8 Benefits of Taking an Online Course (Bonus Questionnaire) 

Being an online class teacher myself, I might be biased but I believe online learning is infinitely more beneficial than traditional learning.

I’ll try to explain why by discussing the eight key benefits of online learning below that will help you understand how does an online course work.

Online learning eliminated geographical restrictions. You can attend online classes held by, say, German instructors even if you’re in the U.S., U.K., or Taiwan.

Physical classrooms are replaced by an online learning environment open to all.

Besides that, you can take online classes right from the comfort of your home. You won’t waste time on long, useless commutes anymore.

You can pursue online learning from a comfortable learning environment -- your bed, desk, or even your floor. It really doesn’t matter.

I know quite a few students who get anxious in classroom space. In fact, they become more productive when they study at home because it’s a safe environment.

Also, you can attend online classes in your jammies or sweatpants. Besides the fact that sweatpants are oh-so-comfortable, you’ll also save some time you’d spend on getting ready for in-person courses.

I’ve already mentioned that learning online means you won’t waste time on commutes -- but it also means you won’t spend money on gas or bus tickets.

Besides that, online courses are usually much cheaper than traditional ones.

This is because schools, academic programs, and course creators don’t need to spend money on: 

• Renting a classroom
• Paying a huge staff (e.g. to manage the buildings) 

Online learners also save money they’d spend on:

• Buying food during lunch break or expensive drinks at a coffee shop
• Renting a room and board on a campus
• Buying paper books (these are usually replaced by free e-books in online classes)

Note that a school may offer financial aid to students who need help with paying tuition fees. Make sure you check your school’s eligibility criteria for financial aid before you pay.

One research focused on the environmental benefits of online learning. The research found that taking online courses can help reduce CO2 emissions tremendously because students no longer have to commute to campuses [1]:

“The results indicate that offering a lower-division class of 100 students with an online format leads to reduced CO2 emissions of 5-10 tons per semester, and knowledge of such an environmental benefit leads to enhanced (..) satisfaction with distance learning.”

 

- J. Elliott Campbell and David E. Campbell, University of California & Humboldt State University

So, not only does the absence of commutes help you save both money and time, but it’s also good for the environment.

What’s more, online learners are actually more satisfied because they feel like they contribute to a positive change.

I could go on and on about the advantages of online learning but it wouldn’t be as powerful as hearing about it from other students, would it?

Here’s how one student described his online learning experience [2]:

“I feel great relief because this [online] program does not require physical presence. (...) It also makes me happy that I can study in my own space; whatever time I want, I can also take a break and spend time with my children. That way I can better combine student and family life.”

 

- Anonymous student

Attending online classes helped him attain a balance between his studies and family commitments.

Another student mentions convenience as one of the main advantages of online classes [3]:

“I find online learning to be extremely convenient. All I need is my laptop and books. It also keeps me productive, as I’m less exhausted than when I’m actually at school, and I’m no longer distracted by the people around me.”

 

- Kristie Chan Wing-hei, 15, Sha Tin College

Obtaining an online degree seems much easier and more convenient, especially for those who are already employed or have a family.

Now that you’re convinced that attending an online college or course won’t be a waste of your time, let’s see how you can identify high-quality courses.

(Lord knows there’s no shortage of scammy courses out there.)

Check if your chosen course has these 5 characteristics before you slide your credit card:

• Positive reviews. Good programs usually receive lots of positive reviews from their ex-students. Of course, there are always some students that won’t be satisfied. That’s why you should look at the ratio of positive vs. negative reviews.
• Timely feedback. The best classes involve timely feedback to all students coming directly from the instructor.
• Office hours. You should be able to reach your professor in case you have any questions about the coursework. If a program doesn’t offer you this, run.
• Mixed coursework. High-quality classes combine individual assignments with working with your peers on at least one group project. They should also offer you versatile study materials.
• Offers online degrees or certificates. You’ll know you found a good program if the course creators offer you a paper that confirms your newly acquired skills.

Many schools -- universities included -- are moving to a digital environment. This is because online courses proved to be extremely successful at delivering both quality and more flexibility to students.

What’s more, many students might not have a chance to obtain their desired degree if it weren’t for online classes. Now, they can get a degree no matter where they are in the world, as long as they own a computer.

Overall, online courses are a terrific product of the 21st century that more and more colleges and employers will recognize as valid. If you’re considering an online course, I suggest you go for it.