The dilemma of educational productivity has always been apparent. From teaching techniques to contrasting learning capabilities, different factors impact a student’s productivity. To cope with these factors, academic institutions continue to employ different tactics to boost their efficiency. One such tactic has been adopting modern technology.
Currently, online learning has become a mainstay in the educational sector, growing steadily in popularity over the last two decades. Technological advancements and accessibility are two leading factors for the mass adoption of online learning.
According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, about one-third of all US students took online courses in 2018. Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have further increased this number globally.
With data backing up the effectiveness of online courses, we look at online courses, their benefits and why they are often preferred over in-person classes.
What exactly constitutes online courses?
Simply put, online courses are virtual classes that can be accessed on any device with internet access. To some extent, they serve as an upgrade to in-person courses. Students can learn at their pace, access learning content in a structured way and track their progress.
Online courses offer different features. While some follow a strict timeline, others let students decide when to carry out various tasks such as group discussions, quizzes and assignments.
Advantages of online courses
Unsurprisingly, online courses offer a very different experience from traditional in-person learning. Regardless, taking a class virtually as opposed to a physical class still has its perks. Here are some benefits of online courses.
- Convenience
Starting with the apparent pros and quite possibly its most significant advantage, online courses are a much more convenient option than in-person courses. Online courses are pre-prepared. So, the classroom and instructor are always available, and students can learn whenever they have time.
With online courses, students can also engage in quizzes, graded assignments, tests and topic discussions at any time. Some courses, however, enforce due dates for specific tasks. Nevertheless, many online courses allow students to set their own schedule for completion.
- Flexibility
Speaking of schedules, online courses offer many learners scheduling flexibility. Most institutions, for instance, allow students to choose from either the normal 16-week course or an accelerated eight-week course.
Geographic flexibility is also vital for most students opting for online courses. With most institutions offering virtual classes, students do not need to relocate to take these classes. This essentially means online degrees can be obtained without having to end either personal or professional relationships. The cost difference in relocating to a new city also becomes a non-factor.
- Builds character and responsibility
This might sound strange but taking online courses can positively impact a student’s character. It’s pretty apparent how difficult studying online is. With no physical presence, it becomes hard to stay focused and motivated. As such, it takes a lot of character to complete an online course.
Two critical skills developed by taking online courses are self-motivation and time management. Students are responsible for staying focused on deadlines, scheduling tasks and prioritizing effectively. These skills are relevant to a student and translate to other areas of life, such as professional and personal relationships.
- Affordability
Taking an in-person course often necessitates students pay for many expenses, including accommodation, activity fees and transportation. In truth, this is part of the reason that most people end up paying off massive student loan debts for a long time.
Online courses are cheaper alternatives to in-person courses. Virtual classes ensure students spend money on necessary expenses. In most cases, aside from the cost of a laptop and internet access, the only other expense incurred is the cost of tuition.
- Pacing options
Pacing for online learning refers to the rate at which tasks are assigned. This includes new materials to be completed, as well as assignments, quizzes, tests and discussions. Since students learn at varying paces, online courses allow them to dictate the momentum of their learning.
Typically, an online course experience can be defined in three terms. Firstly, students can engage in asynchronous learning, which requires students to maintain a fixed time for classes, as well as quizzes and assignments. The second, asynchronous, is the opposite of synchronous. There are no scheduled meeting times here, and students can complete reading and quizzes at any time. However, deadlines for assignments must be met.
Finally, the last pacing possibility for online courses is the accelerated option. As previously stated, this option offers the opportunity to complete a course in eight weeks instead of the traditional 16 weeks.
- Offers different choices
The sheer variety of options offered by online courses also makes them a preferred choice over in-person classes. As a student, there is a better chance of finding an online program regardless of the field of study. From technology to sciences, accounting and even healthcare, students can pick up technical skills relevant to a range of positions.
Additionally, with each institution having its strengths, location has always been a deciding factor in selecting a course. In contrast, most online courses are not specific to any one institution. As a result, students can choose from various online courses and programs.
- Professional growth
With regards to professional growth, online courses offer notable benefits. Completing online programs qualifies a professional for various workplace benefits. Firstly, they are often better paid than other employees. The degree obtained from online programs is also a key determinant of how far an employee can grow within an organization.
Aside from these career advancements, online programs are designed so that learners can complete them while also working.
It’s worth noting that virtual classes are not for everybody. However, their distinctive advantages offer the opportunity to get a degree without attending college. One such degree is Baylor University’s DNP executive leadership program.
Baylor University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice – Executive Nurse Leadership (DNP-ENL) program offers students relevant organizational competencies. This knowledge applies to taking on leadership responsibilities and developing data-inspired business strategies. The program is 100% online and is designed specifically for nurses looking to distinguish themselves at the highest level.
