The Benefits of Virtual Learning

By Autumn McPherson

During the pandemic of COVID-19, schools became more frequent users of virtual learning: teaching that takes place over Zoom, Canvas, and Blackboard at UAF, including asynchronous courses (those that do not meet at all, not even via video conferencing platforms).

Virtual learning has many benefits for students. Deadlines tend to be later than they would be for in-person learning, allowing students more flexibility in their schedules, including work, personal time, and other activities. Not only does it give the opportunity of convenience to students from being able to learn in the comfort of their own homes, but it also offers out-of-state students a higher chance to go to their dream college and get a degree if they cannot move near the campus.

Online learning can benefit all types of people, whether introverted people who prefer to stay out of physical classrooms or extroverted people who need a slight break for interactions. 

Photo by Autumn McPherson

Online learning is not only helpful to students, but it can also be helpful to their professors. Because teachers are solely online for their course, they have records of students' grades on assignments and can look back at the module to see how they can help their students more in specific areas. This is more difficult for in-person learning as professors often have assignments submitted by paper.

Professors also ensure that online classrooms are interactive by assigning discussion boards and partnered tasks to ensure the learning environment feels natural and human rather than learning from a computer-generated course.

The ability to learn virtually is proving to be the future of education. UAF’s eCampus provides an excellent platform and selection of online learning for students across the board, ensuring we stay on top of the growing need for virtual learning opportunities.