Benefits of Online Education Essay Sample

Education has changed in many ways over the years, today there are mostly two different learning types for students, online learning and the traditional classroom learning. Online learning is more beneficial to students, providing a flexible schedule and fewer distractions. Students are able to work at their own pace, and possibly become more engaged with the materials they are using. 

Online learning provides flexibility to students with busy schedules and gives them the chance to work at their own pace. In the traditional classroom setting students have to follow specific timelines, content, and be at specific places. Some students have busier schedules than others, they may have a full-time job, or take care of family members. Online learning helps these students keep up with their personal life and school work in a stress-free way. Students are also able to work at their own pace, whether that means getting ahead or taking the day off and catching up the next day. Some may say that students shouldn't spend that much time in front of a screen, however in a traditional classroom setting many teachers use various types of technology for their students. Things such as smart boards and laptops are used almost everyday in most classrooms. While online learning is only on a screen, students can take a break and rest their eyes as much as they need to.

Research shows that the retention rate of students enrolled in online courses are much higher than that of students enrolled in a traditional classroom. The Research Institute of America found that online learning increases retention rates around 25 percent to 60 percent. The traditional classroom setting showed that student's retention rate was only at about 8 percent to 10 percent. The reasoning for the dramatic increase for online students is that they have more control over the learning process, and are able to go back to previous lessons to get a better understanding. Online students also have far less distractions such as, talking to a friend at an inappropriate time, doing their work from another class, and any sights or sounds coming from the hallway or in the classroom. While enrolled in online learning, students are able to work from wherever they may need to to cut out most distractions, if not all. Some may say that students need to be social and that online learning shields them from the outside world. It is very important for everyone to have a social life and maintain relationships, but students are still able to socialize outside of school.

Online learning has many benefits and helps students achieve their school related goals. Research shows that online learning may be more effective than learning in the traditional classroom setting. Students are able to maintain busy schedules, work at their own pace, and focus better on the learning material.