Online learning is here to stay, and it’s transforming the way we teach, learn, work and live. As technology has advanced, more and more people have begun to enjoy the flexibility of online learning — making it more convenient than ever before. In some cases, online learning also allows you to get ahead of your competitors by offering higher quality education than traditional brick-and-mortar classes. Here are seven reasons why online learning is the future of education.
1. Expands the Number of People Who Can Access Learning
Online learning platforms have expanded the reach of education by allowing people to learn from anywhere. Even students who cannot physically attend classes because of health or transportation issues can continue their studies through online learning.
Tulane University is among many universities that now offer online programs in addition to their traditional on-campus degree programs. When you access Tulane online learning, you can enjoy all the benefits of being a member of the Green Wave community while pursuing your degree from home or wherever your studies may take you.
2. Allows People to Learn at Their Own Pace
As with any era in educational history, some students will excel, and others will struggle. In an online setting, however, those who do fall behind have several different options: they can revisit the material on their own time; work through the material more slowly; watch more tutorials or read supplementary information, and even reach out to their peers or instructor for additional help and guidance if they cannot understand a particular topic. Ideally, this allows all students – no matter where they are academic- to feel they have caught up and have mastered the content before moving on to higher-level coursework.
3. Some Programs are Cheaper
With the cost of traditional college steadily rising, it’s no surprise that many students have turned to online learning. Many online programs are cheaper than their on-campus counterparts. Even when you factor in the cost of a computer and internet access, most online programs are still less expensive than traditional schools.
4. Allows You to Save Time on Your Commute
Over a semester, it can take a long time to get to school and back each day. In addition to freeing up that time for other activities, you don’t have to worry about getting stuck in traffic.
You can save money on transportation costs. Along with saving time, you’ll also save money by not having to commute. Even if you don’t pay for gas (for example, if you take public transportation), there’s still the cost of parking or buying tickets on buses and trains each day.
5. Provides More Flexibility
You can learn at a time that works best for you. If you’re busy during the day, perhaps from working an 8–5 job, it can be challenging to find time to go to school. And if your commute is long, classes will likely take up even more of your evening. But when you’re online, you can log on and learn at night or early in the morning. You also get to set your own pace and take breaks when needed.
6. Helps Fight Climate Change
Online learning is an obvious way to cut back on carbon emissions. Colleges and universities are significant contributors to carbon emissions in the United States. They account for nearly 3% of all CO2 emissions generated (this equals the amount produced by a small country like Sweden).
Students who take online classes don’t have to drive to campus or buy as many books. And classrooms that can be accessed from anywhere obviously won’t require energy for heating and cooling.
7. The Internet Never Closes
Classes, lectures, learning materials, and assignments are available whenever and wherever you are; all you need is an internet connection and a device on-hand. This type of education is ideal for people with disabilities or busy schedules who may struggle with commuting to school every day.
Closing Thoughts
Online classes are also more accessible for students who live in remote areas. Additionally, they are cheaper than traditional classes since you don’t have to spend money on fuel and transportation. Because online learning provides students with more flexibility, there’s less time spent on commuting. In this case, taking courses online might provide an easier path to getting your degree while still giving you plenty of time at home with your family.
