During the pandemic, higher education institutions had to adapt quickly, transitioning many traditional in-person courses into online classes. Initially, approaches were, admittedly, a bit haphazard, largely because there wasn’t time to truly refine the new digital offering. However, as time passed, the system became more streamlined and effective, allowing learning to continue regardless of where students were attending courses.
While the shift to digital was partially born out of necessity, it had roots in the rising popularity of online programs. The pandemic increased everyone’s exposure to the approach, making it easier for educators, institutions, and students to experience the merits of the online strategy. And, as a result, virtual classes are likely here to stay.
If you are wondering why virtual classes will maintain a significant foothold in higher education, here’s what you need to know.
Virtual Classes Offer Exceptional Flexibility
With virtual classes, offering increased flexibility is significantly easier. Asynchronous learning approaches allow students and professors to engage at times that work best for them. This can make managing other responsibilities far easier than if a class is occurring at a set time in person.
Even if synchronous learning is the preferred approach, it still provides extra flexibility. Students and professors can participate from anywhere with an internet connection. They don’t have to travel to the campus to engage, allowing them to avoid commutes at a minimum.
Online Classes Lead to Higher ROIs
Typically, virtual learning programs offer both students and higher education institutions a higher return on investment (ROI) than traditional classroom-based approaches. Students may be able to bypass specific fees that relate to campus amenities, as they aren’t utilizing the facilities. Additionally, since they can learn from anywhere, they can opt for lower-cost living arrangements and avoid many transportation-related expenses.
For colleges and universities, there are also opportunities for an improved ROI. The reduction in the on-site population may allow institutions to reduce the amount of physical space they need and lower utility costs. Professors may be able to support more courses, especially if asynchronous learning approaches are integrated into programs.
Additionally, virtual courses may be able to support higher enrollment numbers for the class. This could allow more students to participate at once than may be possible if they had to gather in a physical classroom, leading to more revenue for the institution.
Robust Virtual Toolsets Enhance the Experience
With certain virtual tools, some actions that aren’t possible with traditional learning are easy to offer. For example, instant feedback after an assignment is turned in or an exam is taken can be an option, allowing students to find out how they performed right away. Additionally, along with immediate feedback, some systems can guide students toward information based on the areas they struggled with while completing the activity, facilitating learning at critical moments.
With online platforms, students can also easily engage with each other. Forums and messengers allow them to reach out to one another with questions, share insights, and otherwise support the learning of their peers.
Are You Ready to Introduce More Virtual Classes?
If you need skilled learning and development (L&D) professionals to create more virtual coursework for your programs, the team at Clarity Consultants wants to hear from you.
Looking for learning and development solutions?
Clarity has 3 decades of experience in L&D, giving us the expertise to craft effective online classes efficiently. Plus, if you need new internal L&D team members, Clarity can connect you with exceptional talent quickly.
If you’re ready to partner with experienced L&D professionals, Clarity Consultants is here. Contact us today.
