Q: What are the benefits of online study?

Online study has been pushed into the education spotlight in the past few years. It became mainstream out of necessity during the pandemic, and is now actually a preference for many students. When you analyse the benefits of online learning, it’s clear why.

Studies have shown that online learning significantly enhances writing and computer skills. It may seem like a small benefit, but clear written communications and excellent computer skills will take you a long way in a workforce that’s becoming increasingly digital.

Online learning will also help you hone time management skills and your ability to self-motivate. Both of these soft skills are considered prerequisites for success in an online learning environment, so there’s really no better way to develop them.

Studies have shown that online learning significantly enhances writing and computer skills. It may seem like a small benefit, but clear written communications and excellent computer skills will take you a long way in a workforce that’s becoming increasingly digital.

Online learning will also help you hone time management skills and your ability to self-motivate. Both of these soft skills are considered prerequisites for success in an online learning environment, so there’s really no better way to develop them.

If you’re more extroverted, online learning is also a great option for you. Online learning has made significant enhancements in interaction and engagement in the past years.

The prevalence of zoom means everyone is more adept at communicating virtually — your course instructors included. They’ve now had a couple of years to perfect their online teaching style, and will have figured out how to make online learning an experience you can draw a lot of knowledge from and enjoy at the same time.

In a lot of online courses, you’ll have just as many opportunities to interact directly with your peers as you would in a physical classroom.

For a lot of learners, a main concern about online education is the quality of feedback. Feedback and assessments are critical resources for your learning. And, given the more autonomous nature of online education, a high level of effort is put into giving learners rich and varied feedback on assessments and tests.

Many online educators have nailed the art of delivering feedback virtually. Depending on the course, you might receive written or verbal feedback on assessments, to help you pinpoint your strengths and the places where you can continue developing. You may even have access to 1:1’s with your instructor where you can hash out more complex topics and ensure you have a full understanding.

In-class learning requires you to study at the pace of the class. But a massive benefit of online education is the ability to choose the style of learning that works for you and your lifestyle.

If you’re someone who has work, family or a generally busy life, self-paced learning offers the perfect amount of flexibility to study around life commitments. It’s also a great style for people who just want to dabble in learning. This learning style is best for people who are self-motivated and passionate about their studies

Structured learning is great for people who aren’t as confident in their ability to stay motivated, and who want more of a classroom experience without the travel. Structured online courses offer synchronous learning, so you can join a live class and ask questions in real time.

These benefits of online learning come with a host of other perks, including:

• No travel time 
• Saving money on travel, food and other expenses
• Having class in a comfortable space
• Being able to study at a time that suits you. (A busy schedule doesn’t mean you can’t go to class. Many online educators offer recordings of all classes so if you ever miss one you can just watch it when you’re free.) 

There are both pros and cons of online learning. However, the “cons” largely depend on your personal learning preferences and level of self-motivation.

If you prefer more structured learning because you know you don’t have great time-management skills, and feel you can’t motivate yourself to watch classes in your own time, online learning will likely have more cons than pros for you.

Similarly, if you know you’re easily distracted in your own space, studying at home will likely turn into a challenge rather than a benefit. And if you love the hustle and bustle of a classroom, it probably won’t matter how interactive and engaging your online class is, you may not quite love it. 

Making the decision to study online is a very personal one, and it should be influenced by your learning preferences, lifestyle and level of motivation.

Keen to study online? Browse online courses in a range of subject areas to find one that suits your needs.

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