Are you considering advanced education, but are a little
apprehensive of online education? Below are the top ten myths about online degree
programs- disproved! After reading this, you won’t want to wait to find the
best online program that’s right for you.
Myth #1 They’re the
same as a textbook
Online
degree programs tend to be more comprehensive than a textbook. Most textbooks
are usually written by one or two professionals, and are not always updated
each year. With online degree programs, you have the opportunity to work with
professors, many of whom are still working in the field as well as teaching. A
textbook course only provides one point of view and expects the student to
accept that view as the correct one.
Fact: Online
professors offer variety of viewpoints on the subject, and are able to
communicate with you on these topics through e-mails and papers submitted
online.
Myth #2 They require
constant attachment to your computer
Online
programs require quite the opposite! In fact, once you have enrolled in a
program, you are able to work at your own pace – unlike a campus university
where class schedules are predetermined by the professor and availability of a
classroom. When learning through online programs, your classroom can be
wherever you are – home, work, vacation, it’s up to you!
Fact: You no
longer need to stick to a set schedule; log on whenever you have time!
Myth #3 Employers
won’t accept online degrees
According
to Careerbuilder.com, “This may once have been the case, but online degree
programs are now rightly perceived to be topical, challenging and highly
relevant. They are designed with the needs of working adult learners in mind
and are developed in consultation with experienced professionals in industry
and business to ensure that students learn concepts and methods that are
immediately applicable in their work environment.”
Fact: A study
conducted by Vault.com says 61% of employers accept online degrees.
Myth #4 Online =
faster, easier & less credible
Online degrees can be faster to earn, but for
the most part, they take almost as much time as on-campus degrees; when you factor
in the work schedules of most students, this prevents students from devoting
the entire day towards their online degree. This in no way makes an online
degree less credible than an on-campus degree.
Fact: Careerbuilder.com
says, “Employers are impressed by the initiative, ambition and self-motivation
demonstrated by an employee who takes advantage of the Internet to develop
their knowledge and their career.”
Myth #5 All
accredited schools are created equal
It may seem
that all online schools have been accredited or are accredited equally. But
beware; it’s important to ensure that the online school you are enrolled in has
been accredited by a proper institution. LearnSource.com
reveals if your school has been accredited. Though accreditation process is
difficult and costly, most schools will cough up the dough because it
classifies a school on a higher tier than non-accredited institutions.
Fact: Be sure that you’ve chosen a school with proper
credentials to ensure your hard work towards a degree is not wasted.
Myth #6 No personal attention in the virtual
classroom
Just
because you’re not in a classroom with other students and a teacher, it does
not mean that you have to sacrifice personal attention. Many teachers of online
courses leave a questions and comments section at the end of a lesson and
provide their email addresses for students to contact them.
Fact: Virtual
classrooms provide quicker, more direct communication and eliminate noisy
distractions.
Myth #7 Credits don’t
transfer to traditional colleges
Every
on-campus college and university has its own policies regarding credit
transfers. If you are planning to transfer to a traditional school after
completing an online degree program, be sure to contact administration
officials before beginning the course
to ensure that all of your new credits will transfer.
Fact: Be sure to
send your official transcript to the desired school for approval of credits.
Myth #8 Online is
always cheaper
Online
programs may be less expensive than a
private institution, especially one that’s located in another state or country
than the once in which you reside. But not all schools are created equal. Some
online schools may cost more than others, or may include hidden fees. Be sure
to select a school that fits your budget.
Fact: Research
multiples schools and their costs to ensure you’ve found the best, most
affordable program.
Myth #9: No
supplementary resources for the online student
Online
courses don’t always depend on the internet; some online schools will include textbooks
as additional resources. If you are looking for additional information, be sure
to ask the professor or school for extra information, books and resources that
will help you in your studies.
Fact: Before you
spend, check your local library for relevant resources.
Myth #10: You must be computer-savvy
Online
courses do not require previous technical knowledge, or be able to understand
how a computer works (unless, of course, that’s your degree!). In fact, most
schools generally only require the ability to access the internet, your email,
and additionally resources that you’d like to use throughout the courses.
Fact: Daily
online use will only increase your familiarity with the computers and their
capabilities.
Now that we’ve uncovered the truth about online colleges and
degree programs, enroll in an online degree today!