Why Peer Learning Makes Live Online Classes More Effective Than Self-Paced Learning

Online education has transformed how we gain skills and knowledge, offering flexibility and accessibility like never before. However, not all online learning experiences are created equal. One key difference between live online classes and self-paced learning is peer learning, the chance to interact with instructors and fellow students in real time.

Peer Learning vs. Self-Paced Study

In self-paced courses, students often work independently, following videos, readings, or pre-recorded lectures. While this format is convenient, it can lack the engagement and accountability that comes from learning alongside others. Many students struggle to complete self-paced courses, and opportunities to ask questions, clarify concepts, or explore alternative approaches are limited.

In contrast, live online classes create a structured schedule where students learn together, discuss ideas, and collaborate on exercises. This real-time interaction allows for:

• Immediate Feedback: Students can ask questions and get answers from the instructor or peers right away, reducing confusion and misconceptions.
• Multiple Perspectives: Hearing different viewpoints from classmates exposes students to new strategies, experiences, and ways of thinking that enhance understanding.
• Active Participation: Group discussions, problem-solving activities, and case studies encourage engagement and critical thinking—skills that are harder to develop in isolation.

Accountability and Motivation

Live classes foster accountability. With fixed start and end dates, students are more likely to complete assignments, participate in discussions, and stay on track. Peer learning reinforces this because students see their classmates progressing, sharing insights, and contributing to conversations. This social aspect motivates learners to keep up and stay involved.

Collaboration Builds Skills for the Real World

Beyond understanding the course material, peer learning develops essential soft skills like communication, teamwork, and collaboration. In professional settings, these abilities are crucial. Live online classes mirror real-world environments where employees work together, ask questions, and brainstorm solutions in a team context.

Networking Opportunities

Another often-overlooked benefit is the networking potential. Students build connections with their peers that can last beyond the course. These relationships provide support, mentorship, and even potential career opportunities. Self-paced courses offer limited ways to form meaningful professional connections.

At Ashton College, live online courses are designed to maximize peer learning. Students engage in discussions, interactive case studies, and group activities. Each class becomes a dynamic learning environment where knowledge is shared in real time. Students not only gain expertise but also learn how to communicate effectively, think critically, and collaborate with others, skills that make them more confident and job-ready.

While self-paced online courses are convenient, they often lack the interaction, engagement, and accountability that come with live online classes. Peer learning transforms online education from a solitary experience into a collaborative, interactive, and highly effective journey. Students don’t just learn content, they develop skills, confidence, and connections that extend far beyond the classroom.