Online education has become popular, with distance learners, working adults, busy parents, and even high school graduates opting for it. Many traditional and online colleges have conducted numerous surveys among their students to learn why online school is better.
This article summarizes the top nine reasons for students to pick online college over traditional on-campus learning.
Reason #1: Control Your Pace And Schedule
Online degree programs tend to provide scheduling flexibility where students can start a course immediately, select a 16-week course or an accelerated eight-week alternative. Many full-time students without work or family obligations go for accelerated programs to complete their degree sooner.
Scheduling conflicts are among the primary reasons for students not being able to attend classes in on-campus programs. On the other hand, students can attend all asynchronous classes in an online college setting whenever convenient. This arrangement works well with students working full-time, part-time, and busy parents.
Reason #2: Reduce Student Debt
Among the more significant cost components of on-campus degree programs are room, board, transportation, and on-campus service fees. Attending online college eliminates the need for those expenses and leaves learners with less debt to repay.
Reason #3: Location Freedom
Not having to relocate to another city to attend college allows students to attend a premier online school from home. Besides saving money, students can live close to family members, friends, and professional acquaintances.
Reason #4: Quicker Feedback
This reason is probably the most unusual! Online students spend more time interacting with professors and fellow students in online classes than traditional classes.
Professors tend to conduct student assessments more frequently to monitor competence and address gaps compared to traditional classrooms where students can hide their struggles.
Reason #5: More Engaging Than Classroom Learning
A recent study at the California State University revealed that online students are more receptive to interacting with professors and other students. Attention-grabbing multimedia presentations and interactive platforms encourage students to absorb knowledge in different and creative ways.
Reason #6: No Disruptive Students!
Traditional colleges tend to have tons of distractions, from social settings to disruptive students. In this sense, online school is better at keeping away from these distractions. Students can focus better on learning and outcomes without having to fit into the learning structure of others.
Reason #7: Good Preparation For Changing Work Landscape
Online learning tends to “force” students and professors to embrace technology. Remote jobs and working environments are a fast-growing trend. These days new technology and gadgets are making it more conducive for people to accomplish complex tasks from almost anywhere.
Reason #8: Get A Degree Despite Having Health Or Social Issues
Having ailments, disorders, or disabilities can hinder success in traditional colleges. Physical presence requires some strength and agility on the part of the student. However, online students can continue with education from hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or from home.
Reason #9: Seamless Communication
Two of the most significant challenges in a traditional classroom are:
- #1 – Talking to other students, which is considered disruptive.
- #2 – Communicating with professors without drawing the entire class’s attention.
Online schools are better as they have dedicated channels for students to email or chat with professors and students privately. This level of connection gives the student more comfort when asking questions and tackling complex topics.
Related Article: How Online College Works
