5 Advantages of Online Learning vs Traditional Classes
Over 1.8 million professionals use CFI to learn accounting, financial analysis, modeling and more. Start with a free account to explore 20+ always-free courses and hundreds of finance templates and cheat sheets.
Five Advantages of Online Learning vs. Traditional Classes
Online learning enables students to take courses on a computer from anywhere in the world. E-learning has given students the freedom and customization options that make online learning a great alternative to the more traditional classroom environment. There is an increasing number of people who take courses online. According to a 2015 report from Babson Survey Research Group, the number of students who are enrolled in eLearning courses grew 5.8 percent, and this number has grown annually for the last 13 years.
There is a general misconception that Online Learning is easier than traditional learning. Students are still required to put in as much effort, time, and energy when taking courses online.
Here are five advantages of taking courses online when compared to studying in a classroom setting:
#1 – You can learn whatever you want
No matter your age or educational background, online learning allows you to take courses on any topic you are interested in. You can also use it to learn new technical skills that are especially helpful if you want to increase your chances of landing a job or advancing in your current career. Most online courses typically don’t have admission requirements, such as GMAT Scores, SAT Scores, or Academic Transcripts, which make them very accessible. Online learning has become a great medium to acquire in-demand industry certifications, such as the Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA)™ designation, that will help you meet the needs of an evolving job market. A study from Georgetown University shows that by 2020, 65 percent of jobs in the US will look for candidates who have advanced education.
#2 – Learn at your own pace anywhere, anytime!
Unlike in a traditional classroom setup, online learning allows you to study wherever and whenever you want. You don’t have to deal with commuting and heavy traffic, and you can study from the comfort of your home if you want to. Taking courses online gives you the option to study in a setting that is most conducive for you. Whether it’s in your room, in the library, at a coffee shop, or the park, all you need is a laptop or tablet with a reliable internet connection.
#3 – You will learn technical skills
If you want to learn applied technical skills, online learning is a great place to enhance them. When studying online, you are challenged to step outside your comfort zone and explore all the features of digital learning such as downloading materials, interactive quizzes, and hands-on exercises on your own. All of these learning materials provide an optimal learning experience for technical skills, that generally require practice and repetition to master. Practice makes perfect, and you get a lot of practice through online learning.
In the digital age, learning technical skills will help you stay updated and be a more viable candidate for future hiring managers. According to the 2017 Career Advisory Board tech skills survey, 60 percent of employers said that most job applicants don’t have the tech skills that they need for their careers. Also, half of the employers said there’s a tech skills gap in their employee base.
CFI’s Excel Crash Course and Advanced Excel Training Course will help you master the necessary Excel skills required for jobs in various fields.
#4 – There is less pressure
Students have different ways of dealing with pressure in schools that create a competitive environment. The bad news is, some people can’t handle the pressure in the traditional classroom setup. According to a 2014 article by Amy Novotney for the American Psychological Association, students have been exposed to increased risks of anxiety, depression as well as suicidal thoughts. Between 2012 and 2013, almost half of the students who participated in the survey revealed that they attended counseling sessions for mental health concerns. With online learning, you can have interactions with classmates and instructors in an environment that is suitable for learning and not for competing with others.
#5 – It costs less
In the USA, the average graduating student has college debt that reaches over $37,000. Learning in the traditional way means you will pay for the classes, accommodation, meals, activity fees, and books. Online learning comes at a much lower cost since you don’t have to pay for things such as paper handouts, classroom space, desks, chairs, and other supplies.
Additional Resources
The Corporate Finance Institute offers online courses that can be taken on-demand from anywhere in the world. Here are some additional resources to take a look into:
