By Charlene Lattea, WVU Online | Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Are you interested in online college? Discover the top benefits of online learning with WVU.
More students are talking online classes today than ever before.
This is hardly surprising, as more people begin to recognize how learning online makes education more accessible.
Everyone, from recent high school graduates to adults thinking of going back to school, can benefit from online learning in today’s world and WVU Online meets the varied needs of all these students.
In this article, we will discuss the major benefits that come with pursuing an online education and help you decide if it is a good option for you.
There are many costs associated with attending college and your financial situation is one of the most important factors in your decision to enroll in a particular school or program.
You may be surprised to learn that online learning is more affordable than attending traditional in-person classes.
Learning online offers several ways for you to save money, including not having to pay for room and board on campus or transportation costs to commute.
You will not have to buy as many textbooks and course materials because many of these are in digital formats, and you won’t have to pay for gas, parking, meals, childcare, or relocation costs.
Plus, as an online student, you still qualify for financial aid, depending on the type of program you are pursuing.
Flexibility is probably the best part of online learning. You fit your studies in around your personal schedule and not the other way around.
This is a great thing for those with a full-time job or family or other obligations. You control your schedule, and you study when it is convenient for you, whether you are a morning person or a night owl.
As long as you meet your deadlines and other requirements, such as participating in discussion boards, doing assigned readings and dealing with lecture materials, the time and location for study is up to you.
You can even watch lectures online, and rewatch or pause them if necessary. What could be easier?
As an online student, you can choose from the same range of degrees that are available in a traditional educational environment, whether it is an undergraduate degree, a certificate, a master’s degree or a doctorate.
It is important to know that online courses from major universities have the same value as ones you earn in traditional in-person programs.
The coursework is the same, only the learning format is different.
Also, many companies now offer online learning programs to help employees boost their skills, including professional certificates, micro-credentials, tutorials, and more. These focused programs are a good way to expand your knowledge or learn new skills.
One of the major advantages of online learning is that it is self-paced and self-directed. You have control over the time you spend online and the way you learn.
An online environment allows you to learn the way that works best for you, but it still provides the resources and support systems you need, the same as traditional in-person programs do.
You can take the time to master all the topics covered in class and even revisit lectures and materials online if you choose.
You can also choose accelerated options to move through coursework more rapidly and graduate in a shorter length of time.
Online platforms are excellent for enhancing your digital literacy, from basic computer skills to understanding more advanced software and tools.
As part of your coursework, you will use a wide variety of digital learning materials, including discussion boards, project management tools, collaboration programs, and content management systems, as well as a variety of different software programs.
Most companies today are using this same software, such as Skype, Dropbox, Teams, Zoom, Basecamp, and others, and your familiarity with these can boost your resumé.
Future employers will see that you are comfortable learning new technologies, collaborating online, and working remotely. You will be a more well-rounded job candidate and you will stand out among other job applicants.
Another important benefit of online learning is the experience you gain in a virtual environment, collaborating with other students from around the world.
You will take part in virtual group projects and meetings using message boards and other tools to post about readings and assignments and to engage in discussions.
You will use different software programs to speak face-to-face, share documents, and to create, assign, track and prioritize tasks. You can even use virtual programs to break into smaller groups to work on a specific project together.
With online learning, you study from home or from anywhere you have an internet connection. This could be while you are on vacation, or traveling for work.
You don’t go to the classroom, the classroom comes to you!
Online students don’t have to relocate or commute to attend class, which opens up educational opportunities for those who live far from campus or in rural areas.
There are no borders. You can attend programs from across the country or even across the globe.
Create a learning environment that meets your individual needs, whether it is a quiet home office or a busy coffee shop. Work from your recliner instead of sitting on hard chairs for hours. Maximize your comfort and better focus on your work.
Although you will have the flexibility to complete assignments at a time that is most convenient, you will still need to manage your time wisely to ensure that you meet deadlines.
With online learning, you will automatically develop good time management skills as you balance our coursework with other aspects of your life.
You will learn how to create a schedule that includes assignment deadlines, study time, free time, and time for engaging with professors and other students from week to week.
The study time you set aside each week may include working during a lunch break, early in the morning, or even reading articles while on the treadmill at the gym.
Once you develop time management skills, you will find it will help you in your future career as well.
One of the greatest benefits of online learning is that you will be able to advance in your career and you don’t have to quit your current job to earn a degree.
You will find that the new skills you learn can quickly be applied to your current job or open up new career paths.
That’s why, at WVU Online, we say: “Learn it today, use it tomorrow.”
You will learn new skills and also strengthen your transferrable skills. These include communication, critical thinking, and adaptability, among others.
Online learning also increases your self-discipline and your ability to work independently, without supervision. This is something that is prized by employers and that will set you apart from other applicants.
Earning a degree, certificate, or micro-credential online will show your employer that you are dedicated to the job and it will help you increase your salary, get a promotion, or that dream job you always wanted.
It is important to know that you have options.
With online learning, you can personalize your education and maintain a better school-life balance. This allows you to concentrate on your career, family, or personal hobbies all while pursuing your online degree.
You will have a class schedule and environment that works for you and not one that you have to work hard to fit into your life.
That’s why online learning appeals to a large number of students with diverse learning styles as well as diverse lifestyles.
Let the world be your classroom!
Educational pathways can be challenging, but you need to take the time to make informed decisions that will help you reach your career goals.
WVU Online is an ideal starting point in your search for the right school. Our degrees are perfect for working professionals or others who want the convenience and flexibility of online learning from a nationally recognized university
Contact the Coaches at Our Learning Engagement Center
After reading this article, if you are unsure about your goals, or how to identify your interests and skills, be sure to reach out to one of our WVU Online admissions coaches. They are trained to help you look at your individual situation and make the right choice for your future.
Call us, write us, or fill out the request information form. Whichever communication style you prefer, there will be someone from WVU Online on the other end waiting to help.