By Erin Rebello

Although at first the switch to e-learning can be daunting and difficult, when you really think about it, there are a lot of benefits of learning from home! Below is a list of just a few benefits that you can expect when taking an online class!

1. You can learn in the comfort of your own home: Of all the benefits on this list, the privilege of studying in one’s own home is perhaps the greatest advantage for students- especially those in high school! Instead of sitting on a stiff plastic chair and watching a blackboard for six hours, you can bundle up in blankets and keep up with Zoom meetings from your couch, or bed, or kitchen, or anywhere! As an added bonus for students who attend schools with uniforms, you probably don’t need uniforms for e-learning. That’s right, you can take a video call in sweats and a t-shirt and not get in trouble!
2. You don’t have to commute anywhere: Another huge benefit of e-learning for students who live far away from school is the fact that you don’t have to spend time commuting. This is especially true for students who take public transit or have a long drive to school. As someone who lives over an hour away from school, I have to say that I absolutely love this benefit! It gives me back over two hours daily and prevents me from coming into close contact with strangers on crowded TTC busses, which is a huge priority for me during these times.
3. E-Learning is far more flexible than a normal school: For students who like to work independently and at their own pace, e-learning is extremely convenient! Many e-learning classes, especially those which are purely asynchronous, allow for students to complete tasks and modules at a pace that works for them. If you tend to work at a faster pace, you might find that this sort of learning allows you to work faster and more efficiently. Many students strive when given a sense of independence of their work, and if this describes you, you’ll probably love the way distance learning is coordinated.
4. Gaining valuable computer skills: A final benefit of e-learning would have to be the fact that it teaches you how to utilize various computer applications. We currently live in the pinnacle of the technological era, meaning that technological literacy is as important as ever! Learning to use applications such as Zoom, Google Meet, Brightspace, etc will help you both in post-secondary studies and the workplace. The ability to work with new applications makes you a more employable worker and is also very helpful in general!