While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many large venues to close their doors, preventing in-person training and conferences, it has not eliminated opportunities to expand your professional knowledge and assure your lifelong employability. Rather, it’s moved it online.

The Indiana CPA Society has transitioned to online conferences, webcasts and trainings to assure members stay current in their professions.

As licensed CPAs, you are expected to maintain your licensure through continuing professional education.

As you work through your CPE this year and into the future, here are things you may find surprising about the current state of online learning:

It’s Relevant

Digital event organizers are curating their roster of speakers and presentation topics to create exciting and interesting agendas. Plus, presenters are tailoring and customizing their content to meet your interests and educational needs in ways that work best for digital.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has really highlighted the flexibility that online learning offers CPAs to gain relevant skills tailored to their needs,” said Clar Rosso, executive vice president of engagement and learning initiatives for the Association of International Certified Public Accountants.

It’s Timely

Webcasts allow presenters to quickly deliver timely information and insights about pressing matters. The pandemic has caused many CPE accrediting organizations, including the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), to expand their online offerings and virtual conferences.

In addition, online learning is great opportunity to build skills that will help position you for success into the future.

It’s Interactive

Presenters are using real-time surveys or quizzes to gauge your thoughts, perspectives and comprehension. They’re using games to foster attendee interaction and participation. And they’re using break-out rooms to encourage small-team collaboration.

Many conference apps and event platforms now allow you to connect and chat with other attendees virtually and to promote ideas and information on social media channels.

It’s More Than Just a Screen

Presenters are augmenting their online presentations with worksheets and other materials. Some are complementing presentations with podcasts. Others are taking things outdoors, holding audio-only presentations and encouraging participants to take a walk as they listen.

This not only makes sessions more interesting, it aids learning. Research show that blended learning, which is individual study plus instructor led education, is the most effective way to teach new material.

It’s Comfortable

Perhaps the best part of online education and events is that you can participate from the comfort of your home where you can spend more time with your family.