One of the main benefits of online learning is convenience. Since students can fit around existing responsibilities and commitments, they can learn more, more often.

Online courses are not only more convenient than traditional courses, they are usually cheaper. In other words, you can learn more, more cost effectively.

Studies have shown that students learn more than they do in traditional classes. For example, IBM has found that participants learn five times more material in online learning courses than in traditional face to face courses, according to Dexway.

For this reason, retention rates are often higher. In a study undertaken by The Research Institute of America, retention rates are between 25% and 60% higher than traditional courses.

Since partaking in an online course means students avoid the “back and forth” from attending classes, there is less time investment when compared with a traditional course. Dexway says that: “A Brandon Hall report on elearning with corporations found that online learning requires 40-60% less employee time than learning in a traditional classroom setting.”

Students also benefit from having assessments more often and being able to use a range of media, including videos and quizzes. Students are less likely to be distracted. Research from Harvard shows that short, regular tests halved student distraction, tripled note taking and improved retention.

Learning online is also better for the environment. A study for the Open University in Britain found that online courses equate to an average of 90% less energy and 85% fewer CO2 emissions per student than traditional in person courses.