Why Do Students Like Online Learning?

Why are so many students delving into online learning? What's so special about this mode of learning in comparison to a traditional classroom-based learning style? According to the 9th annual survey conducted jointly by the Babson Survey Research Group and the College Board, "Over 6.1 million students were taking at least one online course during the fall 2010 term, an increase of 560,000 students over the previous year." What's more, an additional 31% of higher education students are now taking at least one class/course over the internet, with 65% of higher education institutions thinking of making online distance education their long-term strategy.

Now, coming back to the most vital question as to why students like online learning? Let's focus on the top 5 advantages or benefits of learning in a virtual environment.

Learn Any Time & Anywhere

Web-based learning provides the freedom to learn practically anytime and from any place across the globe. This means K-12 as well as higher education students can participate in a class, complete their homework, listen to lectures of teachers/professors, and submit their project work at their convenience, therefore, not being restricted within a limited time span and space, unlike a traditional classroom.

Courses & Materials Accessible 24 Hours a Day

Students will get first-hand access to all courses and other learning materials, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year by logging onto the educational institution's website. They can browse through each course catalog and likewise register for the same instantly.

Student's Interaction Gets Increased

In online learning, students coming from different cultural backgrounds can talk and share important learning content and links with each other thereby creating a multi-cultural environment. Online environment encourages increased interaction and engagement amongst learners in order to motivate them to come up with new sets of ideas and thoughts vital for a continuous learning.

Leads to Individual Student-centered Teaching

Teachers can focus better on individual learning styles of students, which was not possible while teaching a large group in conventional classrooms. For example, some students prefer to learn via conducting experiments and lab work whilst others find it easier to learn visually.

Expert Teachers Can Join in From Any Location

School administrators can invite expert teachers or researchers to join in a virtual classroom from any place across the globe. They can participate online to provide their valuable opinions and judgments regarding a specific lesson or assignment which again the students can access for future reference. Learners can also ask questions as well as clear doubts regarding a course immediately.

Participating Online is Less Intimidating

It is far less daunting for students who feel awkward speaking in front of others. In an online setting, all learners tend to be anonymous, which provides them enough room to be undisturbed or get weak on nerves while conversing with teachers or fellow classmates.