Some students don’t have the financial support to enroll themselves in a college. While others can’t quit their full-time job.
In countries like the UK and the US, online education has gained a lot of popularity. In online learning, students join virtual lectures, chat with fellow students, ask questions to their professor, give virtual exams, and more. But why online learning has grown so much in such a short amount of time?
They are several reasons why online learning has become one of the most preferred forms of learning. In this article we will discuss the top 10 common reasons:
Table of Contents
1.) Work from anywhere, at any time
One of the most appealing benefits of online learning is, it allows students to work and study as per their schedule. Since everything is available online, students can access study material, submit work, and even post questions online as per their convenience. It doesn’t matter where the student is as long as he/she is submitting their assignments on time.
2.) Review lectures instantly
According to a recent study, it is found that students lose focus at least 3-4 times during a 50 minutes lecture. In online classes, however, students can review the words of the professor instantly. They can either rewind the lecture or read the script that accompanies the lecture. The option of watching the recording of the entire lecture again later or some portions of it, is very helpful for preparing for exams.
3.) Less intimidating
Many students are not comfortable when sitting in a class or speaking in public. In an online environment, it becomes easier for them to share their thoughts with others. With more than 65% of people suffering from speech anxiety, online education tends to foster better class participation.
4.) More time to think before sharing
Online schooling features discussion like element, similar to on-campus. Students who are studying on-campus have to choose their words and formulate a thought quickly, sometimes they have to speak before they have fully examined everything. However, in online classes, students can spend as much time as they want before giving an answer. This leads to greater confident and more interesting discussions.
5.) Focus on ideas
With online learning, students don’t have to worry about body language. While body language is an effective way to convey your thoughts, some students don’t have the confidence. But with online learning, students don’t have to worry about body language. They can focus on their ideas.
6.) Group communication & Collaboration
Many programs have started including projects that promote teamwork and collaboration. Students enrolled in on-campus has to select a particular where every member of the group is free. Whereas, in online learning, students can drop mails, or have chat rooms where they can discuss their projects easily. Geographically separated students in different time zones, learn to collaborate for projects and assignments – an important skill for today’s workforce.
7.) Flexible learning schedule
On-campus students have to endure lectures that last hours. But with online learning, the lectures are long, but the student has the freedom to pause and take a break if they feel too tired. Also, the professor can use online presentations that can make it easy for students to digest all the information. In simple words, a student can experience the first half of the lesson one day, and the next half on the next day.
8.) Cost
The cost of an online course is less than traditional colleges. Students also save money on things like transportation, infrastructure fee, parking, hostel, and more. This makes online learning a much cheaper alternative to traditional colleges. Some institutions even offer Massive Online Open Courses – MOOCs.
9.) Diversity and choice of Instructors
In colleges, students are limited to teachers close to home. The online student can take French from a teacher in France and a travel-writing course from a writer who is actually out traveling, without leaving the comfort of their home.
10.) Student – Instructor interaction
In traditional colleges, talking to a professor after a class can be challenging. Yes, instructors have office hours but it is only an hour or two, with so many students waiting for their attention, this time is too less. While professors who teach online may also have set hours, but web-based technology makes it easier for multiple students to talk to the professor at the same time. Professor can also hop online at night or during intermission to address some questions or leave a comment.
In recent years, online learning has evolved and is widely accepted. You can monitor your study environment, which allows you to gain more understanding of your course. New learning models are constantly emerging on the market, which gives students different ways to complete their education according to their speed. This also gives individuals a chance to complete a degree that they may have started but failed to finish due to any reason. It is advisable for students to enroll themselves in the best online learning, available from well-known world renowned institutions because the future is exciting and filled with opportunities.