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Nine Advantages Of Attending Online College

This is the most appealing benefit of online education for students with many duties to balance

By Sherryn De VosPublished 4 years ago 4 min read
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Technology has redefined barriers and changed the landscape of a multitude of sectors, including education. Traditional universities and colleges face various issues, such as budget cuts, higher tuition, and limited course capacities, thereby giving rise to the popularity of online colleges.

The international e-learning market is expected to grow to $325 billion by 2025 and, as more opportunities open, the demand for online learning is only likely to develop more. Moreover, it’s not only the demand side that will witness as an increasing number of faculty members express their interest in less traditional and more digital methods of education.

While online learning was considered with a bit of skepticism a few years ago, today, it is providing fierce competition to face-to-face forms of education. From fresh high school graduates to professionals, there are many online colleges attracting all kinds of customer segments.

Here are nine advantages of attending online college:

Wide Variety Of Programs And Courses

Perhaps one of the best parts about attending college online is the variety of classes you now have access to. From colleges that solely focus on career development to those that are created in the same format as traditional colleges, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether it’s something related to the beauty or fashion industries or something as complicated as actuarial sciences, you’re bound to find an online course in the field of your choice.

Lower Costs

Traditional college is expensive, and many students struggle to repay their student loans years after graduating. In contrast, online programs are much more affordable due to lower tuition prices and other associated costs.

Such associated costs include commuting costs and course materials, the latter of which are available online during online college courses. Apart from this, universities and colleges have begun to accept credits obtained from open online courses, which allow students to complete their education requirements.

A More Comfortable Learning Environment

There is nothing more relaxing than being able to study on your bed while wearing the most comfortable sweats you own. An online college offers the huge benefit of providing you with the most comfortable environment: your home. You don’t have to physically go to class which thereby eliminates the stress of reaching class on time, missing or going to work late, or compromising quality time with loved ones.

Convenience And Flexibility

Traditional colleges and programs give you limited flexibility where you’re forced to plan your entire day around your classes. Online colleges, on the other hand, give you more flexibility by allowing students to work and study according to a timetable that’s convenient for them. Such online programs give you full access to course material so you won’t have to make an unnecessary trip to the library. Such flexibility and convenience allow students to pursue a career and study at the same time.

More Interaction And Improved Concentration

One argument against online education is that it doesn’t encourage participation as much as traditional forms of learning. However, contrary to what most people think, online courses provide a valuable opportunity to shy students who may find it challenging to step out of their comfort zones in traditional settings. On the other hand, the same students may be the ones participating the most when they’re doing it from behind a screen. Additionally, online courses can also lead to better concentration due to a lack of distractions in the classroom.

Career Advancement

Adding on to a better work-life balance, online colleges provide students with the flexibility to enroll in more courses and even pursue a full-time career while they’re studying. Additionally, if someone wants to stay at home and take out time to raise a family, then online college helps a lot with that too.

Such academic work looks great on your resume and may compensate for any gap or discontinuity on your resume. Additionally, expanding your skill set by enrolling in online courses also shows prospective employers that you’re dedicated to learning more and stay on track with a fast-paced world.

Flexibility During The Summer

Many students intend to enroll in classes during the summer, but find it difficult to fit them in with their summer job schedules or when they live too far away. In such cases, online colleges provide a huge benefit by allowing students to enroll in online classes from renowned colleges and then letting them transfer credits to their primary college.

Thus, students can earn credits towards their degree while, at the same time, enjoying their summer vacations or keeping up with their employment responsibilities. Moreover, if a university or college does not have any open spaces in a course, then students can enroll in the course online and transfer those credits.

No More Commuting

During times of extreme weather conditions, colleges and universities may be forced to cancel classes to avoid putting students and faculty at risk. On the other hand, such unforeseen circumstances don’t interrupt your studies in any way as students can always attend classes, participate in the discussion, and submit assignments. Commuting is no longer a concern as students save time and money while enrolled in online courses.

Improved Technical Skills

Even if you’ve enrolled in a simple online course regarding Microsoft Office, for instance, it will teach you necessary computer skills when you’re required to familiarize yourself with a learning management system and various other programs. Minor and significant skills learned during online courses, including making presentations and participating in online training sessions are skills that are applicable to a student’s professional life, too.

Conclusion

Online learning provides a variety of benefits to students and, with the growth of the market, the options available are only bound to grow. There is definitely room for exploration if you’re looking for something that refines your skills and helps expand your learning.

What other advantages does online learning provide? Let us know in the comments below!

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