UNIT 3: Pros of online learning tools

There are many positives to using online learning tools – that’s one reason distance learning continues to grow in popularity! It’s also why so many schools have adopted online learning techniques to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.

3.1. Ability to study anywhere.

One of the main benefits of using online learning tools is the ability to study anywhere, at any time. Rather than finding new accommodation in a new city, you can simply log on to your computer and be ready for class. This is particularly great for students with other commitments – whether that’s a job, caring for someone, or even just a rental contract they’re locked into.

You’re not just restricted to your home, either. Unlike traditional learning, it’s easy to take a holiday in the middle of the term as you can still attend classes and complete your assigned work. Imagine being able to relax on the beach all morning before logging in for a lecture after lunch, having an hour chat, and then heading out into a beautiful historical town. This aspect of online study means you can get a high-quality education and enjoy travelling, too. That could provide the perfect compromise between a degree and a gap year!

 3.2. Flexible scheduling

As well as the ability to study anywhere, you can study at any time – mostly. Learning platforms are accessible 24/7, so as long as you make time for synchronous studying (mostly video calls), the rest can be done whenever you want.

This isn’t just advantageous for people in different timezones. If you have a job you don’t want to leave to advance your education, and you can simply work alongside it – perfect for professional development courses. It also suits people who work best at different times of the day. Even with video calls, there’s no commute involved, so that 9 am class will feel less early as you can roll right out of bed and get started.

3.3.  Self-paced learning

While video calls require you to keep pace with other students, the rest of the online tools you’ll be using are designed to let you work at your own pace. Whether that’s cramming a lot of reading into a single day or spacing it out over a week, you can build a schedule that works for you, rather than keeping pace with other people.

Tools like discussion boards mean you don’t need to respond straight away to questions and conversations. Instead, it’s easier to take time to think about and research what you might want to say. This removes any pressure of having to know things instantly. Of course, there will still be deadlines – many online courses require work to be submitted through their learning platforms. These platforms will close their submission form at the assigned deadline. Luckily, programs like Canvas allow  tutors to re-open it for individual students, so it’s worth talking to your course leader if those deadlines seem challenging.

3.4. Increased accessibility

Higher education can be inaccessible for many, for a variety of reasons. Physically disabled students will face extra challenges on campus, especially with historical buildings that may not be well-equipped. Students with mental illnesses may find certain teaching methods particularly challenging. For instance, it is expected to respond to a seminar can be incredibly hard for those struggling with anxiety. Chronic illness can lead to students having to miss sections of the course without notice, and even at excellent universities, these needs aren’t always accounted for.

Distance learning may not resolve every problem, but it opens up an alternative that is much more accessible. Physically disabled students no longer need to contend with a campus, instead of working from their own home. Students with mental illnesses may find some of the online tools allow them to shine – that anxious student from earlier may be quiet in video calls but can express themselves more fully on a discussion board. While chronic illness will remain unpredictable, some of its symptoms can be mitigated by reducing the amount of effort the student must put in to study. Watching a lecture in bed is much more accessible than having to get public transport across town.

3.5. Custom learning environment

Different students work best in different ways, and classrooms aren’t necessarily the best for everyone. The requirement to sit straight-backed in a chair and take notes on a small desk for lectures isn’t most people’s ideal environment, after all.

Students – and tutors! – can build a workspace that suits their needs. Whether that’s a standing desk with a bookcase right beside it, a floor desk with the window behind, or even a trip out to a coffee shop, it’s easy to adapt. People who work better whilst pacing can do so, without distracting those who need a still, quiet space.

This custom learning environment doesn’t just exist in the physical world, either. Tutors can customise their learning platforms to work for them, whilst students can choose how best to store resources and organise their digital files.

3.6. Wide variety of courses/topics available

To justify running a course at a university or organisation, there needs to be an interest. Without a certain amount of students joining, there’s no reason to host it. However, with online courses, it’s much easier to provide a large range of subjects, or short courses to complement longer ones.

The wider range of students out there (after all, there’s a global audience) and the lack of necessity to book physical locations means it’s much easier to run courses on niche topics. Tools like video recording software mean that you don’t need to do it again once you’ve delivered a lecture. This ability to re-use aspects of a course makes it easier to justify having smaller groups, as there’s less investment once it has been run once.There’s a huge variety on offer. Whether it’s professional development, academic curiosity, or just wanting to try something new, it’s easy to find a course to suit. This courses you can find online can be your example how to develop the courses.

3.7. Creative teaching methods

Online learning tools allow tutors to try out more creative methods than the standard lecture. Whilst, not every tutor will do this (and let’s face it, not every tutor should), those who know what they’re doing can really excel.

Tutors can provide a mix of multimedia resources – video, audio, and interactive content – either designed by themselves or from specialists. This means that different learning styles can be accommodated. Visual learners may rely heavily on infographics, video, and screen share, while audio learners will excel at podcasts, lectures, or recorded interviews.

There are many great things that you simply wouldn’t be able to do in a physical classroom – create customised interactive quizzes and flashcards, encourage collaborative virtual note-taking, or set tasks involving gamification instead of standard homework.

As you can see, there’s a huge variety on offer. Whether it’s professional development, academic curiosity, or just wanting to try something new, it’s easy to find a course to suit.

3.7. Creative teaching methods.

Online learning tools allow tutors to try out more creative methods than the standard lecture. Whilst, not every tutor will do this (and let’s face it, not every tutor should), those who know what they’re doing can really excel.

Tutors can provide a mix of multimedia resources – video, audio, and interactive content – either designed by themselves or from specialists. This means that different learning styles can be accommodated. Visual learners may rely heavily on infographics, video, and screen share, while audio learners will excel at podcasts, lectures, or recorded interviews.

There are many great things that you simply wouldn’t be able to do in a physical classroom – create customised interactive quizzes and flashcards, encourage collaborative virtual note-taking, or set tasks involving gamification instead of standard homework.