Virtual Classroom or Self-Paced Online Training: Which Is Right For You?

Online construction courses have huge benefits for aspiring or working tradies. You get to complete a certificate or a diploma in a way that is flexible and easy to access. Whether you’re looking to do a cert 4 building and construction online or any of our other popular online courses, it’s worth knowing you can achieve just as much by studying online as you can through traditional schooling.

In this blog we’ll introduce you to studying online and what it’s all about. We’ll also showcase our two modes of online course delivery: self-paced study and the virtual classroom. Once you’ve read this blog, you’ll likely have a better idea about which is the best study option for you.

About online construction courses

If you want to start a certificate or diploma online, all you need is a PC or laptop with a camera, microphone and reliable internet connection.

Our online building courses are specifically designed to give you an excellent education, even if you’re not going to physical classes. For many students, this is the best of both worlds.

Here are some benefits of online construction courses:

• Flexible: No need to sacrifice your work or family commitments to get an education.
• Accessible: Study from anywhere in Australia. Great for country people.
• Save time: No need to commute long distances, especially after a hard day at work.
• Save money: No need to splurge on fuel for the car, textbooks, notepads or stationary.
• Interactive: Don’t read words on a screen. Do activities, watch videos and join discussions.
• Supportive: Chat with trainers and classmates just like you would in a physical school.

While our two online study options have a lot in common, they also have important differences. Read on to find out how each option is unique.

The virtual classroom

The virtual classroom is different to self-paced study in that you have to attend class virtually twice a week. This class is live with your trainer and classmates, so it’s set at specific times.

The difference is that you won’t be watching a video of an industry expert but a live lesson with one. This gives you an added level of interactivity, as you can ask your trainer questions or chat with your classmates.

It’s a lot like a traditional classroom, the only difference is that you attend virtually.

We’ve spoken to a few tradies about their experiences in the virtual classroom. One former student, Sam, enjoyed the virtual classroom because it suited his lifestyle.

“I like the flexibility of being able to study from the comfort of my own home,” said Sam.

“After a long day of work I don’t really feel like traveling anywhere or going to a classroom, so having the ability to study online through the live interactive sessions is really helpful for my studies.”

Sam also commented on how similar the virtual classroom is to a traditional school environment.

“The virtual classroom allows you to connect with other classmates. The live sessions are really interactive. We’ve got blokes studying from all over Australia.”

We also spoke to Fatima, whose husband studied one of our online construction courses. His goal was to become a site manager.

“The online virtual classroom allows my husband to come home, spend time with our son, put him to sleep, kiss him goodnight. It really works for our family,” said Fatima.

Want to see more real experiences in the virtual classroom? View our testimonials.

Self-paced building courses

Our self-paced building courses are designed so that you can study anywhere and anytime. In this study option, you set the pace. You can choose what time of day to study and how much work you want to do that day.

While it offers a lot of flexibility in terms of when and where you study, the course is designed to be completed within 18 months. It also has assessments and timeframes to help guide you to complete your certificate or diploma.

For the most part, self-paced courses involve video-led content where you hear a current industry expert lecture on a topic. That means this course—and its lessons and assessment tasks—are always being updated and refreshed, so the course remains relevant and high-quality.

While you do not have to attend any live webinars, classes or meetings, some assessment tasks do need to be booked with a trainer. But you still have some flexibility to choose a time that works for you.

Which study option is for you?

Self-paced study is for tradies who need the highest level of flexibility. If you want to control exactly when and where you study, then this is the option for you.

But self-paced study also demands a higher level of self-motivation and discipline to direct your own learning. While this is perfect for a lot of people, it’s not for everyone. If you’re a bit of a procrastinator, this is probably not right for you.

On the other hand, the virtual classroom also offers you a lot of flexibility because you can study wherever you want. But because you need to attend live classes, you need to be available at certain times.

The virtual classroom is perfect for tradies who like to learn in a more structured environment. It feels like attending a class, but you just attend digitally.

Want to study construction courses online? Call us at 1300 LEGEND (1300 534 363) or request a callback today.