Online learning is a popular alternative to traditional on-campus, in-person learning. In 2024, Research and Markets forecasted that the online education market will reach $788.05 billion by 2032.1 Given the major impact of COVID-19, it’s likely that online programs may see even greater growth.
In fact, the pandemic has demonstrated the practicality and sustainability of an online learning model. The advantages of online learning are that they keep education accessible during a public health crisis, natural disaster or other circumstances where students and faculty can’t travel.
Additional benefits of online learning include serving students across a broader geographic range and bringing in voices from across the country. The online learning environment promotes a better work-life balance.
We outline the benefits of online learning and how you can leverage them to foster your personal and professional development.
What is Online Learning and Its Importance?
The format of online courses can help you thrive personally and academically, allowing you to meet your goals.
1. You Don’t Need to Relocate
One of the many benefits of online education is that 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 graduate degree. However, some programs require fieldwork experience, which may require 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. One of the advantages of taking online classes is that you can watch lectures and complete your coursework wherever you are—whether 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 online learning experience allows for a much more flexible schedule. Some elements may be synchronous: You may need to attend live lectures, demonstrations, or discussion sessions. Many elements will be asynchronous, meaning you can complete them at your own pace, learning at the time of day and in your ideal location.
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 graduate degree. One of the advantages of online learning is that it is possible to have it all: education, professional development and a vibrant personal life.
3. It Helps You Develop and Stick to Healthy Habits
Another one of the many benefits of online learning and a better school-life balance is that you can develop greater discipline around healthy habits. Not everyone enjoys squeezing in a workout or yoga session at or 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, and research has shown that sleep can benefit memory and learning.2
Studying from home or engaging in a blended learning model can give you more time to focus on self-care. Whether through self-reflection, meditation or yoga, self-care is one of many online learning benefits that 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 a significant amount of time. According to the United States Census Bureau, the average daily commute time is 27.1 minutes.3
If you’re like most people, you’d probably rather avoid traffic or crowded public transportation. Saving 27 minutes per day (or more) will free up time you can spend working, exercising, having fun or connecting with loved ones.
5. Online Learning Benefits Make 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 learning on the job.
So, if you want to continue working at your current job while earning a graduate healthcare degree, there are advantages to online learning. The benefits of online learning are that you don’t have to choose between school and work—you can do both.
6. You Can Create Your Office
Another one of the advantages of online learning is being able to create your workspace. You can set up your desk at the right height and find a supportive office chair—or work from your couch.
Not only can your setup be more physically comfortable, but studies show that 42% of knowledge workers believe they’re more productive working at home.4
7. It’s Easier to Concentrate and Participate
Different people are productive at different times of the day. One of the benefits of online learning is that you can work at the time when your brain is most engaged.
Also, some people have trouble concentrating and participating in crowded classrooms. Online learning can make it easier for some students to focus and for more introverted students to chime in with questions or ideas, which can help boost their confidence and positivity.
Skills and Positive Advantages of Online Learning
8. Boost Your Time Management Skills
Staying organized is key to being a successful student. Find a method that works well for you, such as exploring time management techniques, using planners or trying out virtual tools for productivity.
9. Learn New Technical Skills
Immersing yourself in the technology that powers online learning will enhance your technical literacy.
10. Enhance Your Communication Skills
The advantages of online learning are that it creates opportunities to interact, participate and communicate with your peers and instructors in different ways.
11. Develop Self-Motivation and Self-Discipline
Next up on our list of benefits of online learning is self-development. To stick to a schedule and keep up with your coursework, you must learn self-motivation and self-discipline—qualities that will serve you well in your personal and professional life.
Additional Benefits of Online Learning
12. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Not only do you save money on gas, you can save paper by reducing your reliance on printed materials – this ultimately reduces your entire carbon footprint!
13. Benefits of Online Education for Reducing Stress
One of the other advantages of online learning is getting to study at your own pace. You can participate in ways that feel more comfortable, and not having an arduous commute can help you limit stress.
14. Cook at Home More Instead of Eating Out
A healthier lifestyle is one of the prime benefits of online learning. Spending more time at home makes cooking easier, paving the way for healthy eating and saving money.
15. Expand Your Horizons
Connecting with classmates from all around the world can help you share different cultural perspectives on your field. Becoming a more broad-minded practitioner can be one of the most valuable benefits of online learning.
16. Network With Your Peers
Meeting classmates online can allow you to network across a broader geographic region. This is one of the advantages of online learning that can help you advance your career. You might find a mentor who can guide you to apply what you’ve learned on the job.
Sources
- Research and Markets, “Global Online Education Market Report by Type, Provider, Technology, Region, and Company Analysis 2024-2032,” Research and Markets, April 2024, https://www.researchandmarkets.com/report/online-education?utm_source=dynamic&utm_medium=BW&utm_code=nvzl68&utm_campaign=1334853+-+$350+Billion+Online+Education+Market:+Global+Forecast+to+2025+by+End+User,+Learning+Mode+(Self-Paced,+Instructor+Led),+Technology,+Country,+Company&utm_exec=chdo54bwd#product–toc.
- Kirsten Weir, “The science of naps,” American Psychological Association, July/August 2016, https://www.apa.org/monitor/2016/07-08/naps.
- United States Census Bureau, “Average Travel Time to Work in the United States by Metro Area,” United States Census Bureau, October 16, 2019, https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/interactive/work-travel-time.html.
- Zapier Editorial Team, “The Remote Work Report by Zapier,” Zapier, November 13, 2019, https://zapier.com/blog/remote-work-report-by-zapier/.
- ManpowerGroup. “Closing the Skills Gap: Know What Workers Want.” 2019. https://workforce-resources.manpowergroup.com/closing-the-skills-gap-know-what-workers-want/closing-the-skills-gap-know-what-workers-want.
- Levitz, Ruffalo Noel. “2018 National Student Satisfaction and Priorities Report.” 2018. http://learn.ruffalonl.com/rs/395-EOG-977/images/2018_National_Student_Satisfaction_Report_EM-031.pdf.
- Roy, Robin, Stephen Potter, Karen Yarrow, and Mark Smith. “Towards Sustainable Higher Education: Environmental impacts of campus-based and distance higher education systems.” Design Innovation Group. March 2005. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237455722_Towards_Sustainable_Higher_Education_Environmental_impacts_of_campus-based_and_distance_higher_education_systems
- Cavanaugh, Joseph K. and Stephen J. Jacquemin. “A Large Sample Comparison of Grade Based Student Learning Outcomes in Online vs. Face-to-Face Courses.” Online Learning 19, no. 2 (February 2015). https://olj.onlinelearningconsortium.org/index.php/olj/article/view/454/138.
