Online learning is a popular alternative to traditional on-campus, in-person learning. In 2019, Research and Markets forecasted that the online education market will reach $230 billion by 2025—and given the major impact of COVID-19, it’s likely that online programs will see even greater growth.
In fact, the pandemic has demonstrated what a practical, sustainable model online learning is. It keeps education accessible during a public health crisis, natural disaster, or other circumstance where students and faculty can’t travel. It can serve students across a wider geographic range, bringing in voices from across the country—and beyond. The online learning environment also promotes a better work-life balance. In this post, we outline the advantages of online learning and how you can leverage them to foster your personal and professional development.
Advantages of Online Learning
The format of online courses can help you thrive both personally and academically, helping you meet your goals.
1. You don’t need to relocate
With online classes, you don’t need to move to a different city or commute long distances in order to attend the program of your choice. You can stay where you are and keep your current job while you work toward enhancing your career with an online college or graduate degree (However, some programs require fieldwork experience, which may necessitate relocation.)
On the other hand, if you want to become a digital nomad—someone who embraces a location-independent, technology-enabled lifestyle—online education may allow you to do that too. You can watch lectures and complete your coursework wherever you are—whether that’s at home, in a café, or on an exotic beach.
2. It’s easier to achieve optimal school-life balance
Whether you’re a full-time or part-time online student, the online learning experience allows for a much more flexible schedule. Some elements may be synchronous: You may need to attend live lectures, demonstrations, or discussion sessions. But many elements will be asynchronous, meaning that you can complete them at your own pace, learning at the time of day and in the place that works best for you.
When you’re more in control of your schedule, time management goes more smoothly. It’s easier to maintain an active social and family life while earning your college degree or graduate degree. It is possible to have it all: education, professional development, and a vibrant personal life.
3. It helps you develop and stick to healthy habits
Another benefit of online learning and a better school-life balance is that you can develop greater discipline about healthy habits. Not everyone enjoys squeezing in a workout or yoga session at the crack of dawn or right before bed. So if you’re learning from home, you can take a midday jog or online Pilates class. You can even take a power nap, which research has shown can benefit memory and learning.
Studying from home can also give you more time to focus on self-care. Whether through self-reflection, meditation, or yoga, practicing self-care can help boost your confidence and emotional intelligence.
4. You have more time to do the things you love
If you’re taking in-person classes but don’t live near campus, commuting can take up a significant amount of your time. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average daily commute time is 54.2 minutes. If you’re like most people, you’d probably rather avoid traffic or crowded public transportation. And saving that 54 minutes per day (or more) will free up time you can spend working, exercising, having fun, or connecting with loved ones. In fact, spending time away from work has been shown to ultimately boost productivity and creativity.
5. Online learning makes it possible to keep your job
Many graduate students can’t afford to take time off from work. Or they want to keep working on career advancement while staying in their current position, improving their credentials and applying their learning on the job. So if you want to continue working at your current job while earning your degree, online education is a great way to go. You don’t have to choose between school and work—you can do both.
6. You can create your own office
It’s an advantage to be able to create your own workspace. You can set up your desk at just the right height and find a supportive office chair—or you can work from your couch. Not only can your setup be more physically comfortable, but studies show that 42% of workers believe they’re more productive working at home.
7. It’s easier to concentrate and participate
Since different people are productive at different times of day, online learning allows you to work at the time when your brain is most engaged. Also, some people have trouble concentrating and participating in crowded classrooms. Online learning can make it easier for students to focus and for more introverted students to chime in with questions or ideas, which can help boost their confidence and positivity.
Skills and Positive Traits Gained from Online Learning
8. Boost your time management skills
Staying organized is key to being a successful student. Find a method that works well for you, such as exploring these time management techniques, using planners, or trying out new virtual tools for productivity.
9. Learn new technical skills
Immersing yourself in the technology that powers online learning will enhance your technical literacy.
10. Enhance your communication skills
Online learning creates opportunities to interact, participate, and communicate with your peers and instructors in different ways.
11. Develop self-motivation and self-discipline
In order to stick to a schedule and keep up with your coursework, you must learn self-motivation and self-discipline—qualities that will serve you well in your personal and professional life.
Additional Benefits of Online Learning
12. Reduce your carbon footprint
Not only do you save money on gas, which averages out to $1,300 per person annually in the United States—you can save paper by lessening your reliance on printed materials, ultimately reducing your carbon footprint.
13. Reduce stress
Learning at your own pace, participating in ways that feel more comfortable, and not having an arduous commute can help you limit stress.
14. Cook at home more instead of eating out
Spending more time at home makes cooking easier, which is ideal for healthy eating and saving money.
15. Expand your horizons
Connecting with classmates from all around the world can help you share different cultural perspectives on your field, which makes you a more broad-minded practitioner.
16. Network with your peers
Meeting classmates online can give you opportunities to network across a wider geographic region, which can help you advance your career. You might even find a mentor who can help support and guide you to apply your learning on the job.
Sources:
Bailey, Allison, Nithya Vaduganathan, Tyce Henry, Renee Laverdiere, and Lou Pugliese. “Making Digital Work: Success Strategies from Six Leading Universities and Community Colleges.” Boston Consulting Group, March 2018. https://edplus.asu.edu/sites/default/files/BCG-Making-Digital-Learning-Work-Apr-2018%20.pdf. Accessed: January 26, 2022
Cavanaugh, Joseph K. and Stephen J. Jacquemin. “A Large Sample Comparison of Grade Based Student Learning Outcomes in Online vs. Face-to-Face Courses.” Online Learning 19, no. 2 (February 2015). http://dx.doi.org/10.24059/olj.v19i2.454. Accessed: January 26, 2022
Shaw, Gabby. “Here’s How Much the Average Person Spends on Gas in Every State.” Business Insider. February 15, 2019. https://www.businessinsider.com/how-much-the-average-person-spends-on-gas-in-every-state-2019-2. Accessed: January 26, 2022
ManpowerGroup. “Closing the Skills Gap: Know What Workers Want.” 2019. https://workforce-resources.manpowergroup.com/closing-the-skills-gap-know-what-workers-want/closing-the-skills-gap-know-what-workers-want. Accessed: January 26, 2022
Levitz, Ruffalo Noel. “2018 National Student Satisfaction and Priorities Report.” 2018. http://learn.ruffalonl.com/rs/395-EOG-977/images/2018_National_Student_Satisfaction_Report_EM-031.pdf. Accessed: January 26, 2022
Roy, Robin, Stephen Potter, Karen Yarrow, and Mark Smith. “Towards Sustainable Higher Education: Environmental impacts of campus-based and distance higher education systems.” Design Innovation Group. March 2005. http://www3.open.ac.uk/events/3/2005331_47403_o1.pdf. Accessed: January 26, 2022
West, Robin L., Natalie C. Ebner, and Erin C. Hastings. “Linking Goals and Aging.” In New Developments in Goal Setting and Task Performance, edited by Edwin A. Locke and Gary P. Latham, 439–459. Routledge Taylor and Francis Group, 2013. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalie-Ebner/publication/287491758_Linking_goals_and_aging_Experimental_and_life-span_approaches/links/56773c0008ae502c99d2f10a/Linking-goals-and-aging-Experimental-and-life-span-approaches.pdf. Accessed: January 26, 2022
FAQs
What are 5 advantages of online learning? ›
- Online courses are convenient. ...
- Online courses offer flexibility. ...
- Online courses bring education right to your home. ...
- Online courses offer more individual attention. ...
- Online courses help you meet interesting people. ...
- Online courses give you real world skills.
- Flexibility. ...
- Reduced Costs. ...
- More Free Time. ...
- Increased Course Variety. ...
- Career Advancement Opportunities. ...
- Increased Collaboration. ...
- Personalized Education. ...
- Enhanced Time Management Skills.
Counting advantage of digital learning, the students will not only be taught at a low cost but also they may have flexibility in choosing their schedules, availability of study materials, learning new technological tools and in-demand experts whenever needed.
What are the benefits to the institution of an online system? ›- Startup costs are lower. ...
- Enhanced data security. ...
- Improved accessibility. ...
- Faster deployment. ...
- Cost predictability. ...
- Easier to maintain.
It reduces nervousness among students, as many are able to communicate more through online education than regular classes. One can learn from merely anyplace as long as they have an available internet device. Online education normally provides a chance to study at our own speed as there is no rush.
What are the 3 main advantages of eLearning? ›- Flexibility. The first advantage of e-learning is flexibility in terms of time and place. ...
- Availability. ...
- Efficiency. ...
- Low Cost. ...
- Mobile. ...
- Internet connection. ...
- Discipline. ...
- Distraction.
Students Learn More
Online courses give students full control over what they are learning, so students are able to work at their own speed. They are able to work quickly through areas they understand, and spend more time on areas they do not.
The biggest advantage of online classes is their flexibility. It gives students the freedom to establish their own learning rate without feeling rushed. Students can simply attend courses whenever it is convenient for them because they have access to recorded videos and online reading material.
What are some advantages and disadvantages of online learning? ›Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|
Less Intensity | Excess exposure to screen time |
The comfort of your Home | Requires self-discipline and time management skills Diminished social interaction |
Easier Attendance | Lack of trust between teacher and students |
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.
Why online learning is better than in person? ›
IBM have found that participants learn five times more material in online learning courses using multimedia content than in traditional face to face courses. Because online courses give students full control over their own learning, students are able to work at their own speed.
Why online learning is better than traditional learning? ›Students can learn and complete online education courses within their own timeframe as compared to traditional learning. Secondly, it gives proper education by experts in particular subjects. It takes less time to learn much because the experts teach particular topics in less time.
What are the advantages of learning? ›It helps you be flexible.
By consistently educating yourself and trying new things, you'll learn you're capable of change and growth, which keeps you open to new opportunities in life. “Learning a new skill can get you out of a rut.
Online learning is great for those who want to manage studies with work and other life activities. With adjustable schedules and less burden, they can learn with ease. Classrooms require more discipline and active participation. Teachers get greater command over students in a traditional learning environment.
What are the advantages of face to face learning? ›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.
“ - Online education is a form of education which is delivered and administered using the Internet. 20 years ago, it would've been difficult to imagine high quality instruction delivered online, but today, in the digital age, it's become a reality. Now online education, or online learning, is a broad term.
Are online 200 word classes effective? ›Short Essay on Online Education (200 – 250 Words)
It is an exciting and effective way of learning by making use of your mobile phones, laptops, or tablets. It offers lots of advantages as well as disadvantages to both the teachers and students. Online education is a flexible way of learning from anywhere.
Online learning is education that takes place over the Internet. It is often referred to as “e- learning” among other terms. However, online learning is just one type of “distance learning” - the umbrella term for any learning that takes place across distance and not in a traditional classroom.
How eLearning has benefited the society? ›Digital learning can improve the performance of individuals, businesses, and society by promoting vital, future-ready skills, such as communication, collaboration, technology, and education. Making online learning accessible for everyone from preschool students to post-graduate learners is in all of our best interests.
What are the advantages of modular learning discuss in 5 7 sentences? ›MODULAR LEARNING TEACH THE STUDENTS VALUES, NOT SPECIFIC LESSONS WHICH IS REPETITIVE. There are actually lessons which are not found in the modules but the students learn this pandemic. These are the values of making an effort, time management, discipline and experimentation.
Why Is online learning the future of education? ›
With online learning, schools can open up class space to more students from more places, including those who don't live in the area or who could not otherwise make it to a school in person. This provides more choice and opportunity for parents, especially those in areas with limited school resources.
How do students feel about online learning? ›A follow-up survey of students' experiences suggests that online students had trouble concentrating on their coursework and felt less connected to both their peers and instructors relative to their in-person peers. Cacault et al. (2021) also use an RCT to assess the effects of online lectures in a Swiss university.
What do students prefer online learning or face-to-face? ›Most want in-person education
According to researchers, 65 percent of students preferred in-person instruction, compared to 18 percent who prefer a hybrid model and 9 percent who reported they'd rather learn remotely.
Just a few years back online learning was considered non-essential. Most of the parents and students who got online learning solutions considered it supplementary. However, the pandemic times showed the benefits of online schooling and how it is not just a supplementary source, but the future of education.
Can Online education replace offline education? ›But now the question arises whether online learning will replace school classes. Traditional schooling and online school learning both have unique advantages. Ideally, people should learn to make the best use of both systems. But school classes should not be replaced by online learning.
What is the advantage and disadvantages? ›As nouns, the difference between disadvantage and advantage is that disadvantage is a weakness or undesirable characteristic; a con while the advantage is any condition, circumstance, opportunity, or means, particularly favorable to success, or any desired end.
Why is online school better for mental health? ›Learn From Home
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. Students who enjoyed learning from home in 2020 may prefer to continue.
- Online Learning Requires Self-Discipline. ...
- Online Learning Requires Additional Training for Instructors. ...
- Online Classes Are Prone to Technical Issues. ...
- Online Learning means more screen-time.
...
Disadvantages of online classes
- Screen time. ...
- Isolation. ...
- Technical equipment. ...
- Extra work for teachers. ...
- Focus. ...
- Lack of hands-on learning.
As nouns, the difference between disadvantage and advantage is that disadvantage is a weakness or undesirable characteristic; a con while the advantage is any condition, circumstance, opportunity, or means, particularly favorable to success, or any desired end.
What are the advantages of face to face learning? ›
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.
IBM have found that participants learn five times more material in online learning courses using multimedia content than in traditional face to face courses. Because online courses give students full control over their own learning, students are able to work at their own speed.
Is online learning good or bad? ›While an online method of education can be a highly effective alternative medium of education for the mature, self-disciplined student, it is an inappropriate learning environment for more dependent learners.
What are the effects of online learning on student performance? ›E-learning results and analyses
The analysis on the pre and post-tests, using the means comparison and one sample test, shows an increase of students' performance by 84%, the mean of the pre-test is around 7.5 and the post test is 13.85, a significant difference of 6.35.
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.
- Present your best (online) self.
- Use technology to your advantage.
- Find what inspires your students.
- Set goals and help students stick to them.
- Keep it interactive.
- Break down the lessons and make it digestible.
- Make your students feel valued.
- Be patient with your students.
Embracing digital communication through emails, student chat rooms, social media channels, online forums, and more, is the key to increasing the effectiveness of online learning. Students can interact with classmates and raise doubts relevant to the course and assignments.
What are the 20 advantages of technology? ›- Technology gives us ways to eliminate repetition. ...
- It gives us the ability to create more equality in our society. ...
- We have more knowledge available to us because of technology. ...
- Technology lets us have fun in unique ways. ...
- We understand the value of money better because of technology.
- It will make our life easier.
- It helps us organize our daily activities.
- This helps our work can be done faster.
- It helps us to communicate more easily with others.
- This helps us to better know and understand other cultures and societies.
It is often referred to as “e- learning” among other terms. However, online learning is just one type of “distance learning” - the umbrella term for any learning that takes place across distance and not in a traditional classroom.
Why Is online learning better than in-person? ›
2) Online classes offer self-paced learning and schedule flexibility. For people who do not appreciate the structure of in-person classroom meetings, online learning is a great alternative. Students all work and learn at different paces, and online classes offer the ability for students to follow their own schedules.
Do students learn better online or in a classroom? ›Scientists looking at the effectiveness of distance learning found that in some studies, distance education students performed slightly better in exams and grades than traditional classroom students, but that overall the average performance outcomes weren't that different.