In the age of the internet, E-learning has made education a lot more accessible compared to traditional classrooms. Around 60% of internet users have used online learning because it is conveniently accessible from anywhere. Students don’t need to invest a lot of time or effort. A stable internet connection is all it takes to reap the benefits of E-Learning.
Many students prefer E-learning, and it is quickly becoming more popular. In 2021, the enrollment of students in online courses skyrocketed on online platforms, with 17.3 million people from the US topping the charts. The booming demand for online learning increases opportunities for students worldwide. Many new emerging platforms and courses provide a desirable and diverse learning experience.
Why are students gravitating towards E-learning instead of sticking to the traditional approach? The following reasons talk about the benefits online learning has over real-life classrooms.
Bypasses geographical barriers
When applying for college abroad, students face hurdles like expensive living costs, long distances, and hefty travel costs. With E-learning, however, students can bypass geographical barriers and enroll in courses offered worldwide. It doesn’t matter where you live, all you require is a laptop and an internet connection, and you can enroll in any course to and from anywhere in the world! Students can live in rural states like South Dakota and enroll in the best online colleges in developed states like Florida and California.
By applying to better colleges online, students can choose the quality education they want to pursue and not be limited to the colleges in their vicinity. The plethora of new opportunities through E-learning gives students more room to grow, develop useful skills, and connect with new people.
Flexible class schedules
E-learning doesn’t bind students to the course because they can set class timings according to their convenience. Since approximately 70% of students who are enrolled in college are working, flexible class schedules accommodate these students.
Furthermore, since students are not obligated to sit long hours for a course, they can focus more on other hobbies and interests, preventing them from burning out. Students can allocate study time according to their schedule instead of planning their day around fixed class timings. This helps students maintain a healthy work-life balance and gives them more autonomy over their learning experience.
When students choose their own working time, they can work when they are at their best. You might be a student who works better at night or in the afternoon. Whichever the case, you can take classes when you are more productive and increase retention.
Inclusive learning experience
E-learning caters to students who experience issues like social anxiety and can’t focus in a traditional classroom environment. Some students can’t focus in an environment that involves group discussion and noise. With the class being online, students can comfortably take classes without any mental triggers that hinder their learning capabilities.
On online learning platforms, students can send messages to their lecturer in real time without the problem of being misheard or ignored. Questions can also be posted on online student forums to clear miscommunications, promote sharing of ideas, and address the problems of every student.
Group collaboration activities and online mentorship training programs are also available to ensure each student is involved and included in the learning experience. Online learners can get paired together to solve a common problem which can improve their collaboration, bridge skill gaps, and break down communication barriers.
More efficient learning
The available material on E-learning platforms gives students access to more knowledge. Unlike traditional classrooms, where students can only rely on the notes they have taken in class, online learning provides recorded lectures. This is more effective than traditional note-taking because students can learn better. Research shows that repetitive learning increases memory retention. Hence, students who take online lectures have an advantage over traditional learners.
Students can test themselves with different programs available on E-learning platforms to increase their performance. Online learners also develop technical skills because all their work is done on computers. Hence, students can become adept in Microsoft skills through E-learning.
You can set your own pace
Unlike a traditional classroom setting where the flow of the lecture is not in your control, you can set your own pace with E-learning. The availability of videos caters to both slow and fast pace learners. Once you understand a module, you can skip ahead to assessments and move toward a new topic. Without class discussions controlling the direction and speed of learning, each individual can comfortably learn at the pace that helps them learn most efficiently.
Students rely on self-motivation when they set their own pace, which can backfire without proper discipline. E-learning enables students to monitor themselves and practice anti-procrastination exercises. It enables them to be self-sufficient and more responsible, gain insight into learning, and develop better skills.
Without time pressure, students can focus on the actual material without oversaturating their minds. Studies indicate distinct benefits of retention and mastery over the course content in online learning compared to traditional learning.
Streamlined course content
In a classroom setting, there may be an ‘excess’ of information that might be good to know but is entirely additional knowledge. E-learning provides a streamlined learning process with goals to keep students on track.
Online lectures provide relevant information, and according to IBM, online learners are 3-5 times more effective than traditional learners.
Cost efficient
The overall cost of online learners is lower than traditional learning, even if they may pay the same tuition fee because they do not have to pay for daily commutes, housing fees, and meal plans. A college student spends between $1,050-$1,800 on transportation alone.
Online students can also save money because their E-learning platforms can give them access to all the necessary learning material. So, online learners don’t have to invest in expensive textbooks because they can use the online version.
Conclusion
In today’s fast-paced world, students use online learning to develop their skills most effectively and affordably. The accessibility, ease of use, and cost efficiency are great motivators for students to choose E-learning. More students should expand their horizons and use online learning to boost their skills effectively from the comfort of their homes. Online learning platforms offer many options to students worldwide and make quality education accessible to everyone.
The reasons listed in this article show that E-learning can be just as advantageous, if not more, than traditional learning.