains for school or work. However, once you begin, you discover loopholes. 

For instance, some courses require you to study on a specific device, such as a desktop computer. It severely limits your ease of perusing the material, especially as many young adults prefer a phone-first approach. 

Multi-device compatibility is a prerequisite you should verify before starting. In fact, a McKinsey report on the subject ranks omni-channel support and mobile user experiences as among the most desired attributes for online programs.

Another aspect is the flexibility of the timeline for completion. For example, some courses are court-mandated or requested by authorities such as Animal Control. You may need to complete these programs within a specified time frame to qualify on personal metrics, such as being a considerate pet owner or managing behavioral problems. 

It is helpful to have a comfortable window after starting a course. You should factor in other demands on your time. For example, ISAE notes that some courses allow a maximum of 72 hours to finish after starting. However, one can pursue them from any internet-connected device. These provisions make it easier for students to manage their additional learning alongside commitments to school or family.

Establishing Harmony With Your Personality

E-learning appears accessible to everyone at a glance. Indeed, it is, in many ways, and is transforming access to education in many emerging economies. However, we often overlook another obstacle on the journey: our personality and how it will react to a digital program.

Several research studies have indicated that learning engagement with online courses can vary across people based on their personalities. In 2024, a study published in Scientific Reports found that students with a “proactive personality” feel more engaged with online learning. They also display positive emotions and higher motivation.

Typically, a proactive personality refers to the ability to impact one's environment, interacting with the world in a goal-oriented manner. Not everyone has these traits, which suggests their engagement with digital courses may vary.

Meanwhile, a Frontiers in Psychology research study found that students who are extroverted, sociable, and empathetic feel more engaged with online learning. They also perform better at emotional regulation during the process, which can be challenging in the physical absence of peers or mentors.

The general idea is that you are the best judge of whether a specific online course bodes well for your personality. For example, it might involve campus engagements or require group work with fellow learners. These activities will come more easily to people with specific personality traits, leading them to judge the course more positively.

Consider having a detailed discussion with the course providers to understand if the program is a good match for you.

Even as you read this article, the number of available online courses is rising. From GenAI to civil engineering developments, and building robots to energy efficiency, the realm of digital learning is vast and awe-inspiring. 

Selecting with care and remaining committed to a program after enrolling will help you make the most of your time and monetary investment.