Online learning is still a relatively new format for delivery of classroom instruction. And while benefits of attending a virtual classroom instead of a physical classroom are many -- ranging from convenience and affordability to better collaboration and accessibility -- there are still a number of potential students out there who are reluctant to give it a try.

Yet, there is a way to test waters of online learning to figure out if online study is right for you. Unlike, say, parachute jumping or becoming a heart surgeon, you can find out without taking a big scary plunge.

While traditional colleges and universities normally require you commit to a full semester or even year of courses, that is anything but case with most online schools. Without any commitment, and very little (if any) expense, you can decide firsthand whether or not online education is a good fit for your unique learning style. After all, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

That being said, online learning isn’t just about earning a degree any longer -- far from it in fact. There are countless certification courses out there -- offered by top-tier and accredited universities -- that can be taken to learn a new skill or brush up on an old one. From graphic design to massage therapy, certification courses can lead to a new hobby and even a new career.

‘Personal growth’ courses also abound, and range from discovering your inner peace and improving your positive thinking to photography and screenwriting. While these kinds of online courses might not enhance your resume, necessarily, impact they have on one’s life can be profound. You won’t find a more convenient or affordable way to pursue some serious -- and seriously fulfilling -- self-improvement.

So why not give online learning a try -- or try online learning to test that career path you’ve always dreamed of?

Here are some reasons to give online learning a try.

Dream Big

You only live once, so why not look into true dream job or career you would want most out of life? With today’s countless options online, anything is within your grasp – whether you’ve considered becoming a private eye, trial lawyer, or heart surgeon.

No one wants to be wondering years down road whether they should have taken chance on a career that they really would have loved. You never know what’s possible until you try!

Get Creative

Online learning isn’t just about getting a degree or improving your technical skills. It’s now an educational arena more and more people are turning to for art, music, photography, and other creative endeavors.

At very least, you’ll liven up your current life with a fulfilling creative release. And who knows, your creative passion might even lead to a whole new career!

Try Something New

As we mentioned, distance learning can be a convenient and affordable way to investigate a new passion, learn a new skill, or sample a new career direction -- with no risk and little expense.

Maybe you’re a receptionist that’s always wanted to try graphic design? Or a paralegal itching to get into IT? Statistics show that most people change careers at least once in their lives, and gaining expertise in a new field is a great way to test-drive a new career. Online courses let you sample a new field without leaving your current one, and can generally be worked into your busy schedule with ease.

Take a Step Up

While writing your resume do not follow tested routes. Try to incorporate something new. Your resume could be your ticket to your awaiting success and recognition. Your resume presents you to prospective hirer. So take note as to how you would like to present yourself to a prospective employer.

A job offer attracts hundreds of resumes. The prospective employer has a pile of resumes stacked up in front of him. No employer has time or patience to go through hundreds of resumes they receive daily. The prospective employer will just glance through all these resumes. If you have a well-written resume, it will instinctively attract employer’s attention. Yes! It is possible to get a special attention to your resume even among piling resumes. Remember, a well-written resume always attracts attention.