Online and distance learning is often one of those “ah-ha” experiences. You think you know about it, but once you get into it you find it is quite different from what you expected. Here is the main online learning fact; education online is still being developed and refined, so some of these myths could be realities if program providers at online universities and online colleges are not offering their students a quality education. Luckily, many accredited online colleges are offering excellent online degrees. Let's separate online learning facts from myths.
Learning online is easier than learning face-to-face.
Nothing gets students into more trouble than thinking they can coast through an online course, pick up a decent grade, and move on to the next class. Once you take your first online class, you will know this is one of the top misconceptions about education online. First-time students often assume that because they don’t sit in class for 3 hours a week they can scratch that time from their to-do list. They can’t. Online students must study the 3 hours a week they would have been in class plus the 2 to 3 hours face-to-face students normally study outside of class. That’s 5 to 6 hours a week per class. Class at online colleges are just like classes at any college.
The quality of online classes is lower than face-to-face classes.
Maybe this was true when online learning programs at online schools first started. But it’s not true anymore, unless you’re looking at a diploma mill. Nowadays, online programs from accredited institutions are rigorously designed. Quality online and distance learning programs have entire departments dedicated to designing courses and training teachers. They constantly check course content and track teachers far more easily because everything—notes, lectures, demonstrations, student feedback, testing—is online. Education online is now just as rigorous at online colleges as it is at any ivy league brick-and-mortar college.
I’ll be out there in cyberspace on my own with no help.
Experienced online colleges include interaction and accountability with the teacher and other students in the course. Tech support is a vital part of good programs. Many programs offer help—either through the telephone or CDs—in familiarizing students with the software needed for their courses. Quality education online programs have advisers and mentors to assist you through the admission process and tutors to advise you in writing papers.
Online and Distance learning is for people in the wilds of Montana.
Yes it is, and it’s for working adults in metropolitan centers who don’t feel like dealing with traffic and parking or students who want to take a course or earn an online degree scheduled at a suitable time for them. Increasingly, students who live on campus sign up for online courses because they find them so convenient. One of the interesting online learning facts is that students are often creating a hybrid of their schedules featuring some online classes and some courses actually in the classroom.
Online learning is just a bunch of e-mails back and forth.
The software available to online learning providers has made the online educational experience amazingly similar to face-to-face. Students can see, hear, and respond to instructors as though they were in a classroom. Not every online college or other provider uses the very latest software but many do, and the online learning experience gets better with each new technological breakthrough.
I need to be a computer geek.
Online colleges are well aware that unless online students can use the programs and easily move around in a virtual environment, they will become frustrated and drop out. Some providers have computer tutors who walk new students through the technology. Others have 24/7 help desks, so if you run into a technical glitch at 11 p.m. someone can help you fix it. Look at it this way: If you can order flowers or movie tickets over the Internet, you’ve got enough “geek” to be successful. But, if you are hesitant about computers, check out the program’s help desk setup before signing on.
As you can see, online and distance learning is just as educational and challenging as any other college degree. Whether you take just a few online courses or decide to earn an online degree from a great online school, learning online is a great way to get your education. It's important to take the time to get the online learning facts before you get started; online colleges offer the best educations you can get today, but from the convenience of your home at the time that suits you best. Get started earning your education online today!
