Introduction
In our post-pandemic world, so many things have changed – ‘the new normal’ as they call it. One area that has exploded is the online learning space. Prior to 2020, online learning was available, but most students chose to attend in person. However, since being forced to move fully online a few years ago, most colleges and universities are sticking with online learning as a viable alternative to in-person classes. It is becoming a popular option, with many benefits for learners. Let’s look at a few reasons why students are embracing distance learning.
Table of Contents
Benefits Of Online Learning
You Can Work At Your Own Pace
One of the biggest benefits of online learning is the ability to work through the course at your own pace. Not everyone learns at the same pace and the ability to rewatch lessons for consolidation can make a big difference. Self-paced learning can lead to improvement in memory and knowledge retention when students have the option to consolidate the knowledge in their own time. In addition, it eliminates the feeling of having to maintain the same pace as classmates, a pressure that can have a negative impact on some people.
Flexibility
Many people choose online learning because of the flexibility it offers. Being able to work through the course at any time and from anywhere is a huge attraction for many and allows some people to complete a course they would have been unable to otherwise.
The flexibility of distance learning means the term ‘poor student’ doesn’t have to apply anymore. If you choose, you can work part-time or full-time during the day, and study in the evening. Similarly, parents can spend days with their children and remove the need for expensive childcare.
Even students with no other commitments can use the flexibility of online learning to be out in nature during a sunny day and complete their studies in the evening, which could contribute to good mental and physical health.
Fewer Interruptions To Learning
In the past, extreme weather, train strikes, or personal injury would have disrupted education and led to students missing out. With online learning, this is no longer the case. If students cannot attend lessons in person for any reason, they can still participate virtually in the lesson and don’t have to miss out.
Easier To Communicate With Lecturers And Classmates
When you are in a large class, it can be difficult to get an opportunity to speak to the lecturers during or after lessons, as they will likely have another class coming in. With remote learning, digital communication with staff means they can reply to your requests when they have free time, instead of you chasing them around the building during your lunch break!
Save Money
Online learning can save students a lot of money compared to studying on campus. Previously, studying at a university or college outside your home town meant expensive student accommodation. Not only can you now study from your own home, but you can work alongside your studies, meaning you don’t need to get into mountains of debt to get a degree.
The usual cost of textbooks can also be reduced, with most distance learning courses offering digital versions of materials.
Lack Of Commute
Another way students save money studying from home is the lack of commute. The cost of public transport or fuel and parking can add up quickly and digital learning removes both the cost and the hassle.
In the USA, the average commute to work is 27 minutes each way, with the average college commute being 10 miles. With online learning, students can benefit from not sitting in traffic during rush hour. Instead, their mental health will be improved by spending this time on hobbies and leisure activities
Opportunity To Interact With Students Worldwide
The social aspect of online learning has improved dramatically in the past few years. As an online student, you will have the opportunity to interact virtually with fellow students from all over the world. In contrast to in-person lessons, where you may be inclined to stick to a small social group, with virtual learning you will be interacting with a more diverse group of people.
Online Classes To Further Your Current Career
Another sector where online learning can be beneficial is for professional development within your existing career. Being able to study online means you can work your studies around your job, without having to change your hours or have it impact on your working day.
Learn Organizational And Time Management Skills
The independence and autonomy that remote learning offers allow you to develop good organizational and time management skills. In the absence of a structured timetable, you will have to manage your own studies and organize a study schedule for yourself.
To enjoy the benefits of online learning, you will need to take digital learning seriously and manage your time efficiently. The time management skills learned during remote learning can be applied to the rest of your life, making you more efficient in other areas too.
Potential Disadvantages Of Online Learning
As with most things, digital learning also has its disadvantages. The following may cause challenges for certain people and should be considered before committing to an online course:
Too Many Online Distractions
Having all of your learning resources available to you at all times on your phone or laptop is so convenient, but the trouble is that your social media accounts are on the same device! Even the most determined of us can find it difficult to ignore a What’s App notification or the ping of an email, and this can be a big distraction when you are trying to study. If you think online distractions will be too tempting, consider turning your notifications off, or turning your phone off completely if you are using another device.
Technology Issues
As most of us know, technology is great – when it works! On the first day of lockdown in the UK in March 2020, Microsoft Teams crashed across the country as hundreds of thousands of students and teachers attempted to begin their homeschooling journey. When technology issues arise, it can ruin the best-laid plans and leave virtual students with no way to access the lessons.
Once you have enrolled in an online course, try to download any materials that can be viewed offline, leaving you with a backup if the site crashes at any point, or you are having internet issues.
Lack Of Structure
While working from home and creating your own schedule sounds great, not everyone thrives in this situation. Being in charge of yourself takes a lot of self-discipline and some people struggle to keep themselves motivated.
If you attend classes in person, you have no choice but to get up when your early morning alarm goes off. However, if you are learning from home, it is easy to convince yourself to have another half hour of sleep, knowing that you can access your course at any time. Over the months, the procrastination and distractions will build up and leave you falling behind on your studies.
If you plan to study from home, you will need to be very disciplined and take your time management just as seriously as you would if you were attending in person.
Feelings Of Isolation
While online learning offers you greater independence, it can often be very isolating. One of the major attractions of attending college or university is the opportunity to meet new people and expand your social circle.
Over time, the feeling of isolation and loneliness can lead to anxiety and depression. To combat this, most digital courses have online chat rooms and forums to allow you to discuss course material and have informal, social chats.
It is also important if you are studying online that you have a regular social life outside of your studies. Connection with others is essential for good mental health, so be sure to turn off the computer and go out into the real world regularly!
Distractions At Home
In addition to the temptation of online distractions, some people may find online learning challenging due to their home environment. If there are other people in your household working from home, children or pets running around, or lots of outside noise, it can be very difficult to concentrate on your studies. Before committing to online learning, consider how tranquil your learning environment will be. If you think you will be distracted in your home, it may be worth considering a different location, such as a local library, where you are less likely to be disturbed.
Final Thoughts
Technology has transformed teaching practice in the last few decades, and the temporary switch to online learning during the pandemic allowed teachers and students across the globe to use this technology to its full potential. Moving forward, digital learning is likely to play a significant role in the future of education, with more online classes becoming available each year. In the meantime, teachers can embrace the advantages of using digital learning to enhance their in-person lessons and save themselves precious time.
