Nowadays, about 227 million Americans have internet connection in their homes and offices. Internet connection has been maximized for different transactions, online shopping, online payment and even earning an online college degree. According to the Sloan Consortium, there are about 3.9 million Americans who are studying on online programs in 2007.
Even though there are a lot of students enrolled in online colleges, there are myths surrounding online education making people hesitant of applying to become a student. What are these common myths? Here they are.
Myth1. Online education would require you to be knowledgeable in programming, software tools and configuration.
The only knowledge that online students must posses would be knowledge in sending and managing personal e-mails, downloading and uploading assignments, and chatting with instructors and classmates. For online courses that would require students to use other programs, software and its installation are instructed.
Myth2. Online courses are not that difficult compared with traditional or regular courses.
Most people think that just because online students do not return to school then their studies may be easier. Online classes help students develop their learning and studying strategies on their own. There are employment surveys showing that those who have graduated from online college programs, tend to be more self-reliant and analytical about certain company issues. Aside from that, every course, regular or online, would require hard work and patience to succeed.
Myth3. Online college degrees cannot be recognized by the employer.
This is completely debunked since there are employers and companies who would reimburse the tuition spent while studying. Aside from that, employers are slowly recognizing that characteristics like devotion, commitment, and focus are vital in their company and these characteristics were developed in their family.
Myth4. Online degrees are expensive.
The truth is traditional college courses are more expensive than online degrees. Aside from that, online colleges would offer payment plans allowing students to bay through installment process.
Myth5. There are no reputable online colleges.
Completely, untrue. There are many traditional and regular colleges which are already offering online courses. In addition to that, U.S. Department of Education would not be granting any accreditation certificate to schools that have not met their standards.
Myth 6. Online teachers are not good instructors.
Online faculties are also evaluated by college accreditation agencies. Teaching online is difficult since teachers would rely heavily on technology, digital tools and written content to evaluate the students progress.
Myth7. Credits earned in online colleges cannot be transferred.
Credit earned from accredited online colleges can be transferred to another school or college, especially if the online student would continue his or her education. Traditional universities also accept online college credits given that it is within the traditional universitys transfer policies.
Myth8. Online classes are unreliable because technical difficulties could happen.
It is true that power shortages and internet connection failure would affect the course. However, it will just cause delay and would not interfere with the students education. The student could access the lessons again once internet connection or power is restored. Since they are online, you could go to your friends or familys home and finish your lessons there.
These kinds of myths make online college degrees look shallow and not an option for success. However, research and interview would help you understand and keep things in perspective.