What You May Have Heard About Online Classes
You’ve likely heard negative rumors about online schools. For example, people sometimes say it’s not real, it’s a scam, and it’s easier than going to a “real” college. Online classes have recently gotten more respect due to the covid-19 pandemic. However, there are still several misconceptions out there.
Notably, accredited online schools are some of the most regulated in the industry. They have to prove their quality, rigor, and value upfront. For example, new programs are evaluated by experts outside of the university before students can enroll.
Indeed, there is no changing the lecture up last second in an online university. An instructor’s assignments, lessons, and feedback are always available to students and evaluators. As a result, it’s easy to find what needs to be improved in any program. Instructors can use feedback and fix a mistake or alter an assignment as needed and with little issue. Thus, students benefit from consistent quality control.
Below, we will go over common misconceptions about online classes and what makes them untrue.
5 Common Misconceptions About Online Classes
There are many rumors about online colleges floating around on the internet. Some are based on real accounts, and some are just judgments. Truly, the internet is still fairly new. It wasn’t available for public use until 1993. Thus, many don’t fully trust it.
Of course, as we all become more reliant on technology, that number continues to shift. Consider that just ten years ago, 98% of Americans distrusted the internet.
When looking at those numbers, it’s no surprise that there is still some caution about taking online classes. However, many of the fears people have aren’t based on fact. With anything, you simply need to do a little research to find good online colleges. Diploma mills are easy to uncover with a little work. Try looking for accreditations, student reviews, and news articles.
Indeed, you should never dedicate thousands of dollars to any business without making sure they’re worth the price.
They’re Not “Real”
The misconception that online schools aren’t real is mostly outdated. Notably, it can be weird to think an entire college exists entirely online. When we think of universities, we think of campuses, dorms, and classrooms. We don’t normally picture ourselves attending school from bed.
Indeed, many students felt disconnected when colleges went online during the pandemic. It was a big change to go from lecture hall to Zoom. However, traditional universities were as unprepared for the switch as their students. Colleges already online knew how to deal with the struggles and technology issues that come with the space. Truly, you can’t compare what students faced during the pandemic to how online schools normally operate.
As we mentioned, accredited colleges undergo a serious evaluation to earn their credentials. Every course and program is under constant surveillance to ensure students get what they pay for. Thus, online classes are very much real.
Online School is Less Respected by Employers
Another fear many people have is that potential employers won’t respect an online degree or certificate. However, studies have shown that few businesses care whether you earned your education in-person or online. They mainly care that it is an accredited and respectable school.
As we mentioned, you can identify diploma mills if you know what to look for. These colleges are unregulated and offer degrees for money. Often, their courses provide no useful knowledge or skills. They simply want your money.
Some diploma mills have caught the public’s attention in the recent past. Additionally, major news stories have revealed the struggles that defrauded students go through to get their student loans forgiven. On top of the debt, many don’t have a credible degree to show for their suffering. These schools have given accredited online colleges a bad name, but they don’t represent all universities.
Employers today know that online does not mean diploma mill. Again, just be careful and do your research on any school that catches your eye.
You’re Alone
One misconception about online classes is that you complete them in isolation. Indeed, you won’t see anyone face-to-face, but there are plenty of opportunities to interact with your peers and instructor.
Majorly, forums are great for discussing course content and seeing who’s in your class. You can engage in scholarly conversations, network, and see the different sides of an argument. Additionally, many online schools will have a space for students to interact outside class. You may find forums dedicated to networking, chatting, or questions on your dashboard. For example, Lakewood University’s orientation course encourages students to introduce themselves and what they’re studying.
Also, if you enjoy talking with another classmate, you can share contact information and connect outside the forum. As with traditional universities, you can form study groups and help each other out.
Finally, while connecting with your instructor online can feel more difficult, someone is on the other side of the grade book. Often, your professor will provide their email address and additional contact information so you can reach out at any time. You may even schedule one-on-one meetings and speak over the phone.
Online Classes are Easy
This rumor usually follows the assumption that employers won’t respect online degrees. Some individuals think that online school is simple. However, accredited schools provide classes that meet the same standards as their traditional counterparts.
Some concepts may be easy to understand online. Consider how convenient it is to include links supporting your lecture mid-paragraph. Students can click away to learn more about a difficult concept. Additionally, visual learners benefit from having everything on the page. An estimated 65% of the population learns better visually. Thus, when online learning benefits over half of the people in the United States, it makes sense that many find it easier to learn that way.
On the other hand, online classes aren’t for everyone. Self-paced programs prove difficult for many students. Truly, it can be difficult to find motivation and stay on task.
You Can Cheat on Your Assignments
Another common misconception is the idea that cheating is easier online. Some think they can get away with finding the answers online or buying essays. However, new technologies make cheating more difficult in online courses than in traditional schools.
Consider if your instructor prefers paper copies of your essay. Unless they scan it in, your professor acts as the plagiarism checker. Obviously, they won’t know every website and textbook by heart. On the other hand, when you submit essays online, they automatically go through plagiarism-checking software. This tech compares your assignment to other students’ works, the textbook, and various websites and search tools.
Similarly, many online schools require you to install proctoring software to take tests. Despite some concerns, you probably won’t have a live person watching you or even reviewing any recording. Instead, the technology evaluates your body language. It’ll monitor your eye movement and hands to ensure you don’t check your phone for the answers.
Additionally, the proctoring software tracks your screen. Thus, if you switch tabs mid-exam, your instructor will be notified. Some tech prevents you from accessing other browsers and tools while in the test. To open a new page, you have to close everything.
Final Thoughts on Online Classes
There are many misconceptions out there about online classes. However, these schools are a great option for many people.
If you have a job, a family, or both, you likely don’t have time to attend in-person courses. Asynchronous online programs allow you to complete work when you can. So, if your only free time is at one in the morning, you don’t need to worry. You can access your coursework and submit assignments on your schedule.
Additionally, many individuals have health and safety concerns. With an online university, you can earn your degree or certification from your home.
Lakewood University offers a variety of degrees and programs that can you into the career of your dreams. If you’re looking for an accredited online school, look no further. Our admissions department can help you get started.
