The Advantages of Online Learning can help you thrive both personally and academically, helping you meet your goals.
1. You don’t need to relocate
With online classes, you don’t need to move to a different city or commute long distances to attend the program of your choice. You can stay where you are and keep your current job while you work toward enhancing your career with an online college or graduate degree (However, some programs require fieldwork experience, which may necessitate relocation.)
On the other hand, if you want to become a digital nomad—someone who embraces a location-independent, technology-enabled lifestyle—online education may allow you to do that too. You can watch lectures and complete your coursework wherever you are—whether that’s at home, in a café, or on an exotic beach.
2. It’s easier to achieve optimal school-life balance
Whether you’re a full-time or part-time online student, The advantages of the online learning experience allow for a much more flexible schedule. Some elements may be synchronous: You may need to attend live lectures, demonstrations, or discussion sessions. But many elements will be asynchronous, meaning that you can complete them at your own pace, learning at the time of day and in the place that works best for you.
When you’re more in control of your schedule, time management goes more smoothly. It’s easier to maintain an active social and family life while earning your college degree or graduate degree. It is possible to have it all: education, professional development, and vibrant personal life.
3. It helps you develop and stick to healthy habits
woman working out on a matt looking at the computer screen
Another benefit of online learning and a better school-life balance is that you can develop greater discipline about healthy habits. Not everyone enjoys squeezing in a workout or yoga session at the crack of dawn or right before bed. So if you’re learning from home, you can take a midday jog or online Pilates class. You can even take a power nap, which research has shown can benefit memory and learning.
Studying from home can also give you more time to focus on self-care. Whether through self-reflection, meditation, or yoga, practicing self-care can help boost your confidence and emotional intelligence.
4. You have more time to do the things you love
If you’re taking in-person classes but don’t live near campus, commuting can take up a significant amount of your time. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average daily commute time is 54.2 minutes. If you’re like most people, you’d probably rather avoid traffic or crowded public transportation. And saving that 54 minutes per day (or more) will free up time you can spend working, exercising, having fun, or connecting with loved ones. In fact, spending time away from work has been shown to ultimately boost productivity and creativity.
5. Online learning makes it possible to keep your job
Many graduate students can’t afford to take time off from work. Or they want to keep working on career advancement while staying in their current position, improving their credentials, and applying their learning on the job. So if you want to continue working at your current job while earning your degree, online education is a great way to go. You don’t have to choose between school and work—you can do both.
6. You can create your own office
It’s an advantage to be able to create your own workspace. You can set up your desk at just the right height and find a supportive office chair—or you can work from your couch. Not only can your setup be more physically comfortable, but studies show that 42% of workers believe they’re more productive working at home.
7. It’s easier to concentrate and participate
Since different people are productive at different times of day, online learning allows you to work at the time when your brain is most engaged. Also, some people have trouble concentrating and participating in crowded classrooms. The advantages of online learning can make it easier for students to focus and for more introverted students to chime in with questions or ideas, which can help boost their confidence and positivity.