The internet has ensured that no one is ever too far from being able to learn something. As an almost infinite resource, it is only fitting that there is a National Online Learning Day, which falls on September 15. But just how did it come to fruition? And what is the best way to observe this unique day? Let’s find out and take a closer look at how people are using this opportunity to encourage others to learn new skills online.

What Is National Online Learning Day

Let’s take it back to the start of online learning, which means a trip to the ’90s. The first online school was called CompuHigh, which offered those lucky enough to have access to a computer and the internet (it was not so common at the time) a chance to earn qualifications.

As with most content on the internet, as users increased and the internet became faster and more commonplace, so did the online learning community. It has become a valuable resource to the point that people can finish college online and receive recognized accreditation. In fact, students can now gain diplomas, college degrees, credits, and more.

One of the major benefits is that online learning cuts energy consumption by around 90% according to the Open University of Britain.

These are environments where students can ask questions from the comfort of their own home, interact with fellow students, and get the benefit of lectures and courses that would otherwise be unattainable. This flexible learning approach has certainly caught on, with over 2.5 million college students taking online courses in the US. The benefit of online courses is that they can often be completed alongside or around the student’s life. This means anyone who needs to fit education around work or family commitments can do so.

The first celebration of National Online Learning Day was in 2016, so it is still in its early days but growing in the same way that online learning has.

How To Observe National Online Learning Day

One of the issues for National Online Learning Day is that many people aren’t aware of the possibilities they have. So, the challenge is to get involved but also to spread the word. Observe the day by joining in, starting a course, whether it is small or a big commitment. Or, anyone who has already participated in an online course over the years can share the benefits or talk about how the course has benefited their life.

Use the hashtag #NationalOnlineLearningDay to spread the word. Because it is easier to work at their own pace, many students find that online learning is the more favorable option. This means that National Online Learning Day is likely to become more and more popular, with courses filling up every year.

Finally, remember to connect with other online learners. The one aspect online courses cannot replicate is the social side. Still, this doesn’t mean that no one can interact. There are online groups for people who are learning the same things, and some courses will even have chat rooms open for discussion. However you approach National Online Learning Day, the real benefit is to the student learning new skills.