by Leigh Goessl

Created on: April 16, 2010   Last Updated: May 19, 2012

The opportunities to attend higher education these days are plenty. At no time in the past have hopeful students been presented with so many choices when seeking a college degree.

Online learning has quickly soared to become one of the most attractive options when opting to go to college. The integration of technology into college programs has provided many benefits to students and over the course of the last decade has revolutionized higher education.

It is no small wonder why so many people are turning to the virtual classroom to meet their educational needs.

The online option is especially appealing to non-traditional college students who truly desire to earn a degree, but are unable to attend traditional classroom courses due to family and work responsibilities.

Here are several of the top benefits associated with online learning:

• Flexibility

Flexibility is likely the most alluring facet of online learning. Students who hold jobs or have families often cannot handle the rigid schedule traditional learning requires, and the flexibility of the online programs allow students to attend class at any time of the day.

Depending on the distance learning program, the structure may be completely flexible, i.e. the course simply needs to be completed by a certain date, or it may be a more rigid framework meaning certain benchmarks have to be met weekly or bi-weekly.

Whichever the case, this is still very flexible as opposed to traditional classroom learning.

• Convenience

Convenience is another attractive attribute of the virtual classroom. Students can log in 24/7 to attend class. Students who must travel for work, have a daily commute or family vacations can still attend class while out of time. No worries about getting stuck in rush hour traffic and being late, or worse, missing class.

The benefit of online learning of not having to put one's personal schedule or life obligations on hold is a very attractive advantage. All that is needed to attend class is an Internet connection and students are good to go.

• No commutes

Eliminating the need to commute to school is another benefit of online learning. Students not only save valuable time, but also spending money on gas and wear and tear on the car. College students who depend on public transportation do not have to rely on transit schedules and can also save money on fares.

• Improved writing skills

Another less thought of benefit to online learning is it provides a fantastic opportunity to

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