Advancing Women in STEM Careers through Online Education
From Edith Anne Stoney to Jocelyn Bell Burnell and all the women before, in between and even yet to come, women have and will still make significant strides in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), but yet even though we are in the 21st century, there is still much work to be done in terms of gender equality in these industries. Online education has the potential to play a major role in advancing women in STEM careers and break down barrier to entry in these male dominated fields.
One of the main key advantages of online education is flexibility and accessibility.
Women who are pursuing careers in STEM often have other responsibilities such as caring for children or elderly relatives. Online education allows them to balance these responsibilities with their educational and career goals. This mean that women can continue their education and develop the skill set they need to succeed in STEM careers regardless of their location or other commitments. Gone is the hectic rush and additional commute home from work and then back to college. You can learn comfortably from anywhere in your home.
Online education provides better accessibility to women in certain regions of the country where there may be limited educational opportunities. It helps women access further and higher education without relocation which they may not be able to afford which then means that the same quality education can be accessed by women in rural areas as those who live in urban or developed areas.
Completing a course through online education also keeps costs down for the learners. Think about it, no more extra bus or Luas trips or better yet, no need to spend extra money on petrol to get to college and then to park the car. No need to spend the extra few bob on a coffee to catch up with a classmates and then maybe lunch after classes – all these little things add up. On top of costs being kept low, your time isn’t being wasted travelling to and from college, your main concern would be the traffic jam at the kettle.
Finally, online courses don’t have to be degrees or masters qualifications, they can be short courses used to help develop skillsets and expand knowledge in certain areas which will then in turn help to boost your career.
Online education has the potential to play a major role in advancing women in STEM careers and as the Director of an online college, it is my hope that we can continue to use technology and education to support and empower women in not only STEM but in all industries.
Joe Walsh
Director
The Open College