13 Advantages to Taking Online Classes | Cornerstone University (2023)

FAQs

What are the benefits of taking online classes? ›

Advantages of on-campus learning

Full access to campus facilities like libraries, computer labs, etc. In-person interaction and discussion with fellow students. More opportunities to socialize and make new friends. Greater choice of degree programs.

Less Negative Competition

Students who prefer a less competitive environment may be left behind and lose interest. Online schools focus more on the student than how they measure up to peers. This may be better for students who find that competition impacts their mental health.

For some people, online programs are easier because they offer a flexible schedule. In addition, people with great time management skills and a sense of responsibility can excel in online classes. However, online education may be more challenging for those who enjoy learning in a classroom environment.

Flexibility. Online courses are flexible and versatile and provide the opportunity to get a degree at your own pace. You can weave your academic schedule into your life in a way that works best for you.

Because online courses provide students with full control over their studies, they can work at their own pace. Pupils, on average, work faster and absorb more information in online courses than they would otherwise.

Online schools are often cheaper than on campus

Students are spared the high cost of room and board on campus as well as travel expenses. Students are also able to continue working full time while taking online classes, so they may need less financial aid or loans, reducing their debt at graduation.

Online learning can lead to students not developing the necessary communicative skills. In addition, students must have high-speed internet access at home, which can lead to complications if it is not available.

Is an online degree respected? ›

According to the experts, degrees earned from accredited online schools are taken just as seriously as degrees earned at brick-and-mortar institutions. Although, it's also important to remember that hiring managers look at other aspects of your job application or resume before extending an offer.

Students can meet their teachers face-to-face as well as establish relationships with their classmates to some level. Learning is more interactive and group-oriented. Con: Limited peer interaction along with increased regulations may increase mental stress and anxiety in some children.

More Comfortable Learning Environment

The most visible difference between classroom learning and online learning is each mode's physical environment, the latter of which is typically more comfortable. Online learning allows students to seek an education at their convenience and in the setting of their choosing.

You have flexibility in when, where and how you learn.

Most online programs are self-paced, which allows students to complete their education in a timeframe that suits their needs—especially those who are taking care of loved ones, such as young children or aging parents.

First, online schools allow students to work in familiar environments. This can help put students at ease and make it easier for them to handle difficulties or frustrations with school material. Additionally, without social stressors to worry about, students can focus all of their attention on learning.

Elearning is consistent – Classroom experiences largely depend on the instructor. The same course material can be delivered by two different facilitators with vastly different impacts on the learners. Elearning online training ensures a level of consistency that is not achievable with face to face learning.

Students can access their courses at any time of day or night. Further, they have continuous access to lectures, course materials, and class discussions. This is particularly convenient for those who may need to reread a lecture or take more time to reflect on some material before moving on.

Success rates tend to be higher in face-to-face classes. In Fall 15, face-to-face classes had a success rate of 69% versus only 60% in online classes, a gap of 9%. However, this gap has been decreasing, with only a 3% gap in success rates in Fall 19 (70% in face-to-face versus 67% online).

17. In 2020, the graduation rate for K-12 students was just 54.6% The National Education Policy Center Report 2021 found that the graduation rates of K-12 was significantly lower with just 54.6% of virtual schools and 64.3% in blended schools when the overall average of national graduation rate is 85%.

How does online school affect students social skills? ›

They may also miss face-to-face interactions with fellow students. For some students, this lack of social interaction – and the accompanying need to be self-motivated to get their work done – can lead to feelings of isolation.

Online learning requires more self-regulation, intrinsic motivation and independence from the learner than the traditional classroom education. Keller's ARCS (attention, relevance, confidence, satisfaction) Model of Motivation is a framework for learners to become and remain motivated.

Youth participating in virtual learning also reported feeling less social connection and higher rates of mental health problems, in comparison to their peers who could attend school in-person or in a hybrid model.

In particular, students were physically and mentally affected by the lockdown and the shift from physical person-to-person classrooms to virtual learning (online classes). This increased the prevalence of psychological stress, anxiety, and depression among university students.

In 2020, only 25 percent of continuers and 19 percent of new students thought online courses were better quality; but now, 37 percent of continuers (a plurality) and 29 percent of new students believe online courses are better.

Without visible cues that allow our limbic systems to interpret emotions associated with concepts, information isn't as easily consolidated and there is greater disengagement. This causes students' cerebral cortexes to generate less thoughts about class content.

The researcher found that ICT had a statistically significant positive influence on e-learning based students' academic achievements. The results also indicated that ICT had a significant positive influence on students' educational overall academic achievements.

Are online degrees faster? ›

Are online degrees faster? Most online degrees take the same time to complete as a traditional degree, which is about four years. But you can finish accelerated online degrees in as fast as 1-2 years, though they come with a heavier course load.

Online degrees from duly recognized universities are valid in the USA. Online degree programs have gained popularity over the years, and they continue to gain acceptance by employers and universities.

Learning keeps your mind engaged and body active. It helps you get new and knowledge-based perspectives on the world around you. It helps you gain new experiences, trains your brain to handle a wide range of challenges, and keeps your neural pathways active. All these factors combine to keep you healthy.

Online programs are absolutely worth it, depending on the student's circumstances. Contrary to popular belief, online programs are not easier than on-campus programs. Online programs aren't necessarily more affordable, but they can be.

Not only does tuition tend to be lower, but many additional expenses, such as transportation costs and course materials, are eliminated in an online program. However, it's important to note that the average cost of online college is still a significant investment.

Through eLearning, one can quickly go through any subject without wasting time on issues that do not require extensive study or are easy to comprehend. The benefits of eLearning have given us a promising trend, and it can be regarded as a substitute for classroom learning.

Students Gain More Knowledge Than In Standard Classes

Because online courses provide students with full control over their studies, they can work at their own pace. Pupils, on average, work faster and absorb more information in online courses than they would otherwise.

Online schools are often cheaper than on campus

Students are spared the high cost of room and board on campus as well as travel expenses. Students are also able to continue working full time while taking online classes, so they may need less financial aid or loans, reducing their debt at graduation.

Study after study shows that online learning is just as effective, or maybe even more so than face-to-face learning — and employees actually have higher levels of recall with online learning courses. In fact, one of the biggest arguments against on-site training is how little employees remember after the fact.

Why online learning is better than in person? ›

Students all work and learn at different paces, and online classes offer the ability for students to follow their own schedules. With flexible scheduling students can mold the classroom to whatever learning environment and class schedule works best for them.

With virtual school, students can complete lessons at their own pace. They can take extra time with subjects that are more difficult for them. Kids who excel can move ahead to the next lesson when they are ready – they don't have to complete busy work while they wait for the rest of the class to catch up.

For those students, online education is the perfect alternative. Online education provides a way for students to learn the important and required information without being forced to be surrounded by other people. This will reduce their social anxiety levels and help them live a better quality of life.

Attending school online eliminates transportation costs. Costs for food, rent, internet, and other expenses may be outright eliminated if the student lives for free with their family or commutes to school from their parent's home. Campus meal plans may be mandatory for freshmen living on campus.

Save on Tuition Costs

Online colleges often charge lower tuition than brick and mortar universities. They do not have to pay for building maintenance, grounds upkeep, food service, classroom accessories and other necessities that affect the cost of credits.

While an online method of education can be a highly effective alternative medium of education for the mature, self-disciplined student, it is an inappropriate learning environment for more dependent learners.

The Advantages of Face to Face Learning in the Classroom

You'll be able to concentrate harder on your learning because there'll be less distraction than if you were at home. You may feel more comfortable and learn more easily in a familiar, traditional classroom situation.