5 Notable Benefits of E-Learning Over Traditional Classrooms

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January 17, 2023 Business

Over the course of time, the way we learn or access information has greatly changed. Currently, there is a great shift from traditional learning to modern learning approaches. The term modern learning signifies online or e-learning and learning that occurs using educational apps. Generally, you don’t have to reach out to an educator in a four-walled room to learn or attempt an examination paper. That can happen from the comfort of one’s home or office.

Precisely, e-learning is the type of learning that leverages electronic technologies and the internet to pass on knowledge. Unlike the traditional learning method that requires the students and the teacher to be in the same place, e-learning or online learning is extremely the opposite. It can be conducted anywhere in the world and the teachers can access different students than in traditional classrooms.

More than ever before, the modern era is witnessing more and more learners, whether in educational institutions or the corporate world adopting the trend of e-learning. This learning technique utilizes tutorials, learning portals, live web broadcasts, and desktop video conferencing among others.

The latest statistics indicate that the global e-learning market will be worth $325 billion by 2025. Additionally, mobile learning remains the fastest-growing aspect of e-learning worldwide. But why is there a great shift to e-learning in the education landscape?

5 Vivid Benefits of E-learning Over Traditional Learning

The rate at which e-learning is being adopted worldwide is generally due to several reasons and greatly because of the benefits it offers. These include;

1. Personalized Learning Experiences

Personalized learning is an educational approach where learning is tailored to meet individual needs and as per a learner’s strengths and weaknesses. Personalization in learning is a growing trend in educational institutions as it helps teachers optimize learners’ outcomes. More so, the approach improves learning experiences as learners are able to better connect with their studies.

A lot of technology advancements today such as software, educational apps, and learning management systems offer a platform for personalized learning experiences. Learners can study at their pace, revisit learning material, and set learning targets, based on their interests. All that a learner requires is a computer and the internet to study. However, with traditional learning, personalization isn’t highly possible as a teacher must deal with a large number of students at once.

2. Anytime-Anywhere Access

Unlike traditional learning which is time-bound and conducted as per a given schedule, e-learning can happen anywhere and at any time. Generally, e-learning isn’t limited by geographical boundaries. A student can be taught by a teacher who is 1000km away and at any preferred time.

With this approach to learning, remote learning is also possible. Students can study from the comfort of their homes. They don’t have to struggle with commuting on a daily basis. They can also download study material or leverage a range of online resources and tools such as productivity tools for greater efficiency.

Above all, learners can maintain an upper hand over their studies, for example, studying when they are most active and dedicating the rest of the time to other tasks. To elucidate, learners also get an opportunity to reach out to more experienced educators in their field of study.

3. Higher Engagement

Ensuring quality academic results primarily depends on the level of engagement in the classroom. When students are actively engaged, it forms a foundation for active learning and there is a greater likelihood of achieving SMART Goals in a classroom. When students are highly engaged, they are committed to their studies and are self-driven. They tend to create additional time to study on their own.

However, when disengaged, a teacher has to put in a lot of effort to ensure that students learn and digest what they ought to. A Gallup study found that engaged students were more likely to report excellent grades in class and more than four times more hopeful about the future than their disengaged counterparts.

E-learning can be associated with higher engagement levels since students are most likely to study from the comfort of their homes and at their pace. Preferably, e-learning creates a different learning environment that is different from the usual (traditional setting). In it, students can study using technology for example apps that render learning more immersive.

Students are also more likely to access a range of learning materials for example videos and digitized material which alters their learning experiences. Statistics as per Techjury indicate that e-learning also increases retention to up to 60% which means better academic performance.

4. Can be Cheaper

One of the major drawbacks of traditional learning is cost. Many learners are subjected to paying exorbitant fees for quality education. Possibilities for a less cost may mean low-quality education. Online education is, however, highly cost-effective when compared to the traditional medium of learning.

Generally, a student isn’t required to spend on commuting, accommodation, and library fees among others. There are also more possibilities for a student to only pay as per the classes taken, especially when it comes to higher education. Learning electronically can also come with added benefits for example discounts and scholarships.

On the other hand, educational institutions don’t have to invest in additional instructors to deliver lectures. The same in-person educators can deliver lectures in a hybrid mode too. Besides that, online courses and related learning materials can be designed once and then upgraded as per learners’ needs.

5. Flexible

Unlike traditional classrooms that are time-bound and quite rigid, online learning is highly flexible. Depending on the type of learners, educators can design schedules within the most suitable time frames. For example, some students can study during the day whereas others at night. They can also record lectures for later usage.

When it comes to online courses, students can skip certain areas of units or courses and focus their energy on courses where they are lagging behind. More so, students can review the learning content whenever they want. This level of flexibility helps students balance their time between the classroom and work. This reduces the chances of academic stress and allows students to stay psychologically committed to their studies.

Final Thoughts

Also known as online education, e-learning is continuously gaining popularity worldwide in the present century. The increase in technological advancements and internet access are the biggest drivers for e-learning.

This mode of learning not only offers remarkable flexibility but has also proven to be cost-effective. Above all, it is suitable for all types of learners both in educational institutions and workplaces. If you’re considering studying online or in a hybrid mode, these are some of the notable benefits you can expect from e-learning over traditional classrooms.