In the past, traditional education was the only option for students to gain knowledge and skills. But with the rise of the internet and new technologies, being physically present in a classroom is no longer the only learning option. Online learning has become increasingly popular, with more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course. But is online learning effective? Let's take a look at the benefits of virtual education. Retention rates are highest in e-learning, around 25 to 60%.
This compares to retention rates of 8 to 10% for classrooms. E-learning also saves energy, as the Open University uses 90% less energy when it turns to digital education outlets. Delivering online learning requires different approaches and skills to deliver the lessons in a physical classroom. However, greater flexibility makes virtual school an attractive option for high school students in smaller communities to expand access to a wide range of courses, accelerate learning for students who can manage their own learning experience, or create more credit recovery options for students who have fallen behind.
At the time, there was little incentive for students to study online, as the offer of correspondence courses was extremely limited. In the 1970s and 1980s, these were popular methods of learning additional skills to help boost a career. Employers have highlighted five key skills you develop during an online MBA as important to new ways of working in the ever-evolving workplace. These include problem-solving, communication, collaboration, self-management and digital literacy.
This key skill makes online students especially attractive for positions that require them to work independently, multitask, and collaborate with peers who are configured remotely. Teaching models such as “personalized learning” or the “flipped classroom” have characteristics that could be effectively applied to an online environment. While both online and in-person learning may have both student-led and teacher-led curriculum components, online study lends itself best to student-led progress and learning. Therefore, the most obvious benefit of offering online learning opportunities is that you open up education to many more people.
In online learning, students spend less time overall and make that time for their education count. It's about learning with a lot of fluctuations; education is based on questions and answers, which is easier to achieve when you're in the same room. And the best way to connect with the culture of the language and with those who speak it is to learn by integrating with native speakers. Gemma Josep is the content manager of Classgap, an online platform whose purpose is to facilitate communication between teachers and students. If you're considering pursuing an online degree or are taking at least a few online courses with credit, there's good news: Online learning can be just as effective as traditional education on campus. With its flexibility and convenience, virtual school can be an attractive option for high school students in smaller communities or busy professionals looking to expand their skillset.
