Aside from being cheaper and more convenient, students admitted that online learner is also more effective. However, some organizations and educational institutions also argued that online learning is less effective than physical classes because they found out that some students and employees are less focused and attentive during online classes and meetings. This can negatively impact their academic or work performance as they are now more independent in their schedules and time management strategies.
For example, employees who need to undergo seminars are said to be virtually present but mentally absent because they are reported to be multitasking or doing something random on their laptops while the lecturer continues to discuss the topic. Undeniably, this matter is arguable and falsifiable. But just to give you an idea, here are five reasons why online classes are deemed more effective by some learners.
-
Students have more access to resources.
Students testified that they have more access to quality study sources online compared to traditional study materials. They got a wider range of resource options, especially when working on research papers.
Since online courses provide learners the opportunity to choose and become more independent, learners are now able to work at their own pace and comfort. And as most of them believe, the more comfortable the speed and studying spot is, the more they can focus on complex activities.
-
Virtual learning is also an environmental-friendly option
Research has shown that there has been a noticeable improvement in the environment ever since online classes became a thing. Aside from being a more effective and convenient option for learners, it also made the environment cleaner and greener. Online classes equate to approximately ninety percent lesser energy consumption and eighty-five percent fewer emissions of CO2 per student compared to traditional courses. This only means that multimedia content and online learning is indeed a more favorable educational method overall.
-
Students report an increase in retention
A lot of offline courses have struggled to retain learners and enrollees throughout the entire course duration. On the other hand, the research found that this isn’t the case when it comes to online learning. Online courses are linked with the increase of retention rates among young and adult learners, around twenty-five to sixty percent. It has also been suggested that the more engaging the multimedia content is, the more learners become focused and attentive to the material.
-
Online courses require less time and effort investment
Face-to-face academic activities are said to consume more time compared to online learning. From lengthy enrollment processes to the daily commutes, face-to-face classes are not only time-consuming but are also adding up to student’s burden. Thus, instead of merely focusing on learning their academic materials, students also invest a lot of energy and time on additional burdens. Another example of a time-consuming academic activity is taking down notes. With online learning, students can easily take notes by taking screenshots and capturing more content compared to writing a five-page long reading material from the board.
-
Online courses encourage frequent assessments; thus, they reduce distractions.
This is one of the best things online courses can offer. Assessments become a necessity than a luxury; likewise, it becomes more like an ongoing activity rather than a finish line. For students who are aspiring to achieve more and graduate with honors, online courses are indeed great options. Aside from the frequent assessments, quality multimedia content also helps them visualize academic concepts, allowing them to understand better and learn faster.
Investing your energy and time into the purpose rather than the means allows you to have a more immersive educational experience. Although there are still a few cons regarding online courses, one cannot deny the evident positive impact e-learning has given them.
