5 Benefits of Online Learning for Students

Since the start of the pandemic, schools, universities, and workplaces have increasingly moved online, learning to adapt to new ways of working and teaching.

The loss of face-to-face interaction has brought some challenges and hurdles, but there is also much to be gained from a new, virtual way of learning. From increased flexibility, to preparing for the future world of work, here are five advantages exclusive to online study:

1. Digital materials

An online learning environment comes with the benefit of digital resources and materials. Not only are these more readily available to anyone, anywhere in the world, but they are also much easier to update. This means the information you’re given is as relevant as possible to you and your studies. Online sources are often cheaper and easier to access, and multimedia resources help you to learn in the most effective way, whether you’re a visual, verbal, or aural learner.

Digital resources can also make the learning experience more accessible to those with additional needs. The font size can be changed at the click of a button, or the entire textbook can be read aloud to a learner. Everyone has unlimited space to make notes around the text, and videos can be embedded into the study materials.

Alongside the reduced cost of resources, such as textbooks, online study allows families to save on the cost of travel and accommodation. When making decisions about further and higher education, the option to study online might open up opportunities at institutions around the world, without the added cost and complications of physically relocating. An international education is made far more accessible.

2. An international perspective

There are numerous advantages to working and learning with people from all around the world. At Oxford Scholastica, we work with students from over 75 different countries, and our online courses make it even easier to connect a truly international cohort.

Communicating with students from other parts of the world helps to cultivate a global perspective and generates greater cross-cultural understanding, exposing you to new values and ways of thinking. This is crucial to the ability to come up with new and innovative ideas, which will both serve your learning now and prepare you for work in an increasingly globalised world.

If you’re interested in business or economics, for example, it will be valuable to consider the importance of international communication and understand the interconnected nature of global economies.

3. Prepared for the world of work

Remote working is becoming more and more common. In 2019 around 60% of businesses globally used remote work in some capacity, and a survey conducted back in August 2020 found that 84% of UK full-time workers were planning to work remotely in some form for the rest of 2020. Remote working, at least part of the time, is quickly becoming the “new normal”. Online learning will prepare you for the virtual workplace by allowing you to familiarise yourself with methods of remote communication and different types of technology and software.

You’ll develop technical skills and grow in confidence as you use various platforms to effectively communicate and collaborate with others. Your digital expertise will expand as you learn to conduct independent research online and express yourself clearly both in writing and using teleconferencing software. 

On an Oxford Scholastica Online course, you’ll discuss ideas with expert tutors and other students. Outside of small, tutorial-style classes, you will have control over your own learning, encouraging independent time management as well as self-discipline and motivation, all of which will be highly valued by employers.

4.  Flexibility

The flexibility to manage where, when, and how you study is a notable advantage to online learning, enabling you to build your studies around other commitments. This might include being able to work from home and uphold family commitments, or finding ways to maintain other activities, hobbies, and skills. As well as being incredibly important for your own well-being, developing other skills alongside your studies will help to boost your future employability.

Oxford Scholastica Online courses allow you to broaden your horizons without leaving your home. You’ll still benefit from the support of the best tutors thanks to university-style online tuition, and you’ll be able to keep in touch with other enthusiastic students you meet via social media.

This flexibility also offers the freedom to develop routines and habits that work for you, without the time constraints that come with tight schedules and travel. You know how you learn best, and online study offers the freedom to tailor your experience to your needs and preferences, ensuring you get the most out of your education. You’ll be able to pace yourself and learn in a way that best suits you, with encouragement and support.

5. Sustainability

Finally, online study is a sustainable option: removing the commute involved in face-to-face study and work will reduce the environmental impact of transportation, while increased use of digital resources contributes to a reduction of waste. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the paper industry is the most water-intensive, and the fourth-most energy-consuming industry, hence a reduction in printed resources will contribute to an environmentally sustainable way of learning.

While many of us might be missing the chance to interact with others and the classroom dynamics that we have grown up with, the last few months have shown that remote learning brings many unique benefits and opportunities. In an increasingly globalised and online world, remote study develops skills and knowledge that will be highly valuable in shaping the way we interact with others and with the world, ultimately preparing us for our futures.