4 Advantages of Online Learning over Physical Learning

girl studying online

For the past few decades, education revolved around classrooms with blackboards and uncomfortable seats. Nowadays, students of all ages and backgrounds have numerous options, with one being online learning. Online learning is a process that allows students to obtain an education through online facilities. It does not require visiting classrooms or lecture halls, and students can learn whatever they want, whenever they want. Online learning provides solutions to everyone’s academic needs, whether it be a rigorous master’s program or a third-grader looking for homework assistance. However, that is just the tip of online learning’s iceberg.

If, as a student, you have only taken traditional classes, you might be a little apprehensive at the start. After all, sitting in front of the computer and listening to hour-long lectures might not be your thing. However, considering how the world is progressing with Covid-19 and its after-effects, online learning is beneficial for every student. To further prove our point, listed below are four advantages of online learning over traditional, face-to-face learning.

YOU CAN STUDY WHILE WORKING

Most of us cannot afford to take six months off from our work to learn new skills, a typical period for a physical university semester. According to numerous studies, between fifty to seventy percent of all people in the USA live via a daily paycheck.

If you go for online classes, you can study while taking no time off from your job. A typical working day lasts from 9 am to 5 pm. So, after getting home, knock out an online lecture or maybe two, and repeat this process every day.

Chances are you might squeeze in some extra lessons during the weekends or even on your hourly lunch break. You cannot do that with physical learning as you have to be physically present inside the classroom. Take the example of healthcare workers such as nurses. They can opt for BSN to DNP programs online, which will allow them to take online lectures during their lunch break. It will not hinder their routine work, allowing them to study whenever they want.

LEARN FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME

There might come a day where you don’t feel like leaving your house for school. And it is understandable. Friends become too demanding, work becomes stressful, or your body needs some rest. One of the main benefits of online learning over physical learning is that it allows you to enjoy self-care while learning from home. You can exercise your mind without worrying about getting to school on time. It will save you from pushing through illness to attend a class or navigating through morning traffic. 

Furthermore, you will not have the limitation of only studying from home. Some people find it comfortable to sit in a library and take their online lectures in absolute silence. And some might surround themselves with the hustle and bustle of daily life to stay focused. Online learning from a website like Lessons.com.au will let you mold and adjust your environment according to what you prefer. Besides, you’ll be able to access all the materials through the online platform, so you can do it from the comfort of your home.

YOU CAN STUDY AT YOUR OWN PACE

Just like every person’s educational interests are different, the same is the case for our learning styles. Everyone studies and works according to their own pace. Some people learn new things as if they are magnets attracting metal. And some need to go through the same thing repeatedly to absorb the information thoroughly. Both these learning styles are acceptable. However, if someone studies in the wrong environment, they will waste their time and money.

Quick learners usually feel held-back when they study with slow learners. They cannot wait for their peers to catch up to them. But they still have to wait as the lecturer will only move forward once the slow learners are up to speed. On the flip side, slow learners cannot rush through a lecture without knowing that they understand every part of it. It means asking the teacher to explain everything in detail. Online learning can benefit both slow as well as quick learners. They will be able to set their own learning pace. You will not have to compete with other people, so no need to feel held-back or pressured. With online learning, you can repeat or skip through an online video lecture whenever you want until you have learned it.

LOWER EDUCATION COSTS

Earning an education comes with a high cost, well, at least, if you take the face-to-face learning route. Do you know that a single university course costs around 4,489 dollars on average? And if you stick around, a four-year degree can cost about 188,556 dollars. With online classes, you can choose something that won’t leave your wallet empty after four years. With traditional physical learning, you can only select from the courses they teach.

Furthermore, online learning does not require any writing resources, papers, books, or other supplies that face-to-face education needs. It is as easy as opening up a document on Microsoft word and typing down notes from a video-based lecture. You don’t even have to take notes. Plus, you can always rewind the video lecture if you missed or didn’t understand a particular part. It will provide you with money to put into your savings accounts, whether for a vacation or that new car you always wanted.

CONCLUSION

There is nothing wrong with traditional face-to-face physical learning. You should go for it if you possess the financial resources and time. However, online education will open up new career horizons for you and diversify everything you learn. Suppose you ever thought about enrolling in an online course in the past. In that case, these advantages will surely encourage you to do it now.