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Often due to inaccurate information, or ignorance many
people are wary of joining online colleges. Some common myths
are:
1. Online schools are not as good as
regular schools The truth is the quality of online programs
is as good, if not better than, most of the regular schools.
Online schools have superior technology, study
methods/materials and well-trained faculty. In fact online
schools are more advanced than campus school in many respects,
such as organized course structure, timely delivery of study
material, planned lecture schedule and so on.
2. Online degrees are offered by
special online schools only
This is truly a myth. These days all good and established
schools offer online study courses. According to the Sloan
Consortium, 63% of schools offering undergraduate face-to-face
courses also offer courses online and 65% of all graduate
institutions provide online options as well. There are of
course specialized online schools as well.
3. Online faculty are less qualified
than their traditional equivalent
Statistics show that online students get 65% advanced and
better-quality teachers than traditional students. Statistics
aside common sense also affirms that online faculty has to be
more qualified to handle online courses. Online faculties
require superior subject understanding, observation techniques
and advanced technology processes, than their traditional
equivalent.
4. Online students miss out on
classroom interaction
With online forums, e-mail, pod casting,
video conferencing, and collaborative web software,
interaction has become very easy. In fact online learners have
the ability to connect to a global range of classroom peers.
Many teachers who teach both online and traditional classes
report that online responses tend to be more thoughtful and
considered. In fact they say online students tend to ask more
informed questions and give educated opinions.
5. Online degrees is just studying
from the computer screen instead of the book
Technological advancements have truly turned
this into a myth. Today streaming video lectures, podcast
seminars and online simulation programs form an important part
of many online degrees. Many online schools offer hybrid
courses and online peer review of student work.
7. Online studies require less
work
We would all love this one to be true but
actually it is the biggest myth. The truth is that online
degrees at times require greater motivation, systematic
studying and self-discipline. They are no short cuts in
getting education. Hard work is still the only way that
produces result.
8. Online degrees are not accepted by
employees
Online degree status has changed a lot over
the last five years. These days online degrees from reputed
colleges are as respected and accepted by many employers as any
traditional degree.
9. Online degrees are not
recognized
There are many accredited online courses
that are recognized. You just have to be careful before
joining any online course. You should take extra care to
ensure that the program of your choice is accredited. An
accredited degree is as respected and recognized as a regular
degree.
10. Online students need to be
technologically advanced
E-mail, podcasting and user-friendly
eLearning software have removed the tech-wiz angle from online
courses. These days anyone having access to a computer can
join an online learning program successfully and pick up the
required skills in a short period of time.
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