Virtual learning, also known as Online learning or distance learning has been transforming the face of the education system for quite some time. Now, it is fast becoming an integral aspect, and a common tool, in the wider aspect of higher education, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Apart from providing an alternative method of learning in the digital age, online learning offers students the chance to learn new skills or improve existing ones. Also, the rising popularity of this system of study has emerged in an amazing boom in the industry.

At the present rate, the e-learning market will be worth almost $240 billion in the next five years.

1. Engage Students at a Deeper Level

In traditional classroom-based courses, there is an ongoing problem with student memory. Sometimes, students don’t relate with the course materials or instructors. You may have seen attendance suffer, and soon enough, some students suddenly fall behind their peers.

Research shows that online classes can be better at engaging students, increasing retention rates up to 60% in some cases while video content is predicted to account for 80% or more of all global web activity by 2020.

As online education gives a greater degree of flexibility, it can be less stressful to manage alongside other engagements.

Moreover, there is less pressure to engage the students, as you have the assistant of devices, apps, and multimedia tools to make learning a more interactive and enjoyable prospect.

This provides education institutions new chances to deliver content in ways that the students of today can connect to.

2. Improve Digital Literacy

Students that can use online tools efficiently have a lot to gain in the workplace. While some roles need excellent digital skills such as marketers and those working in IT, the majority of roles in business need some level of digital know-how.

Take customer service as an instance, with social media reshaping the way people communicate more and more customer service team need to know how to provide excellent customer service while those in HR need to know how to use platforms to drive employee engagement.

Learning online help enhance digital literacy as it provides students with a clue into how to be effective online and communicate with content, peers and lecturers.

Similarly, teaching online will assist all educators to communicate more efficiently through different digital mediums, as well as making lecturers qualified and confident users of video technology in education. Constant interaction with fellow staff and students through email and message boards will improve your computer skills and make you more adept at managing the technology and devices of the digital age.

As digital literacy is swiftly becoming the most valuable tool for lifelong learning, developing abilities is a worthwhile investment for students and faculty.

3. Offer Flexibility
Gone are the days when it was crucial for students to move to an unknown city to study a preferred course.

It doesn’t matter where students live, or if they can’t make it for an early morning class. Virtual learning enables educators to offer them the opportunity to study on their own terms.

Source: https://www.ingresqr.com/virtual-learning-affect-academic-performance/