Since the pandemic, there have been significant changes in the way we learn, work and engage with other day-to-day activities. Thanks to video messaging apps like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, we can now connect with people all over the world. The virtual classroom has also evolved to connect students and instructors.

But will online learning replace in-person learning, and which one is better? Here we’ll explore how online learning compares to in-person learning.

What’s the difference between in-person and online learning?

In online education, classrooms and subject materials are all provided virtually. The traditional method of learning involves students attending face-to-face classes at allotted times. It’s clear that with the new technologies that enable online learning, obtaining an education via digital channels can mimic the experiences you get through in-person courses. For example, you’ll still be able to interact with instructors and peers via forums, discussion boards, email and even video chat.

Advantages of online learning

How does online learning benefit you? Consider these factors to help you make your decision.

1. Flexibility

The ease of taking online classes makes it accessible for many people who can’t otherwise attend in-person classes or who want to go back to school but have other commitments. People who work full-time, are single parents or are in the military may benefit from online education.

More people than ever before can now receive formal education through online courses. By removing the barriers of an in-person classroom, students can choose when to complete coursework online, allowing them to benefit from the freedom to choose how and when they want to learn.

2. Self-paced learning

Online learning is a great option for those who dislike the structure of in-person classroom meetings. With online classes, students are able to work and learn at their own pace.

Students can customize their learning environment to suit their needs according to their own schedule.

3. Ability to advance in your career

Career advancement is one of the main reasons why people choose to further their education. In general, this is also true of online education.

In order to advance your career, you may need to upskill or reskill, or even switch career fields. Due to its flexibility, online learning appeals to working professionals.

4. Wider range of courses and programs

With online learning, professionals can choose the best program based on their needs without having to relocate.

On the other hand, full-time students studying on campus are limited to local options or may need to move to another city. The majority of reputable, well-established universities now offer online courses. As a result, you have a broader range of options for achieving your educational goals.

5. Broader range of perspectives

Since your online classmates may reside anywhere in the world, you’ll be able to gain perspectives from professionals and students living in other countries and with a diverse range of backgrounds.

It’s possible to learn how businesses operate overseas and prepare for the realities of working globally. You can also gain insight from other adults, both within and outside of your industry, because online learners typically have a wide range of goals and professional backgrounds.

6. Affordability

Traditional schooling is more expensive than online schools due to the costs associated with in-person experiences, including extracurricular activities, dorms, dining halls, etc.

Students tend to appreciate all of these amenities, but the pandemic has led many to realize that those experiences aren’t as important as they once were. Today, more and more students enroll in online classes due to the affordability, convenience and lower cost of a formal education.

7. Developing time management skills

Managing your time is an essential skill in every aspect of your life. As a working professional, you may have to juggle both family and professional obligations.

Taking an online course as a professional means balancing work and study. In order to do this, you’ll need to plan ahead and perhaps break your tasks into smaller pieces. Effective time management is crucial to succeeding in an online course, and it is also a skill that will serve you well for many years to come.

8. Virtual collaboration opportunities

It’s more important than ever to be able to collaborate using virtual technologies, especially as more and more professionals shift to working remotely.

During your studies, you’ll collaborate online, engage in live and offline discussions, and analyze viewpoints from classmates across the globe, gaining valuable skills along the way that can also be applied to your job. Many companies hire teams that have employees based all over the world, thus necessitating the need to work with people across various time zones.

9. Customizable learning environment

If you take an online class, you can do the coursework anywhere – from your kitchen to your living room to your office or coffee shop.

Rather than sitting in a traditional classroom, some students may prefer to watch lectures in a comfortable setting. The great thing about online learning is that you can access your coursework even when you’re on vacation or traveling for work.

10. Convenience

On some days, you may feel like staying home. That’s understandable. Stress at work, demands from friends and a lack of rest all contribute to fatigue. The ability to practice self-care and take care of your mental health are two hidden advantages of online learning. Keuka college online programs allow you to continue your education from the comfort of your own home.

The flexibility of online learning also allows students to choose the learning environment that’s most conducive to their needs. Silence is essential for some people in order to concentrate. To stay motivated, others listen to music or surround themselves with activities. In contrast to classroom courses, online courses let you customize your environment to suit your needs.

11. Accessibility

The rise of online learning has “disrupted” the education system. Traditionally, school has been conducted in person, which has had limitations for those who can’t attend. Therefore, offering online learning opportunities opens up education to a much wider audience.

Online learning courses can empower people to retrain for new careers at any stage in their life and gain qualifications through digital education. Having the opportunity to study at home and at convenient times enables those who are unable to leave their job or other commitments to enroll in degree programs.

Online programs are also a major opportunity for foreign language students. Online platforms can connect students with native speakers from other countries easily, which is a proven method for achieving language proficiency.

12. More opportunities for interaction

University and college campuses may seem like social gathering places, but in reality, they can be quite limited when it comes to enabling social interaction. A campus exposes you to the same people every day, so you don’t have many chances to meet new people.

One of the greatest advantages of online courses is the borderless nature of the internet. Online courses allow you to meet people around the world. As you explore your education and gain new skills, each interaction offers more depth and growth opportunities.

It is possible to meet people through social media and even in person. Live webinars and video live streams allow real-time interaction with fellow students and your instructors.

13. Expand your network

A major advantage of online learning is the ability to interact with teachers and students from a variety of backgrounds. After completing the course, the benefits continue.

Your online class might lead to a new business partner or collaborator. Social media platforms like LinkedIn can also be used to connect with fellow students. As a team, you can recommend each other’s skills, serve as headhunters for one another when job opportunities arise and support one another’s careers.

6 signs online learning is for you

1. You’re willing to prioritize time management

Time management is one of the most important indicators that you’ll succeed in an online classroom. The more commitments you have while taking online courses, the more important this becomes. To be successful in your classes, you need to determine whether you can allocate the time you need.

It’s important to be realistic about your abilities and limitations. Establish your responsibilities each week, including blocking out time for schoolwork and other responsibilities on your calendar.

You can stay on track by bookmarking class assignments or participating in discussion boards on your calendar. Online courses can be an advantage for working adults, who are often juggling full-time jobs with other commitments.

2. You have basic technology skills

It’s fairly evident that online education requires some level of technical expertise. It is essential to email teachers and other students, participate in online discussions and download and upload assignments and evaluations. You might be a good fit for online learning if you’re comfortable using computer programs and understand how to navigate an online portal.

3. You enjoy virtual interaction

A successful online learning experience also requires a love of virtual interaction. Students benefit from being in classrooms and interacting with other students, including forming study groups, networking and working together on group projects. The majority of these interactions will likely take place online if your classroom is digital.

Students who do well in an online environment will therefore be fine coordinating with professors and fellow students via a computer. They don’t have a problem with scheduling mutually agreeable times for video conferencing.

4. You’re a self-motivated learner

Do you enjoy setting your own goals and exploring things you’re curious about? This is the mindset most children adopt early in life. Their curiosity is endless, and they love to learn new things. When students are forced to embrace standardized measures and methods, their thirst for knowledge can be drained.

The natural love for learning can be rekindled by online learning. A reputable program can provide students with the support and resources they need to succeed in online learning.

5. You have a busy schedule

Because of other areas of focus in their lives, online students may be unable to adhere to traditional school schedules, whether it’s due to health issues, traveling challenges or time constraints.

If you have a busy schedule or have limited time or physical abilities, don’t overlook the benefits of an online education, especially when you need it to further your career. If you’re balancing your school schedule and a demanding personal schedule, online classes can provide the flexibility you need.

6. You enjoy the opportunity to learn independently

There are many students who enjoy learning independently. From a young age, perhaps you enjoyed investigating questions that piqued your interest, whether it was something you saw in your backyard or in a book.

While online learning includes many of the same elements as traditional learning, including access to a field expert and a classroom full of other students interested in the subject matter, it is also mainly a self-learning process. An online degree program could be right for you if you are more independent in your learning style and can take charge of your classes and material, ensuring you understand everything you need to know to succeed.

Are you ready to learn at your own pace?

The benefits of online learning have attracted students from all walks of life. Because much of your success with online learning will depend on self-motivation, it is important to consider your personal characteristics and your readiness to be an independent learner before you decide whether an online program is right for you.