Getting a degree was once more difficult if one was unable to attend a brick and mortar school. However, online learning has made distance education a reality for many. As prestigious colleges and universities adding new online classes and degree options every year, many people are taking advantage of the ability to learn from anywhere, according to their own schedule, while maintaining other responsibilities (i.e., work or children).

Here are the many benefits of distance education:

1. Welcome to the global learning environment
More universities are adding online programs, expanding the programs offered, and encouraging students to foster a global education. Learners are finding that no matter what career they are looking for most likely there will be an online program for them that allow them to communicate with people from all walks of life. This helps to build global awareness and a community of acceptance that allows the sharing of ideas, cultures, and values.

2. Convenience and flexibility
To get a degree online seems like it would be more difficult but for many it makes learning possible. Many learners are not ready for college when they graduate from high school. They either go straight into the workforce, are unprepared financially, or just do not feel like higher education is right for them at that time. To ask a young adult to make a lifetime choice so soon after leaving high school once lead to limiting their ability to potentially increase their income possibility. People become stuck because they must work to support themselves or their families and they have no time to go to school. The benefits of online learning take the pressure of time away and allows for one to attend school on their schedule so that they can work a full-time job and spend time with families while they get a degree online. Online learning is convenient and flexible, so it can fit into any lifestyle.

3. Appeals to different learning styles
Online learning also opens the door for people with different learning styles to have better access to higher education. If a student did not enjoy high school because of social or emotional reasons, online learning allows them the same ability to gain a better future or a career of their choosing. Online education is easy to access and provides a convenient way to obtain course materials such as the syllabus, homework, exam schedules, and test scores. Online line learning also promotes class discussion, global learning, and interactions by people who would have otherwise never had the ability to meet and collaborate. This can help to eliminate obstacles for those who have struggles socially.

The truth of the matter is that there are advantages and disadvantages to every type of learning environment. One needs to weigh the pros and cons along with have a good understanding about online learning before making the decision to embark on an online college career, but you may just find that the advantages of online learning outweigh the disadvantages and getting a degree online is best for you.