The increased use of computer technology, both inside and outside the classroom is leading to ever-increasing numbers of students enrolling in online courses. No longer is the idea of learning in a virtual environment a foreign idea. Today’s students are already using virtual platforms to communicate with peers as online learning is a natural extension of that. The benefits to learning online are numerous, here are just a few:

Work at your own pace. Many online classes allow students to progress through courses as quickly as they like. When working in an online environment, students are not bound by the length of a traditional class period. They can take as much or as little time as they need on each lesson.

Supplement your education. Many high school students choose to enroll in online classes alongside their classes at a traditional high school when they are looking for a class that is not offered by their school.

Recover lost credits. Online classes are a great way for students who have fallen behind on their credits to get caught up. Rather than the traditional, independent study method of credit recovery, students are actually enrolled in the class and can seek help from an instructor.

Enjoy flexibility of schedule. Some teens are really busy with enriching activities that require significant time commitments. Among these are athletes, musicians, and students who work many hours. Online classes offer the flexibility to log in at different times of the day and not be tied to traditional school hours.

Learn while you travel. Enrollment in online courses is becoming increasingly popular among military families who are deployed overseas or who otherwise move or travel frequently. Online classes let you log in from anywhere you have a computer and an internet connection.

Enjoy learning from instructors from around the world. Many schools that offer online learning not only have students from across the globe, but instructors as well. In these environments, students are able to draw on the experiences of an instructor who has had different life experiences from others around him or her.

Receive individualized attention. At first, this seems counter-intuitive, but students enrolled in online courses often have more direct communication with their instructors. Because online classes are far less costly to administer, class sizes are generally smaller. Most online learning programs require instructors to respond to their student’s questions within 24 hours.

Prepare for college. Many colleges are transitioning from traditional classrooms to hybrid classes and exclusively online classes, particularly for core courses. Students who already have experience with learning in an online environment won’t have to deal with the learning curve that would otherwise exist when moving to a new learning platform.