7 Benefits of Virtual Learning + How To Support Your Child

Short answer: Virtual learning offers seven main benefits: greater accessibility, lower costs, better computer skills, personalized instruction, instant feedback, self-paced learning that builds time management, and less social pressure for anxious students. To support your child, set up a distraction-free study space, make sure they have a reliable device and internet connection, and help them stay engaged and on schedule.

Virtual learning is here to stay, from online courses to one-on-one online tutoring. Here’s what it does well, and what parents can do to help their child get the most out of it.

Key points

• Learn from anywhere: All a student needs is a compatible device and an internet connection.
• Lower costs: Less spending on transportation, buildings, supplies and books.
• Personal attention: Tools like Meet and Zoom allow small groups and one-on-one time.
• Faster feedback: Some work is graded automatically, and recorded sessions can be replayed.
• Less social pressure: The online setting can help introverted or anxious students.
• Set up a study space: A separate, distraction-free spot at home helps students stay engaged.

What are the benefits of virtual learning?

1. Greater accessibility

Compared to a traditional classroom, a virtual learning environment offers a lot more flexibility when it comes to class schedules and accessibility. Students can access online lessons from anywhere, provided they have a compatible device, like a tablet or laptop, and an internet connection.

This can be especially useful for older students who sign up for online courses. While students need to attend some classes in real time, there is more flexibility to complete coursework and assignments on your own schedule. This allows students to work and learn during the hours when they’re most productive and focused.

2. Cost-effectiveness

One of the benefits of a virtual learning environment that might not immediately come to mind is how cost-effective it is. Cutting out overhead expenses of building maintenance and transportation benefits the school; cutting down on the need for so many school supplies and books is a plus for learners.

The main investment needed on both ends is technology. Both teachers and learners need a compatible device, as well as possible software and accessories. After that, the online classroom opens up a world of possibilities at a fraction of the price.

3. Improved computer skills

One of the secondary effects of the virtual classroom is that learners of all ages improve their computer literacy and become more comfortable using a variety of tech tools. There is a plethora of these resources available to students and teachers.

Students can find countless ways to create projects and presentations or collaborate with other students using the latest technology. Students soak up these new skills without even realizing it as they work on assignments in other subjects.

4. Personalized instruction

Some parents worry that their children won’t get enough personal attention or time with their teacher in the virtual classroom. While this is a valid concern, it’s not necessarily true.

Collaboration tools like Meet and Zoom let the teacher break students into small groups to work together, or meet with students individually while others continue working.

Effective learning in a virtual setting includes continuous interaction and engagement between the instructor and the student. Many teachers have gotten creative about making sure each student receives one-on-one interaction and personalized instruction that meets their learning style.

5. Instant feedback

While being a teacher is a noble and rewarding profession, one of the downsides is the never-ending stack of assignments and tests to correct. Online learning helps partially solve this problem.

While some assignments, like essays and projects, still take time to evaluate, other assignments can be graded automatically using different programs and tools.

Feedback can be as simple as commenting on a student’s post in a forum or on a discussion or activity. Many online lessons are recorded, so both parents and students can go back and listen to the teacher’s feedback and comments.

6. Self-paced learning and improved time management skills

Students in higher-learning programs often opt for online courses so they can fit in classes when it best fits their lifestyle. Older students may have jobs, families, or other obligations that make a traditional class schedule difficult to maintain, and some high school students with internships or work programs have the same issue.

Virtual classrooms make it possible for students to balance their personal and academic lives while building critical time management skills. This gives students more agency and responsibility over their own learning while still having the support and resources their teacher provides.

7. Decreased social pressures for students with social anxiety

The virtual classroom is a welcoming environment for all students. The online setting takes away some of the social pressures that introverted students might find difficult in a traditional classroom.

On the screen, all students are equal and the teacher has a bit more control over social interactions. In in-person classrooms, differences in students’ abilities, personalities, and physical appearances are more noticeable; the online classroom helps mask some of these things, encouraging positive relationships between students.

The teacher is also able to mute students, which can help with distracting noises that some students with sensitivities find difficult.

Is virtual learning effective?

Student engagement is a key part of education in any setting. Online programs give students a variety of ways to interact: tools like breakout rooms, clickers and chatboxes let them participate in just about every way students in a traditional classroom can, and teachers can share screens, videos, files and games in real time.

One common misconception is that online learning is isolating. A well-planned lesson with the right tools prevents that: teachers can still give students one-on-one time, organize pair or group work, and encourage collaboration on projects.

Effective online learning makes sure students still hit the same academic milestones they would in a traditional classroom, by tailoring education to different learning styles and keeping the atmosphere fun and welcoming.

How can you support your child with virtual learning?

Virtual learning has downsides too. Some students find it difficult to focus and stay on task at home, a comfortable, familiar environment. Here’s how parents can help:

1. Create a dedicated learning space. Taking a lesson while lying in bed or on the sofa isn’t going to lead to effective learning. Set up a separate spot that’s just for school.
2. Check the equipment. Not every home has a device and a strong internet connection for each child. If several family members share a device or connection, plan around class times so lessons don’t slow down.
3. Pick the right schedule type. Some online programs meet at set times, which helps students who need a push to stay disciplined. Others are flexible as long as students hit deadlines.
4. Encourage active participation. Help your child use the tools, own their schedule, and take part in lessons and discussions instead of just watching.
5. Check in on time management. Self-paced learning builds independence, but younger students may need help planning their week.

Tutor tip: High-quality learning only happens when the student is alert and engaged. Make a separate study or class space in your home that’s just for learning and free from distractions. For more ideas, see how to create a virtual learning environment.

Not sure which kind of online program you’re looking at? Our guide to remote learning vs. virtual learning explains the difference.

Frequently asked questions