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National Online Learning Day

Take the plunge and join us in celebrating National Online Learning Day - discover new skills, explore exciting topics, and get ready to learn something new!

Tuesday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember 15

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYSchool

SUBCATEGORYLiteracy

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate National Online Learning Day on September 15! This day was first established in 2013 as a way to recognize and honor the innovative nature of online learning. It's an exciting time for education, since technology has made it possible for students to access educational content from anywhere around the world. From virtual classrooms, webinars, and tutorials, there are so many ways that learners can now engage with educational content.

TIMELINE

National Online Learning Day Timeline

Beginning of E-Learning

The first large-scale computer-based training project, PLATO (Programmed Logic for Automated Teaching Operations), was launched at the University of Illinois.

New Learning Platforms

The term 'e-learning' is coined during the development of the first Computer-Based Training (CBT) systems. These early systems allowed users to learn at their own pace.

Internet Brings about Revolution

With the advent of the Internet, digital learning saw a steep rise in popularity as it allowed for learning resources to be shared globally and instantly.

Rise of Learning Management Systems

The turn of the new millennium saw an explosion in Learning Management Systems, giving educators a platform to create, manage, and distribute educational content.

Massive Open Online Courses

The creation and popularity of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) provided free online courses to anyone with internet access, significantly democratizing education.

National Online Learning Day Established

The establishment of National Online Learning Day to celebrate and recognize the benefits of online learning, highlighting its universal access and adaptability.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Online Learning Day

Explore a new online course

Set aside some time to explore a new online course in something you're interested in. There are many free courses available on the internet, so you can learn about almost anything.

CREATE

Create an online study group

Connect with other people who are learning the same things as you. You can create an online study group to discuss topics and collaborate on projects.

TAKE

Take an online quiz

Test your knowledge of the subject by taking an online quiz or test. You can find quizzes in almost any topic on the internet.

Share your progress

Share your progress with friends and family members by posting about it on social media. It's a great way to show off what you've learned and motivate others to join you in your learning journey.

WRITE

Write a blog post

Write a blog post about what you've learned from taking an online course or attending virtual classes. It's a great way to share your newfound knowledge with others who may be interested in learning the same things as you.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Online Learning Day is Important

It allows access to information

The internet is one of the biggest sources of information available in the world. Through online courses, you have access to vast amounts of data on any given subject and can stay up to date on the latest research in your field. This provides essential knowledge that helps you develop critical thinking skills and stay ahead of the curve.

It encourages education for all

Online learning has made it easier than ever before to take classes, earn certifications, and explore new topics. With the Internet at our fingertips, anyone can become a student no matter where they live or how busy their life may be. Online learning day is important because it's about providing educational opportunities to everyone!

It gives people the flexibility to learn

People have different learning styles and online courses offer a great way for students to find a self-paced program that works best for them. With online courses, you can study anytime, anywhere - perfect for those who need to balance their work schedules with their academic pursuits.