Is online education all that? Sure, if you can over come old myths

Posted December 22, 2008 by Bernz

Rapid job layoffs have created a high competitive job market which means that some colleges and universities are facing three times the enrollment.

online-college-offering-degree-in-holistic-psychologyNow that nearly all major universities offer degreed programs through the Internet the stigma that online learning is not equal to a traditional classroom education has for the most part been put to rest. But is taking classes on the Internet or even getting a degree online measure up to on-campus education.

Here’s a look at three top old school myths and why you should dispel them.

Lingering Myth No. 1 ~ An online degree is easier to achieve.

Perhaps online learning appears easier because it offers the greatest flexibility. If you want to go back to school but have the demands of a full time job, family responsibility, or face geographical restrictions, then an online education is probably well-suited for your lifestyle. But don’t let this give you the impression that an online education is a piece of cake. In fact, you may be surprised that taking classes over the Internet is completely different from what you expect. Thinking you’ll avoid that dreaded oral presentation? Maybe not. Your Internet course might involve you giving an audiovisual presentation instead. Group projects are common, too. And don’t forget that papers, exams, and homework are still part of the learning mix.

Whether a class seems particularly easy or challenging depends on the course level, your school, the curriculum and numerous other variables. For some distant learners, the real challenge is maintaining discipline and self-motivation. Organization and good time management skills are also essential. So, in many ways your online learning experience may be more challenging than a conventional classroom.

Lingering Myth No 2 ~ Online degrees are less legit.

Nearly every college and university offers online courses, therefore the overall quality of Internet education has drastically improved from what was being offered five years ago.

You should be aware however that programs vary from school to school although a quality online program will be backed by experienced administrators and a host of other personnel who designed the curriculum, exams, and ensure there are qualified instructors. Even so it’s worthwhile you conduct your own investigation before diving into a four-year commitment.

Start by ensuring the school you’re considering is accredited. This information is usually found on the school’s website but you can also inquire through the school’s registrar or your academic advisor. Or you can always verify a school’s accreditation status with the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA (Council for Higher Education Accreditation).

Next, find out what other students have to say about their online experience. Search for opinions through blogs and Internet forums. If a sample course is available, give it a test drive to get a sense of the class format. You can get an idea of the school’s culture by the messages it disseminates through things like podcasts and newsletters. If possible sign on to a class discussion board. Pay special attention to what the school offers in terms of student support. Are there extensive library resources? Is technical staff available to assist with login problems?

You’ll also want to evaluate the experience and knowledge of the instructor. Other things you want to gage are:

  • The instructor’s accessibility – can you call her on the telephone, what’s the normal response time to receive a response to your email?
  • Does the instructor encourage you to ask questions? Are your questions answered in a way you can understand?
  • Does he or she embrace student differences?
  • How well does the instructor know the material? What are his/her credentials?

Finally, know what each course is going to cover. Ask the school or instructor to provide you with a course syllabus. From that, you’ll be able to tell if the class material is going to enable you to meet your learning goals. If the syllabus seems disjointed or if the instructor appears put off by your request, then that’s a reflection on what your experience is going to be like.

Lingering Myth No. 3 ~ Tuition is either cheaper or more expensive.

Your tuition is not going to be significantly higher or lesser than on-campus tuition. Tuition is determined by your instate-residency, whether or not the school is public or private, and other factors such as region. Yet by attending school online you eliminate some of the extra expenses associated with dorm rooms, meal plans, and activity fees. You also save money on gas, parking, and you hopefully can get a snack from your own fridge rather than going to the nearest burger joint.

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This entry was posted on Monday, December 22, 2008 at 10:34 am and is filed under Misc. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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