The Surprising Benefits of Online Learning Platforms

When we think of online education, flexibility and convenience usually come to mind. But what if the real benefits go far beyond that? Recent studies reveal that virtual learning environments not only improve academic outcomes but also boost students' emotional well-being, enhance inclusivity, and even promote environmental sustainability. From helping students with anxiety thrive in a comfortable space to reducing CO2 emissions, virtual classrooms are proving to be game changers in unexpected ways. In this article, we’ll explore these surprising benefits—touching on everything from cost savings to increased student engagement—and explain why online education is more than just a temporary solution; it’s a future-forward approach to learning for everyone.

Benefits of Virtual Learning for Everyone

Improved Learning Outcomes

A study by UNISA, a South African university, demonstrated that students who engaged on e-tutor sites performed significantly better in their exams than those who did not. An Italian study from Bocconi University in 2020 found similar results - a tutoring program implemented at the university increased students' academic performance (by 0.26 SD on average). In addition, it significantly improved their socio-emotional skills, aspirations, and psychological well-being. Interestingly, the effects were stronger for children from lower socioeconomic status and, in the case of psychological well-being, for immigrant children.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Virtual classrooms significantly enhance accessibility, breaking down many of the barriers that traditional learning environments can present. Firstly, they eliminate geographical constraints, allowing students from rural areas or different countries to access quality education without the need to relocate or commute. This global reach ensures that educational opportunities are no longer limited by one's physical location.

Virtual learning spaces also accommodate diverse learning needs and schedules. “Many students, especially those who experienced social isolation during the 2020 pandemic, continue to face anxiety and restlessness in traditional school environments”, explains Lessonspace tutor and Head of Customer Success, Kitti Bába. “Virtual classrooms offer a supportive alternative, particularly for students with selective mutism or situational anxiety. Learning from the comfort of home, in a familiar and safe environment, helps reduce stress by removing the physical presence of others, which can be critical for students with special educational needs (SEN). We've seen numerous success stories across various age groups, including the amazing story of BrainySpinach Maths and Zakaria. The growing trend highlights how virtual learning spaces are positively impacting students' well-being and academic progress.”

Learning online also helps students, tutors, and family members with health concerns, such as allergies, chronic diseases, or immunocompromisation.

Sustainable Education

Online learning significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with traditional education. By eliminating the need for transportation and cutting down on the use of physical resources like paper, textbooks, and electricity for large classrooms, virtual learning offers a greener alternative. A 2011 study in California found that for every 100 students who took an online class instead of attending in-person, CO2 emissions were reduced by 5-10 tons per semester. Another study in 2016 at the University of Waikato found that “online students’ emissions were, on average, one-third of those of their on-campus peers.”

In addition to its environmental benefits, virtual learning environments align with UNESCO's broader vision of sustainable education goals, which emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility for all. This approach helps learners adapt to a rapidly changing world, equipping them with the skills needed for future challenges. Virtual classrooms therefore not only support environmental sustainability but also promote social sustainability by ensuring education remains accessible, equitable, and responsive to technological advancements.

More Cost-Effective

Education is an investment, but traditional learning often comes with hidden expenses that can stretch the budget – costs such as transportation, lunches, and supplies like paper and pens can add up quickly. With online education, these extras are minimized, allowing families and students to focus their resources on what truly matters: access to high-quality education.

Additionally, the overhead costs for instructors and institutions are often lower in virtual settings, which means that online courses can offer an excellent education at a more affordable price point. This reduction in costs opens doors for individuals who might otherwise face financial barriers, making education more accessible to a wider range of learners. Moreover, with the rapidly growing tutoring market, more tutors are now available, making it easier (and more affordable) for students and families to find the right tuition for their needs.

Flexibility and Convenience

One of the least surprising benefits of online education is the convenience and flexibility. It accommodates busy schedules - like students with many extracurricular activities, those with family obligations, single parents, or those who are working full time. It frees up time for those who may have had to commute to lessons in person. This convenience extends to educators as well, who can organize their lessons according to their own schedules, creating a more balanced work-life dynamic.

“In our conversations with tutors and education professionals,” shares Lessonspace tutor and Head of Customer Success, Kitti Bába, “many have highlighted that one of the best things about online tutoring is the significant reduction in transportation time (and costs). This allows tutors to dedicate more time and (mental) energy to their students, ultimately leading to a better educational experience."

Virtual learning environments also allow students to engage in their studies at their own pace and schedule, and they make it easier to review lesson content, in the form of recordings, automated transcriptions, and shareable notes and resources. Tools like Lessonspace automate all these processes, making it totally seamless.

The Advantages of Online Education for Students

Mastery of New Technology and Computer Literacy

An often-overlooked advantage of virtual learning environments is that they, quite simply, boost the technological skill set of those using them. As students engage with virtual learning platforms, they’re developing their digital literacy and learning how to engage with their peers and teachers online. And this is all happening without students even realizing it.

The video calls, collaborative whiteboards, and file-sharing functions also prepare students for an evolving workforce, where an increasing number of activities take place in virtual or hybrid work environments.

“While many young students are labeled "digital natives", they still require guidance to navigate online learning effectively”, explains Bába. “The right educational tools, such as Lessonspace, can provide real-time troubleshooting and support from tutors, helping students develop their technological skills while receiving the guidance they need.”

Exposure to Global Perspectives

Virtual classrooms are a powerful tool for exposing students to diverse views and perspectives. They can boost cultural awareness, and equip students with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Virtual classrooms inherently provide exposure to perspectives outside of their usual radar, connecting students from various cultural, social, and geographical backgrounds. Platforms like Lessonspace foster discussions, group projects, and peer reviews with classmates from different countries. This interaction helps develop essential skills such as cross-cultural communication and empathy. Online learning environments also often feature international instructors and guest speakers, who bring first-hand insights from different parts of the world.

This introduces students to a wider range of viewpoints, encouraging open-mindedness and a deeper understanding of global issues.

Increased Engagement through Interactive Tools

“In a recent study we conducted on student engagement on Lessonspace, we found that the effective use of interactive features, such as whiteboards, screen sharing, and maintaining video presence, significantly enhances student engagement during online tutoring sessions,” shares Bába, who recently investigated the link in a paper for her Master's degree in Education. “Our research indicates that when these tools are integrated into teaching practices, they not only capture students' attention but also encourage collaboration and participation, leading to a more engaging and productive learning experience”.

In online environments, the barriers to engagement are far less. Consider the difference between getting up to speak in front of a class, and clicking a button to engage from right where you are. The various communication options - polls, quizzes, emojis, text-based chat, speaking into the microphone – mean that there are ways to engage that suit different styles and levels of comfort. A student who is quiet and seems disengaged in traditional settings may be more likely to contribute when given these options.

One of the most impactful tools is the collaborative whiteboard, which allows students and teachers to interact in real time. This feature encourages active participation, as students can annotate, highlight, react, and contribute directly to the lesson, making learning more hands-on and engaging.

Additionally, the use of breakout rooms in virtual classrooms facilitates small group discussions and collaborative projects. These spaces mimic the experience of in-person group work, fostering peer interaction and deeper engagement with the subject matter.

Gamification elements, such as timers, emojis, interactive games, and collaborative whiteboards further motivate students to participate more actively and consistently, transforming learning into a fun and immersive experience.

"When I see student engagement dropping,” shares Bába, “I surprise my students with a game they need to control, such as a spelling or word game that allows them to seek high scores. When they achieve high scores, I celebrate their success with confetti or emojis, which helps redirect their attention back to the lesson."

The Benefits of Online Teaching For Parents

Easier to Monitor Progress

In traditional classrooms, there is generally only one person who is able to have full oversight and monitor progress, and that is the teacher. When you move the classroom online, it becomes possible for parents to monitor history, attendance, engagement, and progress themselves. With easier access to learning activities, reports, and more, parents can feel secure in the knowledge that they have the information necessary to support their kids.

Health and Safety

Virtual classrooms vastly decrease both students’ and tutors’ risk of communicable diseases, including colds, flu, and gastro. According to a 2020 study in the US, around 69% of students had missed a day of school due to these kinds of illnesses in the previous year, with 15% missing up to 6 days. While online tutoring can’t eliminate exposure to illnesses, it provides at least one safe refuge where illness cannot spread, which is especially beneficial for immunocompromised individuals, or those with high-risk relatives.

The Benefits of Virtual Classrooms For Tutors

Access to Advanced Teaching Tools and Resources

Virtual learning environments provide tutors with an extensive suite of teaching tools that are designed to enhance both the teaching and learning experience. For example, interactive whiteboards allow tutors to explain complex concepts visually, while tools like breakout rooms make it easy to facilitate small group discussions. Many platforms also offer built-in quizzes and polls, which enable tutors to gauge understanding and adjust the lesson in real-time.

These resources aren't just limited to engagement. Online platforms offer built-in detailed analytics on progress and participation. Using this information, tutors can pinpoint areas where individual students may need extra help. This level of insight and customization was difficult to achieve in traditional classroom settings, but with virtual platforms, it’s becoming the norm.

Global Network for Professional Development, Support and Inspiration

One of the most exciting advantages of virtual classrooms is the ability to tap into a global community of educators, aligning with the concept of the "global teacher." When you decide to become an online tutor, you are no longer limited to local or regional professional development opportunities and can connect with peers from across the world. Platforms like Zoom and LinkedIn have made it easier than ever to share resources, exchange teaching strategies, and collaborate on lesson plans.

For example, a tutor in the UK might join an online conference hosted by an educational institution in the US, learning about cutting-edge teaching techniques that they can apply in their own classroom. This global collaboration not only broadens the perspectives of educators but also enables them to draw inspiration from a wide variety of teaching styles and methods.

Support and Resources from Platforms

Many online teaching platforms don't just offer a space to host lessons; they also provide a robust support system for educators. For example, platforms like Lessonspace offer templates for creating lessons and assessments, resource libraries, and professional development opportunities — including a free online teaching course.

In addition, customer support teams are often available to resolve technical issues, ensuring that lessons proceed smoothly without any hiccups. These resources empower tutors to deliver high-quality education while saving time on lesson planning and administrative work.

“At Lessonspace, we collaborate closely with tutors and tutoring companies—many of our team members are former or active tutors themselves—to make teaching easier for everyone,” Bába says. “We provide customized support and continuously work to expand our free resource offerings”.

Challenges of Online Learning

While the benefits of virtual learning environments are numerous, they are not without challenges. For both students and educators, adjusting to this new format can require a steep learning curve. The absence of a physical classroom structure means both parties need to be more self-disciplined and proactive. However, with the right tools and mindset, these challenges can be overcome, and the advantages of online learning are fully realized.

Maintaining Engagement and Focus

One of the greatest challenges of online learning is keeping students engaged and focused. In a physical classroom, the presence of a teacher and peers can naturally encourage attentiveness, but in a virtual setting, distractions are just a click away. To combat this, tutors need to leverage interactive tools like quizzes, polls, and breakout sessions to maintain engagement.

For instance, instead of just delivering a lecture, a tutor might use an interactive whiteboard where students can write down their answers in real-time or participate in a poll to express their opinions on a topic. Breaking the lesson into short, digestible segments, with opportunities for interaction in between, can also help maintain focus.

Technical Issues and Accessibility

Technology is both the enabler and potential disruptor of online learning. While virtual platforms provide incredible opportunities, they also rely on reliable internet access and functioning devices, which can be a barrier for some students. A sudden internet outage or technical glitch can derail a lesson, leading to frustration for both the student and the tutor.

For students in rural or underserved areas, this can be particularly challenging, as they may not have access to high-speed internet. Tutors also need to be aware of the varying levels of technological proficiency among their students and be prepared to offer support when necessary.

Balancing Online and Offline Activities

While online learning offers convenience and flexibility, it's important to balance screen-based activities with offline tasks to ensure a well-rounded education. Encouraging students to step away from their screens and engage in hands-on activities, such as writing exercises or physical projects, helps reduce screen fatigue and keeps them engaged with the material in a different way.

For instance, a tutor might assign a research project that requires students to gather information from books or conduct an experiment at home, with the results shared online afterwards. This blend of online and offline tasks fosters a more holistic learning experience.

It’s also possible to bring offline activities like field trips into the online environment. “Not all students, schools, or families can afford a traditional field trip,” says Bába, “but virtual field trips are now available, whether it's a simple walkthrough of a Google Map of a famous city or a more interactive online treasure hunt.”

Isn’t Screen Time “Bad”?

Remember also that not all screen time is equal. There’s a distinct difference in the psychological effect of doom-scrolling for an hour, versus spending an hour engaged in online learning. If managed well, online activities can have a massive positive impact.

However, prolonged screen time is often a concern for parents. There are several ways to manage the risks. Some parents or students like to have dedicated devices for “recreational” screen time and “work or educational” screen time. Switching devices can create a routine, avoid distractions, and maintain focus. Educators can design online learning experiences that limit negative effects. Structuring lessons to include frequent breaks and encouraging ergonomic practices can mitigate the impact of screen use. It’s also important to incorporate a variety of activities that encourage movement and interaction away from the screen, such as hands-on projects, discussions, or even creative writing exercises.

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