Studies have shown that participants learn 2 to 3 times more material in online learning courses using multimedia content than in traditional face to face courses.

Because online courses give students full control over their own learning, students are able to work at their own speed. Generally students work faster than they would do otherwise and take in more information. They are able to move faster through areas of the course they feel comfortable with, but slower through those that they need a little more time on.

Online courses have increased student retention rates; ranging from 25% to 40%. More engaging multimedia content, more control over how they take in the material and less likelihood of classes clashing with other commitments all contribute to this rise.

Many students are put off enrolling in a face to face course due to the time investment it will require. Online learing can require up to 30% less time than learning in a traditional classroom setting when travel to and from classes is incuded.

It’s also key to note that online learning options generally allow students to split the time they are investing in the course in whichever way works for them. They don’t need to be able to dedicate large chunks of time to their course; it’ll work just as well if they can set aside a few hours per week.

One of the great things about online courses is that assessment can become more of an ongoing process. This is good news for students as interspersing multimedia content and learning materials with regular short tests can improve student engagement. In fact, research from Harvard Univeristy showed that using these short, regular tests halved student distraction, tripled note-taking and students’ overall retention of the content improved.

Online learning is certainly the more effective option for students, but it’s also better for the environment. The Open University found that online courses equate to an average of 90% less energy and 85% fewer CO2 emissions per student than traditional in person courses.

Online theory courses costs less than the equivalent shorebased attendance course, and there are even greater savings when you factor in the cost of travel and accomodation for an attendance course.