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Online study benefits students and our planet!

Online study benefits students and our planet!

Vandana KatyalDr Katyal’s Publications, Uncategorised

KEY TAKEAWAYS

    • Online study reduces the carbon emissions associated with face-to-face learning
    • A large part of this reduction is due to the elimination of petrol use from commuting to physical places of study
    • Energy costs associated with the use of paper and textbooks, still used in many in-person settings, are also reduced
    • The energy demands of other resources that support physical learning, from furniture to electricity, are also positively impacted
    • European studies have found that online learning can reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions by up to 90%

Online study benefits students

Did you realise that, in addition to being far more convenient for those studying, online learning also positively impacts the environment in a number of ways? At BOSS, we are firm believers in the numerous advantages to students of online study, so the thought that this style of learning is also better for the planet really is the icing on the cake!

The most obvious of these benefits became very visible during the pandemic-induced lockdowns of 2020-21: namely, the huge reduction of vehicles on the roads as people worked and studied from home. The consequence of this was a massive reduction in CO2 emissions. Although his change was forced upon us, it created a mass realisation that not only was remote learning and working a very viable option – it was also a greener one.

There have actually been a number of studies into this over the past couple of decades, since the earliest online courses were introduced. A 2017 study (Versteijlen et al) comparing the environmental impacts of online and in-person higher education in the Netherlands found that “online education allows to achieve a huge reduction in carbon emissions”. This finding supported that of a previous 2007 study by the Stockholm Environmental Institute (SEI) which showed that online learning courses resulted in a 90 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, compared with face-to-face courses.

Online study benefits students

As well as the reduction in emissions from reduced travel, the shift from face-to-face lessons to online ones reduces paper waste, and energy demands of other resources common to in-person learning, from textbooks and desks to electricity.

This isn’t to say that online learning leaves no carbon footprint, because any internet-based work still consumes energy (a study by the Boston Consulting Group estimated that it accounts for 2% of the world’s carbon emissions). Despite this, however, when weighed against the costs of commuting and all the other energy demands associated with learning IRL (in real life!), online learning certainly appears to have significantly less impact on the planet.

It has been said that the technological adaptations that we have all made in the past couple of years have not only sped up the development of new technologies, but have also accelerated the adoption of these tools by around five years. With the high quality of online learning experiences that can now be delivered, coupled with the widespread acceptance of online work and learning, the barriers to this mode of education that once existed have been knocked down. The additional consideration of benefits to the environment adds yet more reason to embrace the opportunities of online learning. We at BOSS are firmly onboard!

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What People Are Saying

  • I completed the BOSS UK Diploma in 2021 and when it became available, signed up for the AU course as well. I completed the AU course at the end of last year and can honestly say BOSS (now Digital Orthodontic College) has completely changed my approach to clear aligner treatments and increased my confidence with treatment planning immensely. The fact that the course is 100% online was a huge drawcard for me initially since I have two young children, work clinically part-time and run my own business. It allowed me the flexibility to study when I had the chance and didn’t result in any loss of clinical time. Dr V is extremely passionate about orthodontics and more importantly sharing her wisdom and that comes through in her approach to teaching. The course is extremely comprehensive (NB: the AU course has quite a few complex assessments) and covers everything starting from the basics of tooth movement, which sets a good foundation and is therefore suitable even for beginners. The monthly/bimonthly webinars allow students to share cases and is a safe space, non-judgmental and therefore an incredible learning platform. I had been doing clear aligner treatments prior to starting this course, but BOSS helped me see patients with new eyes and has overhauled my treatment planning approach. I would not hesitate to recommend this course to anyone interested in learning, or to extend their knowledge about, clear aligner treatments.

    Thank you so much Dr V!

    Dr Lora Banicevic, Dentist NSW
  • The Australian accredited 10905NAT Graduate Diploma of Digital Orthodontic Treatment offers comprehensive training in the field, gives the candidate the opportunity to do things in a self-paced manner, while getting a personalised 1-on-1 learning experience with Dr Vandana Katyal. It was an excellent choice for me and gave me the flexibility to get the well-designed training done in my own time frame. I would strongly recommend the course to any practitioners who is looking to upskill themselves with a no-compromise high quality course, while also having to juggle between busy practices and family schedules.

    Dr Charles Sun, Dentist WA
  • I highly recommend the BOSS course to anyone who wants to gain a solid understanding of clear aligners and feel confident when treating patients. Dr. V is incredibly dedicated, providing a lot of support through one-on-one coaching, online webinars, and addressing individual questions on the platforms. The course website also includes a variety of well-organized content that can be accessed at any time.
    Over the 18-month period, there are many opportunities to have your cases evaluated through individual coaching sessions as well as monthly, and occasionally biweekly, webinars which is a great value. I also find the course to be excellent in terms of record keeping knowledge and case selection, which is both beneficial for medico-legal considerations. Overall, I find the course to be highly flexible, informative, and excellent value, and I would recommend it to my colleagues.
    Dr Fatemeh Vejdani, Dentist TAS
  • Received my Diploma in Digital Orthodontics from BOSS and couldn’t be more stoked! Huge shout out to Dr Vandana Katyal and the BOSS team for a wonderful year. I would recommend BOSS to every dentist no matter their level of experience with Orthodontics and clear aligners. Starting off with barely any orthodontic experience, I have commenced about 9 cases in the matter of months and BOSS gave me the confidence to predictably deliver results for my patients through clear aligners which are the future of modern orthodontics.
    Dr Sarang Sathe, Dentist NSW
  • I chose Boss’s clear aligner diploma because I wanted to know the latest evidence based practice to enhance my treatment planning and case execution. I now have a much better understanding of how to diagnose, what movements can be done and what will get me into trouble. The flexible nature of the course delivery also fit perfectly into full time work and my otherwise packed schedule. The monthly case presentation webinars are also great to not only get feedback from Dr Katyal, but also to validate your own thoughts self-assess and see how you are tracking with your learning.

    Dr Gregory Nguyễn, Dentist NSW
  • I have had the privilege of participating in a rigorous educational program that has transformed my approach to digital orthodontics. This program provides exceptional structure from day 1 and offers an abundance of educational resources accessible 24/7. The Monthly group meetings inspired and empowered me to confidently tackle more complex orthodontic cases. The online study format allowed me to learn at my own pace, in the comfort of my own home, and efficiently manage my time while balancing family and work commitments and responsibilities. Dr. Vandana Katyal, an experienced specialist in her field, has provided invaluable guidance and support, dedicating time to ensure comprehensive understanding of orthodontics. Her mentorship has been instrumental in refining my skills in analysis, treatment planning, and delivering high-quality dentistry with aligners. I strongly believe that knowledge is a valuable asset. I highly recommend investing in yourself and studying this 18-month course, it is a decision you will not regret.

    Dr Karina Burbano, Dentist NSW

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