It’s the year 2020, and life has taken a whole new perspective. What seemed like a future is now very much reality. Yes, we are talking about the virtual world. With the current pandemic situation, we all have adopted this new normal, and for now, we need to live with it. While everyone is adapting to it at their own pace, the process of learning must go on. Who knew that online learning would be this essential and probably the only way to continue with education? With that being said, there are still some doubts about online college degrees and their effectiveness. Let’s have a look at some of the myths and the reality behind them.
1. Online Courses Are Easier Than on-Campus Classes and Don’t Require Many Efforts
The idea of online classes and exams is often not taken seriously. It is thought that just because they are flexible and not in person, one can get away without putting in any effort. However, the reality is very different. If your online college degree is from an accredited and well-reputed platform, it will be designed in a challenging way and gives the best of a learning experience. It is important to give enough attention and time so that you learn as much as you can.
2. You Are All by Yourself
Unlike a traditional classroom setup, it is often thought that when you enroll in any online course, you’re taking those classes and learning on your own without any help or support. However, that is not true; just because your instructor is not physically present doesn’t mean that they won’t be available to guide you. There are various options to approach the instructor for further help by using the options chatbox, discussion forum, or webinars. Hence you are not there alone!
3. Online Courses Are Not Valued by Institutions/Employers
Sometimes the motivation to take an online college degree is based on the fact that it will benefit you in the long run, especially if you want to continue your studies or you’re seeking employment. It is an assumption that these online courses won’t be valued or given any consideration by any institutes or employers; however, that is not the case. If your online college degree platform is accredited and reputable, the courses are given value and acceptance. With the growing popularity of online learning, this myth is being debunked.
4. No Networking or Interaction With Class Fellows
Although you are not sitting next to your class fellows, that does not mean that you can not talk to them at all. Students can connect via discussion forums, chat options, or video calls to socialize and share their ideas in online learning. If the students do not get the chance to interact, it is not a flaw in the online system but actually of the particular learning platform. Well-designed courses allow you to work on collaborative projects as a way to communicate with each other and form a network despite being online. We can connect to our families via various apps and still stay connected with them; the same can be done with your classmates too.
5. Cheating Is Very Common and Easy to Do
It is common that just because one is not under the direct supervision of a teacher in an online system, they can cheat easily. But the reality is very different. Online courses are supported by software that can check for plagiarism, keep track of time, or ask you to keep your videos open. In addition to that, frequent exams or quizzes can help in monitoring your progress so that you can be aided better.
These are some common myths about online learning that are now debunked for you. So now, make the most of these online sources to improve your knowledge and enhance your skills.