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.
Aside from earning a degree, online programs help the student to become more comfortable with many computer programs and emerging technologies.
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!