Benefits of Online Studying

 
Introduction
Digitalization has become an essential aspect of success in different sectors, including education.
In recent years, many colleges and universities have invested significantly in E-learning, and the
demand for online courses continues to rise. Besides, organizations have adopted online learning
as the primary delivery method when training their employees due to the associated advantages.
Online learning is the gaining of skills, knowledge, and information using electronic
technologies (Barden). An increased adoption and demand for virtual education can be linked to
the accessibility of technology and the capacious nature of the internet. Thus, online studying is
an effective approach, and there are many rationales for offering and investing in it, such as
reduced costs, increased internet accessibility, and flexibility.
Cost-Effectiveness
“Online Learning Revealing the Benefits and Challenges” is an article written by Gilbert. This
article categorizes web-based learning into different groups, including fully web-based that is
conducted entirely online; hybrid courses that are made of the classroom and virtual sessions;
and traditional courses using web supplements where online technology is used as a medium for
giving supplemental material for conventional classroom study (Gilbert 3). The article state that
online learning offers a cost-effective learning option for most students if not all.
Cost-effectiveness is evident through travel fees, rentals, and printing costs. Learners are saved
from the need to travel to other cities for training or to get the needed study materials from
particular institutions.
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In contrast, Sun and Chen hold that with online learning, the need to seek accommodation
through rentals is eliminated (160). If one studies from home or other preferred areas, he or she
will avoid the cost of renting an apartment while studying. Sun and Chen outline that materials,
such as handouts and readings should be sent via electronic means, through which they can be
accessed and read (157). Thus, learners are exempted from incurring printing costs, which form a
significant part of expenses in the traditional learning approach.
Institutions incur fewer costs while reaching a large pool of students. One of the main
challenges that schools face is a declining budget while opportunities expand. However, this
problem is effectively tackled through online learning (Gilbert 7). As a solution for such issues,
Gilbert holds that, instruction compensation costs are significantly reduced when an institution
introduces a hybrid instruction model for various courses (7). For instance, colleges can adopt
interactive learning online software, which includes sophisticated machine guided instructions
that could replace face-to-face learning. Conversely, some scholars note that the system is also
designed to track learner progress and offer them targeted and practical guidance for optimal
performance (Gilbert 7). Thus, online studying helps institutions to reduce the costs of tendering
specific courses while maintaining the quality of education offered.
Sun and Chen, online learning presents an excellent opportunity for learners who hail
from low socioeconomic backgrounds (168). They further note that such learners often find it
challenging to enroll in typical educational programs due to the vast expenses, including fees,
transport, and accommodation Sun and Chen 170). Online studies offers quality education at a
lesser cost and is thus a suitable option for such students. Gibert reasons that since one takes their
studies from their appropriate locations, the financial burden they have to bear is conical (8).
Also, locational barriers are eliminated as one accesses the courses and programs without any
traveling. Subsequently, online studying ensures quality education and equal opportunities for all
learners regardless of their financial status