Online learning takes place over the internet and enables learners to access educational content and complete assignments anywhere they have an internet connection. It is flexible, accessible and affordable as compared to traditional classroom learning and can be tailored to individual learner needs through various tools and platforms.
Online learners interact with instructors and fellow students from across the country and around the world, fostering collaboration, cross-cultural exchange, and the development of problem-solving skills. It also supports a wide range of resources such as multimedia-rich modules, pre-recorded courses, and live-streamed lectures.
It is not for everyone. The online learning environment requires a great deal of self-motivation, organization, and discipline to be successful. There are many distractions and it is sometimes hard to stay on task. Many online learning students use organizational and productivity applications to help keep them on track, like Google Calendar, Trello, and Evernote. It’s also important to schedule breaks, get lots of fresh air, and use blue light filters like f.lux on your screen to reduce eye strain and fatigue.
Online learning can also limit hands-on learning for subjects that require lab work, physical manipulation of materials, or active practice, and it may not be suitable for individuals with certain learning or technological disabilities. For these reasons, it is vital to evaluate your learning style and the online environment carefully before committing to an online program. If you’re interested in online learning, watch this video to hear from Boise State Online student Kris Pruett about her experience pursuing a cyber operations degree from the comfort of her own home.