Nowadays technology and communications develop lightning fast. Internet is spreading everywhere becoming available to people worldwide. There goes the progress, leaking in every sphere of human activity; this also works for the education.

One can hardly imagine an active person who would not want to gain new knowledge and skills through internet and online studies. Following consumer needs and demand, educational institutions consequently increase the number of distance programs and courses to study. Meanwhile, most of diplomas and certificates granted upon completing of the online courses are as respected as classic ones. Still, regardless of the fact that in some countries online courses are a reasonably new way to study, it already attracts many users.

What is an online study? It is a leading-edge format of studies whereas a student and tutor are located in different places, and study materials are being utilized and assessed with the help of a computer and internet. There are few ways to transfer information to a student:

• Text format that includes pictures;
• Video;
• Webinars;
• An online conference with a tutor;

Normally it is the course author to choose the correct way in order to meet the needs of particular students.

Let us look through the advantages provided by online studies:

1. A way to save time. Maybe the most valuable advantage. A student does not have to go to a particular place in a particular time to attend a lesson. Respectively, no time is wasted to travel to an educational institution. One can receive information with no harm to main occupation, or even fit studies to their day-to-day routine (e.g., cooking, driving, walking etc.). The only thing required is have a device to be able to see and hear the tutor. It can be a tablet, a smartphone or a laptop. You will not get late to a lecture, staying mobile and able to connect on time.
2. High efficiency. Present technology makes it possible to assess new subjects quicker and more efficiently. It is because study materials are provided promptly and in significant scope. One normally gets specific and comprehensive information with no empty talks. Clearly and intelligibly. The efficiency is also achieved within following instruments:
   1. Special programs and applications for better consumption of the studies;
   2. Presentations to provide for visual patterns;
   3. Chatting with the tutor and fellow students to resolve current issues arising during the course of studies;
   4. Sharing ones screen with the tutor during the lesson to clarify issues that may not be easily texted etc.
   5. Video lessons make it possible to scroll back to a particular part of studies; one should note that normally study materials are provided with no right to distribute it elsewhere.
3. Convenience and flexibility. One is able to choose most interesting field of studies. The choice is as wide at the horizon; you only have to precisely review available offers to figure out your best fit. One is also free to choose both the time and intensity of studies, which very convenient.
4. Online courses are most always less expensive as opposed to classic local ones. Statistically it is around 40% cheaper. The reason is that there is no need in special premises, expensive appliances and other related issued. Moreover, the competition is sufficient to find a great deal. A number of websites providing online tutoring offer part of the study materials for free, whereas they only charge for certificates and diplomas.
5. Technical proficiency. You may study in any convenient place (at home, in a park, travelling, even on a beach). What you need, is a mobile device and a high-speed internet connection. Some people while studying online may gain more proficiency in using computers and mobile devices as one would need to operate different new programs and applications, perform fast web search (including social networks).
6. Unlimited variety to choose. Through a distant learning, one may gain a new skill or profession of high demand that is not being tutored in his location. The variety of fields, programs and courses available on the internet is as wide as the horizon. There is an option to individually tailor the depth of study (entry level, advanced training, extensive studies etc.) or combine several fields of studies. Everything is about being proactive and persistent.
7. Self-discipline and motivation. Online studies is a great opportunity to train self-motivation and self-discipline. Having paid for a course, one would make himself save enough time for lessons and home assignments. It is also a way to get some skills in time management, responsibility, ability to put and achieve goals, be more proactive.
8. Overseas personal communication. One may spread his personal communication worldwide while communicating tutors and students around the world. That gives opportunity to exchange experience, knowledge or even gain new friends. You do not have to travel abroad, apply for visas or even leave your home to study from world’s top specialists in their fields. The only thing you need is to apply a particular online course that fits your needs best.
9. Chance to study from the best. Studying online provides you with an opportunity to choose a tutor on your own. You may check the tutor’s profile, references from other students, free trial webinars etc. A user gets many tools to make sure the choice is correct. Usually there are practical experts available as tutors that makes studies comprehensive and practical as well. Studies are normally based on case studies.
10. The key advantage of online courses is accessibility to people without age limits (usually, aged people wishing to get new skills feel uncomfortable about regular ways to study), health condition and other factors. In fact, online studies appear to be almost the only way for people with special needs to study. A way to master a profession without leaving home and earn for living.

Currently online studies become widely demanded. Technology develops fast and it makes circulation of information and knowledge fast either. That leads to a phenomenon when information and knowledge that used to be unique become obsolete. Modern people need to adjust their knowledge of the world around, the skills and professions in demand. Online courses is a comprehensive tool for people to stay up-to-date in any field of human knowledge and activity, comply with evolving technology and stay trendy.

Millions of people around the world study distantly today gaining new quality skills and knowledge. Students learn new demanded professions and discover online studies as an efficient way to pursue self-development. Make sure, you stay trendy and use all available options for your success.