Learning doesn’t happen just around the four corners of a room. Education is not immune to the rise of online-enhanced experiences. Due to the numerous challenges that a student may experience, one cannot 100% say that traditional colleges and universities are for everyone. There are many factors that may hinder an individual from pursuing a college degree through normal, conventional means. However, this does not mean that they should be deprived of an education.
This is where online learning comes in. It is a great alternative that provides education even for those who are not as privileged to be able to go to university. According to studies, almost three million students are currently enrolled in online programs while another six million are taking at least one online course to supplement their degree. This means that many of the population are starting to take into online education. It is becoming one of the more acceptable higher education alternatives. While there are sceptics, the popularity of online learning cannot be stomped. The fact is face-to-face education just isn’t attainable for some.
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Here are some benefits of online learning that might convince you that it is helpful.
- A Wide Range of Courses
Not all traditional universities offer a long list of courses. Even if they do, it is not a guarantee that you will find a course that will pique your interest. With online education, you can choose from virtually any course you want. No matter what you choose to study, you can find an available course or a program online. Distance will also not be an issue. Often, many are hindered from taking a course they want because it is not geographically available. Online learning removes the distance factor and just lets students choose what they really want without encountering any problems in terms of logistics
- More Affordable than Traditional Learning
One negative thing about universities is that it is quite expensive. It often costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. The expense for higher education is high as it is not just the tuition fee that you have to spend on. You have to take into consideration the logistics of everything — living expenses, transportation, books, etc are just some of the major expenses that students have to pay.
Online courses provide a more affordable option than traditional colleges. Aside from that, it allows for better time management. This is quite convenient for those who have jobs or need to work long hours. Another benefit of online education is that there are no logistical costs that come along with it — there is no need for commuting or relocation to be near to a university. Required course materials are all available online especially textbooks, usually at no cost.
- More Comfortable Learning Environment
Not everyone is equipped with the physical or emotional means to attend a traditional college. When you choose to attend online courses, you do it out of the comfort of your own home at your own time. This means that you get to choose when you are ready to take classes. As there are no physical class sessions, students can listen to lectures and finish assignments and projects without going through the daily student stress like traffic, leaving work, or even just the act of going outside.
- Convenience and Flexibility
As stated, you choose your own time. This is particularly useful especially for those who have jobs that take up most of the day. Students can choose to study and work at their convenience. Course material will always be accessible to you so you can choose to access them at any time you are available. This helps students balance their time as traditional universities take up a lot of time with students not having a choice on how to handle their time.
- Allows for More Interaction and Concentration
Online education allows shy individuals to interact during class. A traditional four-corner room is great for extroverts and confident people who can speak their minds in class and participate in the rich discourse that a university can offer. Not having to do it in front of other people allows shy people to do the same. For those with social anxiety, the non-presence of other students also allow them to concentrate better without worries of what others would think.
- Career Advancement
Students who ascribe to online education can take online courses while they are working. This means that for those who want to advance their careers, they can take additional online courses without having to halt their actual career. Earning a degree while working also impresses employers as it shows hard work and interest to learn.
- Opportunity to Learn
Online learning also provides professors with an alternative way to earn. It is not a secret that professors don’t make much cash. Online Education allows for professors another medium in which they can increase their income with barely any effort. They can just simply publish their past works so they do not have to lift a single finger.