Seven Myths about Online Education
Seven Myths About Online Education
-- Bridget Kulla
The popularity of online degree programs continues to grow, but some people still hesitate to enroll. Don't let one of these myths about online education stop you from getting a degree.
1. Online Courses are Easier
Online courses may give you more flexibility than traditional classes, but they require just as much work. Like brick-and-mortar institutions, the quality of classes varies between online degree programs. Since much of the work with online courses is completed independently, students need to be disciplined. "In reality, it takes a very dedicated student to succeed online," says Nathaniel Kennedy, director of marketing for Argosy University online programs.
"The weight of learning the material rests squarely on your shoulders ... you have to be pretty motivated," says Lisa Hardman, an online student at
Taking coursework online is not a shortcut to a degree, either. "You get the same quality of education you'd get at a campus setting, but doing it at your own pace," Kennedy says.
"Online courses are more time consuming. I spend the majority of my time trying to figure out my online course," Hardman says. Some online institutions offer accelerated programs, but most institutions let you work at your own pace. Earning an online degree may take more time than a traditional degree.
2. There's No Personal Attention and Communication with Other Students
Many online institutions go to great lengths to make their programs more personal. "We try to provide the same sort of comfortable and familiar academic experience that you would experience at one of our campus locations, but to do that through an online setting," Kennedy says. Some programs use discussion forums, weekly conference calls, and academic and career counselors to let their students know that they are not isolated at their computer screen. Students usually get personalized feedback from their professors. Like any educational environment, students must make an effort to work closely with their professors.
3. Online Schools aren't as Good
Like all schools, the quality of online education varies from institution to institution. You can earn a degree online from a well-regarded school like Harvard University or enroll in a lesser-known program that may not be as challenging. To judge the quality of an online program, check its accreditation, see what support services are available, ask if you can take a sample class, and talk to other students and professors.
4. The Credits You Earn Online Won't Transfer to Traditional Colleges
If you earn your degree at a regionally-accredited online institution, your credits are the equivalent to credits earned at a brick-and-mortar school and will be accepted by most schools. Transferring credit becomes more complicated if you earned them at a program accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). Some schools accept credits from DETC-accredited programs and some do not. Credits from programs that are not accredited will not be accepted for transfer.
5. Employers Don't Take Online Degrees Seriously
As the number of people earning online degrees grows, more employers are recognizing their value. A 2005 survey shows that 85 percent of employers find online degrees to be more acceptable than they were five years before. Earning an online degree can also show employers that you are motivated and disciplined to work. Online programs have gone from a novel new way to get a degree to a common education program. "As more and more universities offer online degree programs, more employers will recognize and embrace someone who got their degree online," Kennedy says.
7. You Must be Computer Whiz to Take Online Courses
While you must have a basic understanding of how to work a computer to get started with online courses, you don't need to be a tech prodigy to succeed. "Anybody who can do email can do online courses. It's not too difficult to figure out," Hardman says. Most online institutions realize that students may not initially have a lot of technical know-how and offer support to make taking courses online less intimidating. From tech support hotlines to introductory computer courses, check out what technical support services an online institution offers.
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