Virtual Benefits
Virtual work leads to multiple organizational benefits. Advancements in communication technology make it possible for global companies to bring together people from around the world to connect and collaborate on virtual teams. Dispersed, virtual teams use electronically-mediated communication to collaborate on shared organizational goals (Hertel, Geister, & Konradt, 2005; Morgan, Paucar-Caceres, & Wright, 2014). Virtual work leads to multiple positive economic and environmental byproducts including decreased travel and facility use (Duarte & Snyder, 1999), increased efficiency and productivity (Eom, 2009), flexibility and convenience, access for participants otherwise excluded due to disabilities (Nydegger & Nydegger, 2010), removal of geographical limitations (Hunsaker & Hunsaker, 2008), access to international talent and expertise, as well as asynchronous collaboration (Barnwell, Nedrick, Rudolf, Seasay, & Wellen, 2014). Although in a modified context, these benefits also apply to virtual learning experiences. Learners experience similar efficiencies and conveniences. Access to virtual learning opportunities such as online courses and degree programs enables learners remove traditional impediments such as time and distance.