Earning an online degree can prove beneficial in various ways, depending on what the student is after. Federal data shows that one-third of students took at least one of their courses online in the fall term of 2018. There is an increase in online students every year and with good reason.
Due to the flexibility, variety of online degrees, and many benefits of online learning, there are numerous students who choose to pursue it. So, let’s take a look at a few of those benefits.
1. Lower Cost
Online programs can oftentimes prove to be less costly than taking the traditional route. Although the program in itself may not always be cheaper than traditional classes, the total cost is generally lower. The decreased cost is due to the fact that you won’t have to deal with housing expenses and transportation.
Sometimes students can even save up on course material, with many textbooks being available online at no cost. In addition, many universities now acknowledge and accept credits from Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) free online courses, which could help you complete the program faster.
Another factor that could contribute to the tuition being easier to pay off is the fact that most of the time, with an online program, you will have enough free time to maintain a full or part-time job. This can decrease your student debt due to the fact that you would be having an income from an early stage.
2. Flexibility
Having the flexibility factor in education can play a major role in a student’s decision to commit to online learning. Many students need to balance work and school, or simply don’t want to commit to a full-time program that requires their physical presence at the university campus.
An online program allows students to juggle between school and work while also leaving space for them to grow professionally. Flexibility is also welcome to people who have a family to take care of and aren’t able to attend university in the traditional way.
Flexibility can also be beneficial to those who prefer to digest smaller portions of a lecture over time. Many universities will offer power-point presentations on subjects, allowing students to portion the information and learn it throughout the day.
3. More Time
Everyone has different reasons for wanting more free time from university obligations, whether it is for work, hobbies, family, or others. In this regard, since online programs don’t require commuting, they can often save time.
Apart from generally having more time, you will also have the opportunity to think thoroughly before sharing your opinion or your argument on a particular subject. Additionally, sometimes there is no real-time classroom, and you will have time to construct an idea the best way you can before you share it with your professor and classmates.
4. Comfortable Learning Environment
Having a comfortable environment to study can be crucial to many students. While some prefer to study in libraries, many find that their homes are a much more suitable location.
Some students don’t enjoy traditional classrooms and having to speak in front of many people. This is why sometimes, being able to follow the coursework online will make the information more digestible to them. Having a comfortable environment to learn, in most cases, helps students to be more motivated and achieve better results.
5. Improving Virtual Communication Skills
In a day and age when many functions are moving online, improving your virtual skills is a necessity. Consequently, getting your education online can be of great help, since communication, both written and auditory, is virtual when getting an online degree.
Working with others in a virtual environment can also help you gain leadership skills. You’ll get a chance to create efficient processes, use specialized knowledge, and make decisions regarding the best communication practices. This can, in the future, prepare you for knowing when to set up a meeting and what can be done electronically.
While you study online, you will get a chance to participate in different discussion boards with your classmates. Discussion boards will help you strengthen your ability to make clear, strong, and professional arguments and points via text. In addition, you will understand netiquette rules better and improve your overall virtual communication skills.
6. Focus on Ideas
One of the advantages of online learning is that it can help you focus more on ideas than on how you’re presenting them verbally and your body language. With most of the communication and assignments being done non-verbally, the limelight falls on the content of what you’re presenting.
Once you take out the other factors, students will likely put more time into making their idea their prime focus. This can, in turn, help them create a more in-depth and clear presentation. As such, this can help students get better results for their work.
7. Self-Paced Learning
One of the benefits of online education is that it offers a lot of flexibility, and with that, you will be able to learn at your own pace. Some students don’t deal well with having a fixed studying schedule and would rather learn and listen to lectures when they feel most focused. Hence, the flexibility that online education offers is perfectly suitable for them.
Furthermore, self-paced learning can also help you develop time management skills since you will be the one determining your own schedule. Because there is oftentimes no set classroom time, students have to resort to planning ahead and choosing the time when they will study.
Time management skills are appreciated by almost any hiring manager. These skills show that you will be able to complete the tasks in minimum time and make the most out of it.
8. A Broader Perspective
Because of the nature of online learning, you can expect to have contact with people from different parts of the world. Since the program doesn’t require the students to be in the country where the university is, you’ll get a chance to communicate with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Apart from networking with students from other countries, students also have an opportunity to witness a different kind of thinking from their own. This builds a more global perspective, which is a great asset in both studying and working.
Employers are always seeking people who are prone to innovation. Usually, this skill comes from outside of your immediate world. Having an idea of certain countries adopt new technologies, how their industries work, and their take on any given subject can give inspiration for new ideas or even new takes on something that you’re already working on.
9. Self-Motivation
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Succeeding in getting an online degree generally takes a lot of self-motivation. Since an online program comes with such flexibility, you will be in charge of setting priorities, dealing with multiple tasks, and working on changing conditions.
These skills you gain will prove more than valuable in your career. Since you will have to motivate yourself to put the work in, you will also have to think critically about what you do day-to-day and how you do it. Self-motivation, along with critical thinking, are skills that will help you, not only study easier but also in your current or future job.
Although these skills can also be learned in traditional classrooms, they come more into focus when you’re following an online program.
10. Accessibility To Learning Content
When learning online, everything you need is just one click away. From the reading material to your notes, recorded lectures, and discussions with other students and teachers — everything is on your computer, and you can easily access it at any time.
Moreover, you no longer have to worry about carrying printed versions of the course material or losing your notes. You can also create group chats or share documents with the other students and access each other’s notes and explanations about the course you follow. Your computer and all the valuable material stored in it will become your best friend as you go through online learning.
11. Updated Learning Material
Another benefit of online learning is that you are more likely to work with up-to-date learning materials than in traditional physical classes. If new inventions, discoveries, or studies prove something new or different from what was previously believed, the information will be spread quickly in online courses. Because everything is done virtually, making textual changes and updates to the material is relatively easy. This way, you always keep in step with the times and avoid studying material that is not relevant anymore.
12. Reduced stress
Because of the already-mentioned cost-effective nature of online learning, combined with the flexibility offered and the comfort of going through your studies from your own home, everything accumulates to provide you with a setting and experience that helps reduce stress. Not having to worry about being stuck in traffic, having to skip lectures due to work shifts, or the crushing weight of the cost associated with most traditional degree programs, will make you feel more secure and at ease as you go about your studies.
Of course, you will occasionally worry about your upcoming finals or unfinished projects. However, according to a survey, 63% of students who go through online learning agree that such a learning platform has helped reduce the stress associated with studying.
13. Convenient for Career Changes
Although career changes can be intimidating, with an online learning environment, you can easily make the transition as you can enroll in introductory courses and increase the complexity according to your pace. Online learning programs are the best course of action if you are interested in switching to another career but do not have the luxury of quitting your current job to pursue studies in this new field. They offer you plenty of space to continue with your established career while simultaneously working toward making a shift.
14. Expansion of Online Programs and Courses
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, online learning was widely considered a simple alternative to traditional face-to-face learning. However, since people have been forced into this new method for a while, there has been a significant surge in the popularity of online learning. With this increase in popularity and the number of students who demand it, so has the quality and variety of the online programs and courses.
Universities that did not offer online choices before now do. If you weren’t sure before, feel safe knowing that online learning is not some lesser version of a program but is just as efficient and credible as the traditional one.
15. Retain Information for Longer Periods of Time
Data gathered from a study showed that the majority of students agree that online learning has helped with their memory. 71% of the students fully agreed that online learning helps them retain information for extended periods, 21% somewhat agreed with this, and only 8% disagreed.
The students exclaimed that since online learning has helped with their motivation and communication, it has led to better engagement in class and thus memorization of information from classes.
Is an Online Degree Right for You?
Now, onto the million-dollar question: is an online degree right for you? Well, you are on the hot seat and must come up with the answer.
Whether such an approach is suitable for you or not depends on, well, you. The truth is that there are many benefits to online learning, as is the case with traditional education. If you are looking for a way to grow academically and professionally while having more space and finances to pursue other things as well, or if you prefer to work from the comfort of your home and have minimum physical contact with people, this is the option for you.
The important thing is to find a university that understands how best to make you feel comfortable and yet challenges you academically to grow into the best version of yourself.
FAQs
What are some advantages of online learning? ›
- Flexibility. ...
- Reduced Costs. ...
- More Free Time. ...
- Increased Course Variety. ...
- Career Advancement Opportunities. ...
- Increased Collaboration. ...
- Personalized Education. ...
- Enhanced Time Management Skills.
- E-learning Fully Adjusts to Your Needs. Online studying is designed to accommodate everyone's needs. ...
- Reduced Cost. ...
- Remote Approach To Various Classes. ...
- Transfer Credits & Commuting. ...
- Instant Career Advancement. ...
- Quick Delivery. ...
- Scalability. ...
- Consistency & Teacher Scarcity.
...
42% of companies that use e-learning generate more income.
| Pros of Online Learning | Cons of Online Learning |
|---|---|
| Flexibility | Less Social Interaction |
| Affordability | Limited Course Availability |
| Individualization | Requires High Degree of Self Discipline |
A Safe, Comfortable Environment
With online classes, students have fewer social distractions — a learning advantage when in middle school or high school. Instead of focusing on their appearance or friends sitting just inches away, students focus on the work in front of them.
Flexibility to fit learning into your busy life
One of the top advantages of online learning is flexibility. Online courses enable you to learn virtually anywhere on your schedule. This is especially important if you're like most adults that juggle multiple commitments on top of your education.
Learning from home may allow students to learn in a more comfortable environment. Students who experience bullying, anxiety, discrimination, or harassment may find that online learning benefits their mental health.
What are the 5 biggest advantages of eLearning? ›- Effective at producing good outcomes.
- Everywhere Learning – not limited by place or time.
- Fairer – it extends learning to more people.
- Supports individual learning styles and needs.
- Self paced.
- Cost Effective.
- Time Efficient.
- Easily adaptable, yet consistent.
One of the biggest benefits of online learning in higher education is that it transcends geographical boundaries. It allows students the benefit of a class, irrespective of their physical location. For example, students can easily attend courses from prestigious universities like Oxford & Harvard via e-learning.
What is more effective online learning? ›Students Gain More Knowledge Than In Standard Classes
Because online courses provide students with full control over their studies, they can work at their own pace. Pupils, on average, work faster and absorb more information in online courses than they would otherwise.
Online courses are convenient. The biggest advantage of an online course is that your classroom and instructor (theoretically) are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Your only excuse for missing class is not getting online! Otherwise, everything is available to you.
What are some interesting facts about online learning? ›
eLearning Facts And Stats
Online learning through different methods typically requires 40–60% less time than traditional classroom learning. In addition, with eLearning, applicants study nearly 5 times more material without increasing the time spent in training.
Research shows that students learn more when they are in-person at school. Students receiving in-person instruction have fewer distractions, increased concentration, and can receive more direct, personalized learning experiences that keep them from falling behind.
Why is online school better for kids? ›With virtual school, students can complete lessons at their own pace. They can take extra time with subjects that are more difficult for them. Kids who excel can move ahead to the next lesson when they are ready – they don't have to complete busy work while they wait for the rest of the class to catch up.
Why is online school better for children? ›Yes, online learning is ideal for kids that are both excelling in their class and those that require assistance. Some kids are visual learners, while others learn at their own pace. Online learning platforms provide a non-judgmental and communicative way of imparting the right skills to your children.
Why is online school easier? ›For some people, online programs are easier because they offer a flexible schedule. In addition, people with great time management skills and a sense of responsibility can excel in online classes. However, online education may be more challenging for those who enjoy learning in a classroom environment.
Why do people love online learning? ›Unlike in a regular classroom, online learning modules can stimulate and engage the minds of learners with a mix of interactive visual and auditory media. Virtual field trips, video clips, and links to simulations stretch the learning experience and aid in retention.
Why is online school better than traditional school? ›One of the most significant advantages of online classes is flexibility. Although students have deadlines, they have more flexibility during their day since they can work, run errands, and take classes simultaneously. They can also choose when they want to study, finish assignments, listen to lectures, etc.
What is the benefit of being online for children? ›Interactive websites and games help children learn to solve problems as they work their way through the challenges presented to get to the next level. Even simply using the devices makes them more adept at this, learning how to solve problems like programs not working correctly or connection issues.
Why is online school more comfortable? ›More Comfortable Learning Environment
The most visible difference between classroom learning and online learning is each mode's physical environment, the latter of which is typically more comfortable. Online learning allows students to seek an education at their convenience and in the setting of their choosing.
Online Education = Less Stress
Online education is less stressful because of the natural flexibility built into the programs. There's no waking up for 7am classes or rushing through traffic to get to class on time. The programs are designed to be flexible, which allows students to learn at their own pace.
Are students doing better in online school? ›
Some students do as well in online courses as in in-person courses, some may actually do better, but, on average, students do worse in the online setting, and this is particularly true for students with weaker academic backgrounds. Students who struggle in in-person classes are likely to struggle even more online.
What are the positive effects of eLearning on students? ›Distance learning can encourage students to learn more independently wherever they are. Without continuous supervision from the teacher, students have the independence to carry out activities useful for their learning process, such as reading, practicing, repeating the material given, and many more.
What is eLearning and its two benefits? ›With elearning, students can learn at their own pace, from anywhere and at any time. Through delivery methods such as games and social media, elearning also makes the learning process more immersive and interactive. Moreover, elearning enables relatively faster delivery cycles.
What are the advantages of eLearning over the traditional one? ›Users can learn at their own pace and thus have enough time to focus on other important things. Also, as eLearning is provided through digital format, it becomes economical because online training content is less expensive as compared to the printed content of the traditional classroom.
What are the benefits of eLearning vs classroom learning? ›Unlike in a traditional classroom setup, online learning allows you to study wherever and whenever you want. You don't have to deal with commuting and heavy traffic, and you can study from the comfort of your home if you want to.
What are the strengths of this eLearning course? ›- Anywhere… ...
- Anytime, Any Pace… ...
- Synergy. ...
- High Quality Dialog. ...
- Student Centered. ...
- Level Playing Field. ...
- Access to Resources. ...
- Creative Teaching.
- Develop a Schedule. Commit to making your online coursework part of your weekly routine. ...
- Set Specific Goals. Create daily goals and set reminders for yourself to complete tasks within specific windows of time.
- Get Connected. ...
- Create a Designated Study Space. ...
- Stay healthy.
With eLearning, you can study when you want, as often as you want, in your own time. There are other time saving elements, too: no commuting to and from the classroom, the opportunity to choose only the parts of the course you want to learn, and no interruptions.
What type of learning is most effective? ›Practice (by) doing
Practice by doing, a form of "Discover Learning", is one of the most effective methods of learning and study. This method of study encourages students to take what they learn and put it into practice – whereby promoting deeper understanding and moving information from short-term to long-term memory.
In general, online learning is a more affordable option, as you'll get a high-quality education at a much lower cost due to the lower overhead needed to operate these programs.
What is online learning? ›
Online learning refers to instruction that is delivered electronically through various multimedia and Internet platforms and applications. It is used interchangeably with other terms such as web-based learning, e-learning, computer-assisted instruction, and Internet-based learning.
What is online learning essay? ›Through Online learning, you can attend any classes seating at home without being present physically in the classroom, and this all is possible only with the help of a smartphone, earphones; and there is also a requirement of a high-speed network for online classes, and this all required a lot of money, but there are ...
How common is online learning? ›A little more than 1 in 10 postsecondary institutions offer courses primarily online. 2.8 million students (15%) attend primarily online colleges. The average net cost of online college is $516 per credit hour. With fees included, 54% of colleges charge remote students more than in-person students.
What is a fun fact about learning new things? ›YOUR CELLS CHANGE WHEN YOU LEARN STUFF.
Learning new things actually helps your brain cells do things more efficiently by reinforcing the myelin sheath. Some scientists think this is what causes muscle memory.
Education changes you as a person. It makes you more aware of how the world works and why. When you pursue educational greatness, it reflects in you as a person. More than ever, the world needs free-thinkers, which you can train yourself to be.
Why in person learning is better than online facts? ›In-Person Classes Make it Harder for Distractions
In-person classes may be the most convenient option for those students since classrooms create an environment that allows them to focus on the coursework. Having a set class schedule to follow might help them organize their own schedule better as well.
The Advantages of Face to Face Learning in the Classroom
You can access more information and richer understanding through teacher and other students' body language and voice. You have the opportunity to connect with, problem-solve, and network with other students from a wide range of backgrounds.
- Time management. Time management usually equals excellent leadership. ...
- Digital literacy. It's clear we live in a digital world. ...
- Problem-solving skills. ...
- Work-life balance. ...
- Online communication.
Online high school students generally have more freedom and privacy. This means you can choose when you eat lunch, take a restroom break, or simply get up and walk around. Students in an online high school can focus more by approaching their learning in whatever way suits them best.
Why online is better than in person? ›Online courses allow students to learn at their own pace on their own schedule, which is an approach to studying known as asynchronous learning. This format empowers students to take notes, review lectures, and go over other course materials in a way that works best for them.
Are online classes better? ›
You have more control over your schedule
While some programs may require participation in online lectures at certain times, those same lectures are generally archived for later reference. Because online learning is more flexible than classroom-based learning, students can work through material at their own pace.
More Interaction and Greater Ability to Concentrate
While not true for every student, studies suggest that students who are shy participate in online class discussions more easily than face-to-face. Some students also report better concentration in online classes due to the lack of classroom distractions.
Research shows that students learn more when they are in-person at school. Students receiving in-person instruction have fewer distractions, increased concentration, and can receive more direct, personalized learning experiences that keep them from falling behind.
Is online education better than traditional education? ›More Social Interaction and Collaboration:
The traditional education model allows students to interact with each other in and outside of school. But those are mainly face-to-face or telephonic interactions. Online learning model allows further interaction by providing an online platform for discussions.
Successful Students:
Plan to ensure enough time to study and complete assignments. Commit 6 – 9 hours per week per three-credit class. Log in and make progress each day. Persists through challenges. Take notes as they study.
- Create a schedule and manage your time wisely. Keep a semester and a weekly calendar. ...
- Stay organized and be thorough. Have a designated study space that is free of distractions so you can focus on your work. ...
- Remain engaged throughout the whole course. ...
- Take care of yourself. ...
- Know where to turn for help.
Students Gain More Knowledge Than In Standard Classes
Because online courses provide students with full control over their studies, they can work at their own pace. Pupils, on average, work faster and absorb more information in online courses than they would otherwise.
Much of the pre-pandemic research into online higher education concluded that students in online programs did worse than students in in-person courses, with lower grades, higher dropout rates and poorer performance in subsequent classes.
Is online school more difficult? ›Probably not. But they are different and those differences can sometimes make them more difficult for individuals. It's important to remember that online education is more self-directed. Students who know how to stay motivated and study at their own pace could find great success in this type of education.
How did online learning affect students mental health? ›Youth participating in virtual learning also reported feeling less social connection and higher rates of mental health problems, in comparison to their peers who could attend school in-person or in a hybrid model.