Top 7 Online Learning Myths: Debunked

Technology advances in education have been quite rapid. It has not only made the learning process easier, but also more viable. Among the many aspects of education that technology has made its own, online learning tops the chart.

Online education has been in vogue for quite some time now. Millions of students have been registering for such courses for multiple benefits they offer.

Here are a few features of online learning:

• flexibility
• convenience
• affordability
• personalization factor
• availability

Throw in a certification in that and you have the whole package of a college course. Only better.

Owing to these overwhelming factors, the trend of online learning is beginning to catch on in leaps and bounds. In fact, this shift has taken such firm root that it is not anymore restricted to formal education only, but has also spread its wings into the boulevard of professional development.

Despite its growing popularity, online learning is still faced with a number of myths that revolve around it like a swarm of bees whose honeycomb has suddenly been stirred up with a stick.

These myths blot out the benefits of online learning like an accidentally tipped over ink bottle on a precious birthday card. And these blots manifest as suspicions involving the integrity and the value of online learning. This isn’t very uncommon. Anything new and disruptive with immense potential has always been the favorite topic of skeptics.

However, let’s clear up the clutter once and for all.

Myth 1.

Online courses do not provide quality education. 

There has always been a growing concern about the quality of online learning. Now, before the infamous ego takes over, just wait for a minute and think.

When we talk about quality, what do we actually mean? Is it the money spent or the technology involved that define a course? Or, is it all about the student experience and the results?

It is, in fact, the outcome that affects us the most. Even though there have been raging debates about the quality of online education and students and teachers have been at crossroads over it, the worries have shown signs of blurring. This is because numerous researches over the decades have turned up with the same result: online courses do not differ in quality from traditional classroom courses. And in many cases, they are even better.

In fact, the course content of an online curriculum is quite similar to that of the classroom one,   complete with assignments and evaluation procedures. But the delivery channels are much broader and they cover a far greater level of interaction than classroom programs will ever be able to.

This TEDx talk is a wonderful narration of the importance of online education.

Myth 2.

The certifications awarded after completion of online courses are not accepted by employers.

“Why should I even enroll for a course that would eat up my time and money, and give me a certification that is nothing better than a crumpled up piece of paper?”

This voices a good chunk of the population that believe that online courses are worthless. If you are one of them, then let me tell you that you have been fooled big time by the snake oil salesman. It is time to emerge from the shroud of green smoke, enlightened.

Even though there have been several myths of fallout, online courses have gained a significant reputation over the years. More and more employers are now accepting online degrees of candidates. It is a good time to say that the definite lines between online and traditional courses are being obliterated.

The sheer popularity of online courses has instigated among employers an understanding and an acceptance of students who have such certifications. In fact, it is quite likely that some of them have undergone such training as well. These factors combined together have been instrumental in chipping away any similar misconceptions about online education.

That being said, you would also need to be careful about the online courses that you are taking up, because there could be fraudulent ones out there in the market. Therefore, it is important to exercise precautions.

The following video breaks down the myths and truths behind online education.

Myth 3.

Online learning is easier than traditional coursework. 

Yes, online learning is convenient.

Yes, online learning has a certain amount of flexibility.

But that does not mean that it is an easy alternative to traditional classroom education. The convenience and flexibility that online learning brings along are not indicators of ease. The difficulty level of online classes varies according to the curriculum that it covers.

Like any standard education, online learning comes with its fair share of challenges. In fact, many online courses conducted by certain universities are a lot more demanding than their class-based counterparts. Therefore, students need to exercise self-discipline, a high level of competency, and commitment to excel in those.

Procrastination isn’t going to help in any way. Deadlines matter in online courses because they come with a start-date and an end-date. And to achieve the certification, you would need to be diligent and complete the course within the stipulated time.

Myth 4. 

Online courses are for tech-savvy people. 

Even though this myth has seeped into the fabric of online learning, it does not have even a grain of truth in it. A student who is new to technology or is not very comfortable with it might not want to venture into the avenues of online learning. Primarily because of its extensive usage of technology. But this fear is completely uncalled for.

A little bit of competency with the computer can only help someone to have an upper hand in the transition to online learning. But that is where it ends. You would, at the end of the day, have to carry on with the coursework of the online training and not the technology competency. And this requires diligence.

Think of it this way: basic computer skill is a pre-requisite for joining any company. And online education will require only that much knowledge. If you are still unsure, then you can always take help from the tools and resources available online, or ask for help from anyone you know.

Moreover, the organizations that conduct online courses are always ready to help. What more? These courses are formed around user-friendly learning environments that never fail to provide students with structured guidance throughout the process.

Myth 5.

Online courses lack interaction. 

Switching on your computer, staring at your own reflection, and clicking here and there could let you in on a bit of isolation. And you might end up thinking, “Oh well! I’m all alone in this”.

But that is not the case.

As an online learner, you are a part of a larger community than you can even think of. If you take a closer look and do some research, you would come across a concrete network of teachers and fellow students who you are in this with. All you need to do is reach out to them with your queries. And, believe me, you will be amazed at the amount of response you receive. They are there to help, just the way you would when they have any query.

Apart from that, students can conduct conversations at certain forums that come along with these online courses. Through this, you would get to meet students who are doing the same course as you are. You can talk to them about your doubts, collaborate, share your experiences, and so on.

Recommended Read: Collaborative learning and its advantages

Myth 6. 

With online education, the faculty is a thing of the past. 

Again, you are mistaken. In fact, it is quite the contrary. Online courses require qualified instructors to help further the education process. Online class sizes are smaller than traditional classrooms. Hence, the need for qualified faculty is even more. In addition, an experienced and qualified pool of faculty is in demand to create quality course material, assessment structures, update old ones, and the likes.

Also, there’s always someone out there to give you feedback. Instructors assess your comprehension standard and provide feedback that is tailored to fit your specifications. However, this also involves a certain degree of participation from your end. Unless you make an effort and reach out, you might feel like you have been left hanging mid-air.

Instructors have always been and will remain an integral part of the classroom, be it online or traditional. No amount of technology integration can take that away.

Myth 7.

All online courses are the same.

There is no logic to this myth and I have no idea how this came about. Like every classroom courses, each one will differ from the other according to the subject, course goals, instructor, and other such factors.

Even the assessment structures differ for every course. They are tailored to meet the goals of the courses available. Every online course is well thought-out and planned. Remember, these courses are designed to provide quality education to the students who are enrolling for those.

There is another myth about online learning that has been around for quite some time now. But it does not need to be dignified with the label of a ‘myth’. We will call it a misconception. I’ll tell you why.

It is being widely believed that online courses make it easy to cheat. Do you think so too? Now think of it this way: cheating is dishonesty, that has been stamped on our conscience and we believe that too. So, would your class ethics permit you to partake of such dishonest means while writing an exam, even after knowing that it isn’t doing you any good on the long run? It is you who can curb this and obliterate this misconception altogether.

To aid in the process, online education providers have come up with ways to reduce cheating by employing plagiarism checker, webcam, and other such steps. Now, it is entirely up to you whether you would want to benefit from online learning or watch your education go down the drain for a temporary tempting dishonesty.

Now that there aren’t any lingering doubts to hold you back, let the online learning flow and be a part of it. It is a huge industry now and you can benefit from it too. So, what are you waiting for? Enroll now.

What other myths of online learning have you come across? Share those with us in the comments section below.