According to ThinkImpact.com, eLearning can help students retain 25% to 60% more information. This has left people like yourself with the question, “Should I teach online?” 

And while you may be on the fence about it, it’s important to understand the benefits and advantages online teaching can provide before you make your final decision. 

In this article, we’ll go into why online teaching often complements in-person alternatives, how it can benefit your students, and the potential it holds for you. 

Here’s why you should teach online.
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Is online teaching effective?

As a teacher, the most important thing to you is effectiveness. If your lessons aren’t sinking in with your students, then it’s imperative you find a new track to take. 

Because of this, the biggest question most people have when considering making the switch to online teaching is “Is it effective?”

Luckily, we have the answer. According to research from Michigan State University (MSU), “Online learning can be as good or even better than in-person classroom learning.” The article then goes on to say that many students actually learn better online than in-person, but the instruction needs to be done correctly. 

This study was conducted after COVID-19 forced many learning institutions to switch to solely online instruction for several months. Over this time period, MSU found that students were more efficient when they had the opportunity to work at their own pace. Additionally, they saw the best results when students could combine solo thinking with classroom communication. 

What are the advantages of online learning for students? 

As with most teachers, your primary concern is likely for the well-being of your students. Will online learning benefit them more profoundly than in-person instruction? 

We’re happy to tell you that online learning sports several advantages that in-person instruction doesn’t cover. These are things such as: 

• Greater flexibility for scheduling
• More inclusion of various learning styles
• Students can experience various, engaging technologies 
• Students can learn from the comfort and security of their homes
  

Furthermore, students are often faced with social drawbacks to traditional learning environments. By allowing them to learn online and from home, they learn to participate and engage more in the classroom. 

What are the advantages of online learning for teachers?

Online teaching has no shortage of advantages for the teacher as well. As an online teacher, you are afforded liberties such as being able to teach from the comfort of your home and having greater flexibility with interactive learning. 
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Greater reach

The first advantage of online teaching we’d like to discuss is that you’re able to establish a greater reach. Where before you would only be able to influence those who were physically in your classroom, you can now establish a relationship with those who are unable to attend in-person learning. 

For example, if you are bound to a classroom, your reach ends with those able to sit in and listen. With online teaching, however, this is not the case. You can outreach more in your community to those who can’t or don’t want to partake in in-person learning. Over time, you can even establish an influence worldwide. 

Not only will this help those who are currently unable to receive an education, but it will also help you and your other students grow as they are exposed to other cultures and backgrounds.

Increases students’ access to teachers

It is also important to consider the effect this will have on students currently learning from you. The most common worry is that students who struggle to keep up in the classroom will fall further behind with online learning. However, students appear to seek help from teachers more often in online learning environments. 

The reason behind this is described in the South China Morning Post: “Online learning provides students the opportunity to hide their learning disabilities from classmates, which can be a welcome relief from the unwanted attention they receive in their face-to-face classes.”

Earning potential

It’s no secret that most teachers are criminally underpaid for the work they do. Online teaching, however, has significantly higher financial potential. According to StartupBozai.com, the industry is projected to be worth an astounding $374 billion by 2026. Instead of a strict salary, you can produce educational videos that continuously generate revenue through passive income.

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Begin teaching online today

At Prism, we are dedicated to helping you provide your students with a smooth, safe online learning environment. We help teaching professionals like yourself produce engaging educational content and course material through the various services we offer. 

Looking to produce videos for your classroom that your students can watch on their schedules? We can help you film them yourself or cast acting talent for a higher-end feel.

Want to forge your path on your own? No problem! We can guide you through your journey to produce educational content while taking a backseat. In other words, we’ll give you the know-how so you can make it happen. 

If you’re interested in starting your online teaching journey today, check out our FAQs or request a custom quote! We’d love to hear from you! 

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Image: Karolina Grabowska via Pexels