Over the last decade, online learning has exhibited extraordinary growth. The internet has been effectively integrated into the education sector to create a platform for people to develop new competencies. In 2018, the National Center for Education Statistics carried out research on the state of remote learning. According to this research, about 6 million students were registered for at least one remote course in the US. This amounted to about 16% of all US students in higher institutions.
As impressive as these figures are, online learning has become even more fundamental in most people’s lives following the COVID-19 pandemic. With the need to limit physical interaction as much as possible, some elements of the education sector have had to function remotely. This has also boosted the utilization of online learning.
In the fall of 2020, the number of students enrolled in at least one remote course increased to about 11.8 million, amounting to 75% of all undergraduate students. Additionally, over 30% of all higher institution students are engaged in some form of online learning. This is a meteoric rise compared to the statistics pre-pandemic and further highlights how much the pandemic has impacted the popularity of online learning.
However, as remote learning steadily infiltrates the education sector, people continue to ask how beneficial online learning has been to students and teachers.
Online learning does have its associated limitations, and understandably so. Nonetheless, no one can dispute how beneficial and effective it has been to students and teachers. Students are exposed to a more personalized learning experience at all times. This fosters more independence and freedom in choosing when to do specific tasks. Online learning has many unique advantages, which we will go into later in this article.
The online learning market
New standards for online learning continue to evolve due to better technological implementations. As the world continues its transformation into the digital age, a lot of sectors struggle to adapt. Therefore, these technologies help in a more seamless adoption, with remote working and telecommuting becoming more prevalent.
Currently, e-learning has continued to improve the education sector by allowing for more significant connections and collaboration. The Internet of Things (IoT) is the primary technology spearheading online learning. This innovation has changed the focus of education from the teacher to the students.
Educational processes can now be tracked through efficient management, practical learning, interactive spells, and results. Today, remote learning is a lot better than before, and its popularity can be traced to improvements in IoT.
Before the pandemic, the most predominant online learning facilitators were independent organizations. These were teaching marketplaces and online learning platforms, most of which were massive open online course (MOOC) providers such as Coursera, Udemy, Udacity and Lynda. These providers aim their services at professional adults and students looking to advance their careers or learn a new skill. Some universities also offer online degrees.
However, following the pandemic, many more top-tier universities adopted this form of learning by making various courses accessible online. These courses cover virtually all degrees, including engineering, science, art, business and, to some extent, healthcare.
In 2015, the e-learning market was predicted to reach about $315bn in 2025. However, it surpassed this figure in 2021 and is projected to observe a 20% CAGR between 2022 and 2028. The market size is also projected to be $1tn in 2028.
With the mass adoption of online learning, the demand from people to learn online is at an all-time high. This high demand can be attributed to significant changes in the world. Aside from COVID-19, technology has also played a critical role in impacting how things are done today. All sectors have adopted technology vastly to improve efficiency and productivity, and the education sector is no different.
The world has become more technologically centric, and it’s a lot easier to identify emerging skills and conveniently build competency in them. This is essential in becoming relevant in the global market. In summary, remote learning has proven to be a key platform assisting people and establishments in adapting to the swift change in the world.
Advantages of online learning
As more educational institutions engage in online learning, its benefits become much more apparent. Technology has revolutionized how we learn. Online learning is an effective learning method, and here are some advantages to studying remotely.
Flexibility
Flexibility is a significant advantage of online learning. People can organize their schedules based on convenience, enabling them to scale themselves effectively. With this, professional adults and entrepreneurs are presented with the opportunity to boost their knowledge and acquire new skillsets quickly.
As the world changes rapidly, it is now more important than ever to stay current with the latest developments and adapt to them in order to remain relevant. The flexibility offered by online learning creates an excellent platform to balance work and education without having to give up anything.
Additionally, geographical flexibility cannot be overlooked. Currently, most institutions offer virtual classes. This means that students do not have to relocate or commute long distances to take a class. People can develop new skills or knowledge without putting their everyday lives on hold. The cost difference in moving to a new location also becomes an irrelevant factor.
Cost-effectiveness
Online learning is a lot more cost-effective than in-person learning, which requires certain mandatory costs such as transportation and accommodation. The cost structure associated with learning remotely is a unique advantage that has led to its widespread popularity. Online learning has proven to be a more budget-friendly option compared to other forms of learning. Most of the things required to learn remotely are available at no cost at all.
Online learning is a more affordable option due to the lower overheads needed to operate these programs. Additionally, institutions and learning platforms are not affected by physical limitations such as infrastructure and overpopulation. Hence, a lot more people can learn online at the same time. By taking virtual classes, students spend only essential expenses while also getting a high-quality education.
Convenience
This is a significant factor in online learning becoming very popular today. Online learning is so much more convenient than traditional learning. Typically, courses made available online are either pre-taped or pre-prepared for students. As a result, students engaging in these courses can create schedules and learn whenever they feel best.
Students with disabilities have also benefited greatly from the convenience offered by remote learning. These students now have the opportunity to remain in their comfort zone and work personally with instructors. Remote learning makes it easier for disabled students to get an education and offers them all that they need to succeed in their programs.
With online courses, students can engage in different learning tasks, including quizzes, tests, assignments and discussions at any time within the duration of the course. However, various institutions and learning platforms might enforce due dates for some tasks such as graded examinations. Nevertheless, online learning fosters convenient schedules for completion.
Character building
Hardly anyone denies the limitations that exist in remote learning. However, every issue comes with an opportunity, and online learning offers students the platform to develop essential character.
It’s no surprise how difficult learning online can be. The lack of physical presence makes it quite hard to remain focused and stay motivated. As such, studying online helps people develop vital time management skills. It is essential to find a good work-study balance. Students can learn to schedule effectively, focus on deadlines and prioritize.
The characters developed through remote learning are not only relevant to students. For teachers, sharing a common goal with students can help in accepting new responsibilities and becoming more autonomous.
Learning at your own pace
There is a reason why online education is more common among adult professionals. It offers invaluable pacing options, ensuring that students do not fall behind due to their busy lifestyles. The different pacing options provided by online learning effectively eliminate any pressure associated with education.
Pacing in this context refers to the rate at which tasks are assigned. These tasks include learning materials, assignments, discussions, graded quizzes and tests. Everyone learns at a different pace. As such, learning remotely provides the opportunity for students to dictate the momentum of their learning. Typically, there are three predominant pacing options for learning online:
- Synchronous learning: For this option, students are required to keep to the predetermined time for classes and tasks.
- Asynchronous learning: Students opting for the asynchronous option are not required to follow a fixed schedule. There is no scheduled time for classes. However, quizzes and exams should be completed within the course duration.
- Accelerated option: Online learning also allows students to complete a course in eight weeks instead of the traditional 16 weeks.
These options mean that everyone can learn at a pace that suits them best. If you need extra time to understand something fully, then online learning is the perfect solution.
Numerous course options
There is almost no limit to the courses available online. The sheer variety of subjects made available online makes remote learning very popular. Everyone has access to a wide range of courses spanning fields such as engineering, healthcare, law, science and art.
As many institutions offer courses online, they have also expanded the areas of study. By providing a wide variety of courses, institutions are able to promote students’ diversity. These courses do not have to be peculiar to a particular institution. Therefore, students can engage in different courses online without considering what institution offers it best.
Career advancement opportunities
It’s essential for people to understand how effective technology can be used in improving themselves career-wise. Online learning offers the opportunity to build critical skills in a stable environment. This is the reason why most people engage in online certifications to evidence new competencies.
In this new world, a professional is only as valuable as the skills they have. As a result, remote learning makes it easy to obtain the right skills and certificates required for career advancement. It offers a convenient and comfortable way to acquaint yourself with new technologies and get a degree from home.
One such certificate can be obtained through the Marymount University Ed.D. online program. Marymount University offers an online Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership and Organizational Innovation program for adult professionals looking to initiate and inspire change across diverse settings.
An Ed.D. qualifies a professional for career advancement by creating opportunities for reaching the highest professional level. The program equips students with the modern frameworks required to generate, transform and apply professional knowledge and leadership actions, all of which foster practical results.
There are so many other programs and degrees offered by different institutions. Obtaining an advanced degree is essential in today’s global market as most top positions are reserved for professionals who have one.
Customized learning experience
Online learning can be adjusted so that it fits each individual’s requirements and level of ability. A virtual classroom can accommodate a large number of students, while also giving each a personalized learning experience.
Online learning platforms provide materials online in different formats, including audio, videos and eBooks. Therefore, students have the option to choose and combine learning materials in whatever way they believe would help them understand better.
Occasionally, online forums and group discussions are also easily organized to improve the learning experience. All these options are readily available to students at any time. As a result, online learning creates a platform for a more dynamic and customizable learning experience.
Conclusion
Distance learning has come a long way and is now a more popular option than ever before. There are so many unique advantages of studying remotely. However, the e-learning option is not for everyone, and as such, students should assess this option in relation to their preferences and current capabilities.
Nevertheless, online learning remains a convenient and effective option for people looking to qualify for career advancements or develop new competencies.
