Online learning has become a lot more popular over the last couple of years, and it is not very difficult to see why. One of the key reasons that have made more students embrace eLearning is that it offers a lot more convenience than traditional classes.
One can study while still fitting existing commitments and responsibilities to their schedules. Furthermore, learning online offers flexibility, meaning that you can study at whatever time works best for you. Even better: you don’t have to travel to the school premises to learn, as you can do it fully remote. All you have to do is log into your portal (or virtual campus), and you’re good to go.
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The other primary reason why there’s been a growing demand for online learning is that they are cheaper than traditional learning. It is no brainer that the total budget needed to enroll in a physical class can hinder learners from chasing their dreams. This is also a major challenge that some corporations wishing to have their employees further their training face. They might have a tight budget which may not cater to the conferences and training seminars.
There are some additional costs that an online class will help you to get rid of, such as: cutting on commuting costs, no need to pay for accommodation within school premises (or somewhere near the school), you do not have to relocate, and many more. Besides, the tuition fee for most schools that offer eLearning is usually a lot lower than courses taught face to face.
Considering the benefits of online course platforms over traditional learning, learners are now at the liberty to choose what and how to study. Furthermore, it is much easier to engage with learning materials at a convenient time that does not inconvenience other programs.
But all in all, is eLearning better than traditional learning in all aspects? Let’s compare some of the benefits associated with both modes of learning:
Advantages Of eLearning Over Traditional Learning
Here are some of the most popular reasons why more people are embracing online learning:
1. Students Can Learn More
While using multimedia content, students can learn five times more content and materials in online learning than traditional learning. Online learning allows the students to take charge of their speeds, and they can learn more at their convenient times, compared to conventional classes where the speeds are slower to incorporate all learners. Students can pick courses in a variety of fields and have the freedom to learn about topics like how to start a business, different marketing techniques, and more.
However, it would be fitting to claim that such students tend to move faster in areas where they are familiar and more comfortable with and slower with those they may need more time to comprehend.
2. Higher Retention Rates
Retention rates through eLearning have been boosted over the last couple of years by 25 to 60 percent. On the other hand, the retention rates of traditional learning are still lower at 8 to 10 percent. This can be attributed to the fact that students have more control over what they learn and how they do so through eLearning. It hardly inconveniences their other responsibilities and can always put the learning on hold until a time they are able to revisit the training.
According to the University of the Potomac, 67 percent of college instructors believe that online media, such as the use of podcasts, videos, articles, etc., are crucial tools in the learning process. All these modes of communication (and more) are made possible to use through online learning. Such media is more engaging, and the control over the learning process that online learning offers to students makes it a favorable option.
3. Frequent Assessments To Reduce Distractions
Assessments are more of an ongoing process with eLearning. Instructors are able to test the level of understanding of their students and track their progress on a regular, enabling them to step in where more assistance is needed. A study by Harvard shows that taking regular tests reduces students’ distractions by half while tripling note-taking and overall engagement with the course.
4. There Is Less Pressure
A physical learning space is a highly competitive one, and different people have their own ways of dealing with the pressure that comes with it. According to The American Psychological Association, students in a traditional learning environment are more likely to suffer from increased anxiety and depression, potentially having suicidal thoughts.
On the other hand, eLearning offers learners a platform to interact with other peers but not in a competitive manner. Students can also communicate with other learners via online communities, which would further ensure the effectiveness of their studies.
5. Cost-Effective
It costs up to $37,000 a year to study and graduate in the US. These numbers even go higher as you factor in other logistics such as paying for accommodation, meals, school furnishings, books, extracurricular activities, etc. E-learning enables you to avoid all these additional costs, so you only focus on the tuition fee alone, which tends to cost lower.
These five benefits are enough to convince a new student to register for online classes. But does that mean that traditional classes aren’t worth it? Let’s have a look at a few benefits associated with conventional modes of study.
Benefits Of In-Person (Traditional) Learning
1. Interpersonal Skills Development
Let’s face it, education isn’t just all about what’s in the syllabus or the books, but the life lessons picked up along the way matter a lot too. In a traditional setup, students can interact with each other, sharing ideas, and learning new things daily, which improves their interpersonal skills.
At times there may be group discussions on a particular topic, presentations, etc., which are unavailable in an online learning setting. Such skills are vital for their personal development and would come in handy when actively seeking employment.
2. Improves Student Motivation
The main problem with online learning is that it focuses more on the individual getting their degree, but not much emphasis is placed on learning. For instance, memory retention is a crucial factor in the learning process, as students are able to receive one-on-one discussions with tutors and peers.
Furthermore, even though the assessments are more regular, it doesn’t mean that there’s a foolproof way to ensure that students do not cheat when undertaking an online exam. This is unlike in a classroom setting where the student has to truthfully answer the test, encouraging them to study more to pass exams. Doing this also makes them better at working under pressure which comes in handy during their professional working careers.
Make A Smarter Choice
As you pick the ideal learning method, ensure to go through the perks that each of them provides. What are you able to overgo? What is more important to you? Are you content with your interpersonal skills? Do you have the right motivation to study? If that’s the case, eLearning is the apparent ideal choice. You’ll end up learning all that pertains to that course while paying less and under less pressure.
If you are interested in even more lifestyle-related articles and information from us here at Bit Rebels, then we have a lot to choose from.
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