Why Elearning is Essential in Higher Education

By: Lauren Sternecky • April 20, 2023
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Years ago, elearning was a novelty in the world of higher education. But these days, more colleges and universities than ever are offering online courses and virtual degree-granting programs.

Wondering if it’s time to embrace elearning in your own higher-ed setting? Here are several reasons it’s essential, both for students and for educators.

Elearning Benefits for Learners

Today’s students favor online learning for numerous reasons. These are a few of the most vital:

  • Flexibility. Just as remote workers have embraced the flexibility of virtual workplaces, many students expect the same level of flexibility from their education. A majority of students opt for remote education specifically to avoid going to campus, according to a national survey from Wiley Educational Services; nearly 70 percent of respondents said they prefer asynchronous programs. This format gives students the option to study at their own pace and complete courses on their own schedule.
  • Personalization. For some students, elearning can provide a personalized approach to education that might not be possible to achieve in a traditional classroom. By customizing their courses and curating their own curriculum, learners can focus on areas where they need the most support.
  • Access. By offering your students the ability to study from anywhere with an internet connection, you can provide greater access to education. This can be especially impactful in remote locations or areas without nearby access to college-level courses.
  • Multimedia. Elearning also provides a unique opportunity to engage learners with multimedia content such as videos, animations, and simulations. This content not only keeps virtual learners engaged but can also enhance retention of course material.
  • Collaboration. With online learning, students can take advantage of opportunities to collaborate and interact with their peers and instructors through online forums and discussion boards. This can help foster a sense of community and support among learners as they build relationships through the screen.

Elearning Benefits for Educators

Both educators and students stand to benefit from online learning in higher education. Here are some of the pros of elearning from an educator’s perspective: 

  • Increased engagement. While it’s true that distance learning comes with some challenges, elearning can also provide more opportunities for instructors to create engaging, interactive learning experiences. With interactive quizzes and assessments, gamification, and other multimedia, educators can take advantage of online learning to increase student engagement.
  • Flexibility. It isn’t just a benefit for students: Educators can also enjoy more flexibility in how they deliver lessons. Creating and sharing course material online allows you to easily customize lessons to suit individual students’ needs and preferences.
  • Data analytics. For many educators, elearning has enhanced the ability to track student progress and performance. With a powerful learning management system, you can monitor students throughout your courses and identify areas where students need more support or resources. The learnings you glean can also help you improve your courses from session to session.
  • Efficiency. Forget last-minute trips to the copy room. By embracing elearning, educators can create and share course materials online and reduce the need for textbooks and paper handouts. Streamlining your teaching process lets you focus on high-quality instruction and keeping students engaged.
  • Professional development. Instructors aren’t just teaching their own courses online—they’re also brushing up on their own skills and seeking professional development opportunities for themselves. As an instructor, you can enroll in virtual courses to help you expand your skills and follow the latest trends and best practices in your field.

Take the step to online learning in your own classroom

Today’s students expect flexible online learning options, and educators can also benefit from the power and efficiency of elearning. 

Luckily, you don’t need to have a technical background to start creating your own online courses. With a simple-yet-powerful learning management system like LearnDash, you can dive into building online courses with just a few clicks. Enhance your teaching today and try the free LearnDash demo.

Lauren Sternecky