Factors contributing to online learning: accessibility, flexibility, learning styles, and active participation in the learning process. Online learning provides students with the flexibility to work at a comfortable pace, and manage assignments according to their daily schedules. Students are actively engaged in their learning experience and can access assignments from anywhere. Studies are showing that students learn just as effectively online as in the traditional classroom setting.

Web-based tools in learning enhance the teacher/student communication, encourages student participation through message boards which otherwise, may be limited in traditional classroom settings. Students can also be exposed to other ideas and views through participation. Students are not limited to subjective criteria, such as dress, appearance, or disabilities.

Online learning appeals to different learning styles. Active learning can be more rewarding and lasting than traditional recall instruction. Other factors are the availability of instructors to students, and materials 24/7. Cost for institutions can be minimized through elimination of physical cost of building use, and paper waste.

The benefit to the student is the instant feedback on assessment with digital software for tests, quizzes, etc. and real-world experiences in the learning process. Learning that incorporates active hands-on activities reinforces the content and gives real world meaning. Students and learning institutions benefit due to meeting the needs of students in today’s society, and providing learning to all students in challenging, and meaningful ways.

ACAS's classroom management software system technology enables online submission of assignments and projects, allowing for rapid marking and return of assignments. This means that students can receive constructive feedback on assignments, etc. while the task is fresh in their minds and in sufficient time to ensure that the feedback may be incorporated into the next task.

Similarly, the very nature of online discussions in either synchronous or asynchronous form, means that students who contribute to online discussions are able to get virtually instant feedback on their ideas from their peers, lecturers or tutors.

In addition to subject-related core study material, the Internet gives students access to a wide range of 'enrichment' resources and links to information from online journals, email discussion groups in subject-area specialisations and professional associations to name but a few possibilities.

• Can analytical and critical thinking be taught well online?
• Can the reasoning and problem solving required to be a disciplinary practitioner be taught well asynchronously?
• Can students in online classes grow intellectually?

In an online course teachers can employ many of the same active learning strategies they use in their classrooms to encourage good thinking, engage students in the course content, and promote their intellectual development.

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