The benefits of online education

The practical advantages, particularly convenience, also attract students to online programs. Students who work well alone, are computer literate (or can quickly develop the required computer skills), and Web access are likely to be interested in online education. Since these students can take classes anywhere, almost anytime, the convenience factor attracting new students who want to try online courses. Another advantage of online education is the ability to work with more students, professors, and experts on topics outside their geographic limit. Working with people of different cultures and levels of experience is a potential benefit that can improve the learning environment and providing students a broader network of contacts. Online classes may offer special advantages for students who are shy, have difficulty following other students during a class alone, or need time to express themselves effectively. Students may feel more confident in an online class, even during a session in real-time chat, because they perceive that the appointment line creates a level playing field. Students who look or dress differently from others are also processed online, because other students can not see their peers in a text-based courses. Students may need more time to express themselves can take this time before they report a message bulletin board or send the e-mail.

Online courses can increase participation among all students. During a conversation, for example, all students are encouraged, if not required to participate. Everyone has a chance to be heard, it is difficult to hide in the back of the classroom. Students noted that the feedback they receive online is more often positive and supportive. Even if students in a traditional classroom agreed with a speaker, chances are they will not speak up to make a positive comment. A nod here or there is more likely to be the only positive reinforcement given to speakers in class. Some students feel uncomfortable speaking up in a traditional classroom because other students may give negative signs, like frowning, rolling their eyes, sighing strong, cross their arms or shake their heads. Online, even if other students feel negatively about a report, the student writing the commentary gets to do the thinking before someone else posts a reply. Plus, students at least in print session-based chat, do not get the chance to see or agree for a chat. The impact of negative body language or tone of blame is absent from a chat online writing. Having access to a variety of materials and to communicate with people internationally through e-mail and chat are great advantages provided by being Web-enhanced. However, these benefits are only achieved if students feel comfortable using tools and working together to establish an online community of students.