For centuries, the traditional form of Online Learning has been quite popular all across the globe. It requires those aiming to gain knowledge to be present in a classroom setting. Thus, people used to cover long distances to acquire knowledge and develop their skills.
However, in today’s technology-driven world, learning is no longer restricted to traditional forms. Rather online learning has emerged as a new norm. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals and educational institutions shifted to online learning as an alternative to in-person learning. Online learning enabled them to gain and impart knowledge, even during turbulent times. In addition, the multitude of benefits of online learning pushed them to continue with this form of learning in the post-COVID era.
Now, the question is: What are the benefits of online learning? Here, we are unfolding six top benefits of online learning that you should know:
1. Self-paced Learning
One of the chief benefits of online learning is self-paced learning. It allows you to study and learn at your own pace. Depending on your learning style, you can take as much time as you want to understand concepts and gain knowledge.
In online learning, slow learners can get ample time to go through a lesson and absorb the relevant material. They no longer have to take the pressure of catching up with the fast learners. Fast-paced learners, on the other hand, can save plenty of time by fast-forwarding the already known information. Furthermore, online learning provides the option of completing a degree in a shorter time span. Individuals can enroll in an accelerated online degree program that holds the same credibility as a three or four-year program.
2. Convenience and Flexibility
In today’s fast-paced world, hectic schedules have overburdened everyone. People find themselves stuck in the middle of school, social obligations, and family responsibilities. As a result, learning usually gets compromised.
Online learning is quite significant in this regard. It allows you to have flexible study hours depending on your convenience. You no longer have to worry about waking up early and getting ready for a class. As online learning gives you the autonomy to decide the time for your study, you can even schedule to study at night. It could help you continue your part-time job or any other work during the daytime. Consequently, you will not feel overwhelmed and can easily maintain a healthy work-study balance. Thus, online learning provides you with flexibility and convenience.
3. Reduced Costs
Getting an education is expensive, especially if you are taking a traditional route. On-campus degree programs and courses cost thousands of dollars annually. In the US alone, the annual tuition fee in any university ranges from $5,000 to $50,000. Thus, in many cases, students find it hard to continue their education and have to leave college or university midway.
Online learning serves as the best solution to financial problems. Virtual degrees and courses are way cheaper than traditional ones. Since you study online, you don’t have to pay for the commute and can study from any part of the world. It can help to cut down your overall costs of using public transport or maintaining fuel and car. A lot of money can be saved by using online resource material and digital versions of books. Hence, since online learning reduces costs for institutions and students, its popularity continues to increase.
4. Customized Learning Environment
Another primary benefit of online learning is that it allows you to customize your learning environment. Depending on your comfort and convenience, you can create your study spot. You can adjust your chair, study table, and laptop the way you want. In other words, online learning allows you to learn in any setting that is conducive to your needs for studying. Some people don’t find themselves comfortable in a class of 40-50 students. They want complete silence to focus on the lecture. On the contrary, some people find it hard to concentrate in absolute silence. They want some motivational sessions to keep going while learning virtually.
Moreover, many people have part-time jobs and other social obligations that don’t allow them to study in any specific setting. Online learning is significant in this regard as it helps to create a learning atmosphere where you think your productivity can reach its maximum potential. Moreover, it doesn’t confine you to any physical or geographical setting. You can learn from wherever you want.
5. Technical and Soft Skills
In a workplace, higher academic credentials are not enough to excel in the field. Instead, a person must hone technical and soft skills to ensure the maximum output. Online learning can play a crucial part in boosting these skills.
Through short online courses and MOOCs, online learning helps you to acquire technical knowledge related to your field. Moreover, virtual learning also assists you in learning about various digital tools and content management systems. Likewise, you can also learn the use of Skype, Dropbox, and Slack. The technical skills acquired through online learning can be highlighted in your resume.
Apart from technical skills, online learning also helps enhance your soft skills. Since your classmates in an online class are from various geographical regions, it allows you to build a network of people related to your field. Moreover, you can also communicate with your peers through discussion boards and teleconferencing. Online learning also hones your time-management skills and gives you the experience of working in a remote setting. The experience of virtual learning, combined with technical and soft skills, can prove invaluable to acquiring any remote job.
Conclusion
The advancement in technology resulted in the evolution of online learning. However, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that online learning became a norm. Online learning has many benefits. It allows you to acquire accelerated degrees and offers greater flexibility. You can also create a customized learning environment to ensure better learning. Online learning also assists in imparting technical and soft skills to those pursuing them. Moreover, the low educational costs of online learning give it an edge over the traditional classroom setting. Hence, online education can help you advance your career by providing a myriad of benefits.