The top benefits of online learning for college students

Why an online college could be the best choice for you

Do you have big dreams? Do you want to go to school, but are worried about time or physical limitations? An online program could be the answer.

According to Michael Miller, an instructional designer for ASU Online, “One of the biggest benefits of online learning is the ability to provide a world-class education any time, anywhere, to anyone with a computer and an internet connection.”

A graduate of ASU Online, Miller knows personally the benefits of online learning. “This could be a student like me who was working three jobs while taking classes full time, a student with family or childcare responsibilities for whom a normal classroom schedule wouldn't work, or a U.S. member of the armed services who is stationed overseas.”

Michaela Owen, an instructional designer associate at EdPlus at Arizona State University, supports this position. "What I love most about online learning is its flexibility. It allows students to fit their education around their busy lives, making it possible to pursue their dreams without sacrificing other important commitments."

A good online program will ultimately meet you where you are and help you find success from there.

Four advantages of learning online

Many of the benefits of online learning ultimately come from four sources:

• The curriculum.
• The instructors.
• The technology used to digitally deliver education.
• The willingness of the institution to innovate.

Focusing your search on universities that recognize the importance of each allows you to best set yourself up for an enriching online college experience.
Some questions you should consider when selecting an online degree program include:

1. Does the curriculum open more learning pathways? Modern technology has turned digital classrooms into much more than recorded lectures. More educational support can come from processes like gamification and interactive video. In today’s online classroom, you have more opportunities to align coursework with your learning style.
2. Are the instructors leaders in their fields? Great teachers are those committed to learning more through research, working with others and empowering their students. They create a positive impact in their communities through their work. They also ensure their programs reflect the most current understandings of their field.
3. Is this online program innovative? Online learning is changing, and it’s important to find a program that’s able to innovate. Developments in educational technology will only increase the options available in online learning. AI, for example, enables more personalized learning opportunities. Course materials may even be provided through virtual or augmented reality. This can create a richer, more immersive learning experience. Choosing an innovative program ensures you will benefit from advancements in technology.
4. Does this online program offer student support? It’s not enough to offer flexibility and convenience. Being a successful student requires tools and resources. A quality online institution will offer student resources such as advisors, academic coaching and learning assistance. Career services are also beneficial. Supportive technologies also indicate a strong online program.
5. Does this online program give me the opportunity to connect? Students in online courses and programs should have the ability connect with instructors and classmates through several avenues. Email, discussion boards, social media and other options can help build a community and form connections that last to graduation and beyond.

Are online degrees respected?

In a word: Yes!

The perception of online learning has changed a great deal in recent years. In The Value of Higher Education Today, a survey of more than 2,000 recruiters, hiring managers and team members conducted by ASU Online in partnership with Walr, their views were made clear: 76% of respondents said that seeing a four-year degree earned online improved their perception of a job candidate, and 92% said they would consider hiring a candidate with that education.

Earn your degree with ASU Online

Arizona State University offers online students the same education, same curriculum and the same faculty as its on-campus students. This is why we’ve been rated among the top 5 best online bachelor’s programs in the nation. We’re also ranked No. 2 in employability among public universities in the U.S. Since a degree from ASU is the same if earned online or on campus, none of our diplomas or transcripts say online, even if that’s how you earned it.

Online learning is beneficial because it’s accessible. According to Miller, this is a driving force behind ASU Online. “Part of our charter states that we measure ourselves by whom we include, so providing equitable online learning experiences helps us achieve that mission.”

ASU Online provides accessible learning in various ways:

• We have more than 350 degree and certificate programs, so no matter your goals and interests, there’s likely a program for you.
• Multiple start dates each year makes learning around your schedule easier.
• We’ve been ranked No. 1 in innovation for nine years in a row. You’ll benefit from personalized experiences, emergent technology, world-class instructors and learning opportunities that go beyond the classroom, such as study abroad programs. And experiences such as Dreamscape Learn shows how ASU Online can take your learning to the next level.
• Every online student has an academic success team, including a personal success coach they can call, text, email, message or video-conference with to receive personalized support and resources. Other members include enrollment coaches, academic advisors and financial aid assistance. Students also have access to career counselors, learning specialists, tutoring services and mental health resources.

At ASU, both online and on-campus programs provide you the same benefits: a valuable education, personal enrichment and improved earning power. If you need the accessibility of learning anything from anywhere, then online learning might be just what you’re looking for.

Get started on your first-year student application or start the transfer process to ASU Online today.