Advantages of Online ELearning: Learn anytime, anywhere & on the go

Over the last twenty years, the world wide web has grown and evolved into the most accessible hub of information. The Internet has changed the way people shop, communicate, and socialize and learn. Online courses and learning have provided users with an innovative way to pursue distance learning with increased flexibility, which is why it’s becoming a preferred educational method as opposed to traditional classroom methods. In this guide, we cover the main differences between the two essential training methods, online education and classroom learning. This list will also help L&D and HR professionals decide what training method will suit their organization the best, and help them get started with an eLearning program.

What is online education?

Online education definition is training that is web-based, computer-based, and internet-based. It includes online courses, online ELearning courses, mobile learning, along with computer-aided distance education. It goes by many names and different variants, but at its core, online education is an electronically supported form of education and it heavily relies on the Internet for any student/teacher interaction, this includes the circulation of class materials as well. Even though the textbook definition of online education may be simple, it comes with many teaching methods. Internet learning can help transform any place, with a decent internet connection and electricity, into a classroom. These online learning sessions will include video, text, audio, virtual training, and animation, along with live chats with the professors. eLearning online is preferred because it offers students the ability to learn at their own pace and at their preferred time as opposed to traditional classroom sessions.

Online Education v/s Classroom Learning: Across various facets

eLearning is no longer a niche teaching method that limits itself to extremely technical topics, it has grown to include every topic and domain. Technology is dynamic and it keeps expanding to cater to people’s need to learn more, and to do so in their own time and pace. This is why most companies and educational institutions are now offering online eLearning programs as part of their curriculum.

Social Communication:

When it comes to traditional classroom learning, there is an element of social interaction between students, colleagues, and instructors. Students can choose to ask questions, clarify doubts, give presentations, collaborate with groups, and so on. This level of face to face interaction is restricted in an e learning setting. However, online education does encourage online participation and intensive discussion sessions. This type of social interaction occurs in various online forums, chatrooms, email chains, and discussion boards. However, for social communication to work through online learning then the instructor should be able to guide the communication by acting as a guide, participant and moderator. They must be able to answer questions, moderate discussions, and intervene if any discussions get out of hand. They must also provide clear instructions and what can and cannot be discussed to keep the communication constructive.

Learning location:

Traditional classroom sessions are held in a physical classroom, and you don’t get a chance to replay your classes. With eLearning, you can access any class you want, from any part of the world, and at any time. You can record your classes, stop and replay them at your convenience, and review your study material once you’re done with the session. One of the major advantages of online eLearning is that you can go back and review the information, whenever you want, and it allows the learner to retain the material better. This will reduce any chance of errors and enhance their overall performance in the course.

When it comes to traditional classroom training sessions, the information is usually conveyed verbally by an instructor, and it’s paired with a visual aid like a PowerPoint Presentation. However, in eLearning, the visual and written notes substitute the instructor. This means that the material is conveyed quite differently. Firstly, you have to be aware that when users go through online material they usually just skim through the pages. This is why formatting, headlines, bold text, bullet points, and subheadings are really important; you have to ensure that the content can draw maximum attention. Avoid writing huge paragraphs, or chunks of content, that appear overwhelming to read. Here are some ways you can make your instruction materials more engaging:

• Tone- Ensure that the tone is friendly, yet professional.

• Clear- The text must be concise

• Brief- Avoid beating around the bush, and get to the point

Audio-Visual components:

Even though there are many components, in a traditional classroom, that can’t be directly transferred online, there are other tools that will help students adapt to the traditional training styles. eLearning has a wide range of media formats, from simulations to visual storytelling and games that can help the user engage with the content. The best part is the content can be conveyed through Video if the user is a Visual learner, through audio if the user prefers
listening on the go or through exercises and games if they prefer experiential learning. This means that in online eLearning courses there’s a lesser chance of students learning a topic by rote. The students can focus on understanding the topic comprehensively by choosing the format that they prefer. eLearning caters to all VARK modalities, in the sense that they cater to Visual, Auditory, Readers, and Kinaesthetic learners.

10 Advantages of Online Learning

Online learning has transformed the way we gain knowledge. It has made everything more accessible and flexible. Whether you’re looking to enhance your resume, balance work commitments, or learn something entirely new, the benefits of e-learning are vast. Let’s explore the 10 advantages of e-learning and see why this method is becoming a top choice for students and professionals alike.

• Choose Your Learning Path via Online Courses

  One of the biggest advantages of online learning is the freedom to design your learning journey. You’re no longer limited to rigid curriculums or geographical boundaries. Want to dive into data
  analytics while exploring photography? Online courses make it possible. The best part is that an online learning platform lets you switch tracks or combine diverse subjects at your convenience. This flexibility offers learners complete control over their education.

• Learn in the Comfort of Your Home

  Say goodbye to early alarms and the hassle of rushing across campus for a two-hour lecture. Online learning brings the classroom to you, letting you access lectures and materials from anywhere. Comfort is undeniably one of the top benefits of online education, but balance is key. Set up a dedicated study space to stay productive and avoid distractions. Whether short 15-minute breaks between sessions or completing a week’s lessons in one go, e-learning lets you adapt your learning rhythm to your schedule.

• Learn on the Go

  The modern world thrives on mobility, and so does e-learning. Whether you’re travelling, waiting at the airport, or relaxing in a café, online courses fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. This flexibility is one of the top advantages of online learning, allowing learners to make the most of their time. Many platforms even offer mobile-friendly interfaces, ensuring a smooth experience. For busy professionals and multitaskers, this benefit of e-learning is a game-changer, turning idle moments into productive ones.

• Build Up Your Resume

  Enrolling in online courses is more than just learning; it’s about showcasing your dedication to growth. Employers value individuals who continually upskill, and certifications from reputable online learning platforms highlight your willingness to adapt and learn. Whether it’s gaining expertise in leadership or mastering new software, these advantages of online learning position you as a proactive professional. Over time, these skills not only enhance your resume but also open doors to better opportunities and career transitions.

• Learn at Your Own Pace

  For those juggling work, hobbies, and personal commitments, self-paced learning is a lifesaver. This flexibility is one of the significant e-learning advantages that traditional classrooms often lack. Learners can revisit materials, pause lectures, or even fast-track courses, depending on their schedule. For employees undergoing employee training, this adaptability minimizes disruptions while maximizing learning outcomes. It’s this ability to tailor the pace of education that makes online learning incredibly effective.

• Minimizes the Cost of Acquiring Skills

  Traditional education often comes with hefty tuition fees, travel expenses, and housing costs. In contrast, the pros of online learning include its affordability. With no need for physical infrastructure, online courses are far more budget-friendly. Some platforms even offer free resources, making quality education accessible to everyone. This cost-effectiveness is not just an advantage of online learning but a solution for many seeking to learn without financial strain. It ensures long-term savings and growth.

• Continual Access to Course Materials

  One of the top advantages of online learning is that it ensures you never lose access to valuable resources. Whether it’s recorded lectures, notes, or interactive sessions, these materials are available anytime for revision. This is a key advantage of online education, especially for those who learn better by reviewing content multiple times. Organizations using the best LMS benefit from this feature, too, as employees can reference training materials on demand. It’s this ongoing access that enhances both knowledge retention and practical application.

• Prompt Feedback

  Waiting weeks for feedback can slow down progress, but with e-learning, that’s a thing of the past. One of the critical advantages of online learning is instant assessments and constructive feedback. Quizzes, tests, and assignments are often automated, helping learners pinpoint areas for improvement right away. For employee training, this means faster skill enhancement and better alignment with goals. Immediate feedback not only boosts confidence but also ensures learners stay on the right track.

• Opportunities for Career Growth

  E-learning is more than just acquiring knowledge; it’s a pathway to new career opportunities. From certifications in niche skills to advanced degrees, online education equips you with tools to stay competitive. Employers recognize the pros of online education, especially when it highlights your ability to adapt to changing industry needs. Whether it’s climbing the corporate ladder or exploring new roles, this advantage of online learning ensures you’re always ready for the next step.

• Fits Various Learning Styles

  Not everyone learns the same way, and e-learning acknowledges that. Whether you prefer watching videos, reading notes, or engaging in hands-on activities, an online learning platform caters to all preferences. This inclusivity is one of the major benefits of online learning, ensuring no learner is left behind. By supporting visual, auditory, and kinesthetic styles, e-learning provides a personalized experience. Thus, it becomes easier to grasp even the most complex topics.

Online Learning FAQs: All your concerns addressed

Q. What are the benefits when you learn online courses?

• Flexibility
• Career advancement
• Low costs and debt
• Learning to take responsibility
• Self-discipline
• More variety in course topics

Q. What are the different types of online learning courses?

• Flipped course: Instructors will record their lectures or use open-source resources to provide lecture content.
• Hybrid course: This is a mix of online and traditional courses, the traditional part is reduced but not eliminated.
• Self-Learning: Students learn completely at their own pace and discretion.
• Educational apps: Students are aided and guided through the course via an app.

Q. How do online learning programs help in self-learning?

Here are some of the major advantages of online education, when it comes to self-learning:

• Student engagement and better information retention
• Digital literacy is improved
• Self-learning supports flexibility
• Offers multiple formats to absorb information

Q. What are the best free online education courses on the web?

Some of the best free online education courses can be found on:

• Udemy
• Khan Academy
• EdX
• CourseEra
• TED-Ed
• Codecademy

The future of online learning: Trends and tools

LMS & other tools:

Learning Management Systems, along with other online learning tools, allow you to manage every element of your online course.
This includes registration, tracking, monitoring, assessing, and storing projects that are submitted by the students.
When it comes to corporate environments, an LMS helps track employee productivity, keep records of training sessions,
and appraisals as well. A Learning Management System will help your employees and trainees plot out their own career
development and learn topics that are aligned to it.

Gamified learning:

This fun method incorporates “game thinking” and “game mechanics” into a non-game context. This also allows maximum user
engagement and inculcates a problem-solving mindset through fun.

Microlearning:

This method focuses on learning using micro-steps, which are available in various digital environments.
For example: a tutorial for creating a support ticket can be prompted when a user makes a support ticket for the first time.
Similarly, the user can be guided through tutorials for each process while interacting with the UI of their work interface.
This form of e-learning can be included in the learner’s daily routines. It’s perfectly suited for mobile devices and
supports pace-learning too.