5 Myths About Online Learning
I’ve been seriously neglectful of my blog, but I hope you’ll think my excuse is a good one. I got into the world of online teaching, and it’s so rewarding. I love it. A year ago, that was what my post was about, but since then I've learned so much.
I am teaching copyediting classes that are part of a copyediting certificate program. It’s fun and enjoyable, and interacting with students each quarter who also enjoy learning more about copyediting and our language is even more gratifying.
I had only taken two online classes before teaching online. I hadn’t thought much about the process of learning online nor what the benefits were. There are many and I’d like to share five myths about online learning, especially since at this time in the world we are resorting to more remote work than ever and online learning has become more prevalent.
You really can get a quality education online, and if you have a good instructor who interacts with class, then you’ll feel motivated to learn and want to log in each week.
Per Purdue University Global, here are five myths about online learning:
Myth 1: Online education is easy.
No, it isn’t easy. Online programs from reputable institutions adhere to academic standards and accreditation requirements. There are reading assignments, quizzes, and tests. Online learning requires excellent self-motivation and time-management skills too, so you are responsible for motivating yourself to continue.
Myth 2: The quality of the education is lower.
No, it is not! Just like in-person classes, online classes also have to meet certain criteria, curriculum, and standards. The assignments are just like what you’d receive inside a classroom as well. There’s no difference.
Myth 3: Online schools don’t accept transfer credits.
A reputable college will evaluate your past coursework, and if your coursework meets their standards, your credits may be accepted. Check with the institution you want to transfer the credits to.
Myth 4: Online universities are not accredited.
Reputable online colleges will have either national or regional accreditation. Look up who accredited the school and what their standards are for accreditation. The Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) publishes an annual report that includes a list of accrediting bodies charged with evaluating colleges and universities.
Myth 5: You don’t interact with your instructor or other students.
Unless you don’t log in to class, then this is true. But you do interact with everyone on the discussion boards and via email – both instructor and classmates. My goal in my classes is to engage with everyone as much as we would in a face-to-face classroom setting. It makes it more fun, and there’s so much to comment on! There’s also so much to learn from each other. Even I learn from the students and they share great resources.
I can’t say enough about what I’ve gained from online education, both as a student and as an instructor. I’m also currently enrolled in a certificate program myself and have been taking online courses this past year.
Online learning can challenge you, but you’ll only get what you put into it – same as in person. If you still aren’t convinced, read further about other personal and professional benefits of online learning. Or better, yet, email me for more encouragement.
Say it with Steele, x C
Source: https://www.purdueglobal.edu/blog/online-learning/5-myths-online-learning/