Advantages
- It is relatively cheaper as compared to the conventional mode of study in terms of the reduced tuition fees and also the additional charges such as transport or accommodation which are not incurred.
- Programmes offer convenience of time and place as learners’ study whenever and wherever they have access to the learning resources
- Learners have quick accessibility to information and resources
- It provides greater choice and access to education for student who wouldn’t get an opportunity due to life commitments such as work, family or even physical limitations.
- It provides better flexibility to learners in terms of how to schedule their studies and the duration of their studies. Course flexibility that allow participants to learn at their own pace
- It provides an alternative especially in area where there is no physical academic institution
- It eliminates the cost of transportation and accommodation, since students can do their studies from anywhere at any time.
- It specifically suits certain learners especially the older learners who may want to have greater control over their studies
- It nurtures the student’s skills by putting a greater responsibility upon the students in the learning process by requiring them to be more active, self-disciplined and self-directed and with good time management skills.
- It provides a platform for a greater interaction and networking among the students and lecturers locally and internationally.
- It provides an opportunity for students to hone their technology skills.
- At societal level, this mode of study stands to create greater potential for equalizing access to education since virtual courses are lowly priced as compared to regular classes.
- An increased personalized, technology-supported learning experience therefore offsetting the depersonalized effects of large classes
- Increased access to and interaction with rich educational content via mobile devices within and beyond the physical bounds of the campuses
- Improved support and learning experience through:
- improved generic and individual feedback through a range of media
- individual formative exercises based on performance
- additional support for students with disabilities
- improved progress monitoring of student learning and early intervention
- support for flexible study patterns
- collaboration tools for students working in groups including across regions