10 Myths of Online Education |
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Myth #1: Anytime, Anywhere
Myth #2: You Can Complete Your Work In One Log-In Session Per Week
Myth #3: Online Courses Are Easy Credits
Myth #4: Online Courses Do Not Follow The Regular Semester
Myth #5: Broken Computers Are Great Excuses
Myth #6: A Computer Will Be Provided
Myth #7: You Will Be Taught How To Use A Computer
Myth #8: You Can Hide Out And Remain Anonymous
Myth #9: It Is Okay To Procrastinate
Myth #10: There Is No Personal Attention From Your Teacher |
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| Myth #1:
Anytime, Anywhere |
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| One of the nice things about online classes is
that you can take them from anywhere in the world.
That opens the door for lots of diversity that might
not happen in the traditional classroom. You can
have someone from China, Los Angeles and Ohio all
interacting together. However, in order for this
to happen, most online classes have a very structured
learning environment with deadlines set by the professor.
This is to ensure the best online experience for
everyone so that everyone is at the same place at
the same time, interacting with each other. Deadlines
and due dates are what help to keep the class together. |
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| Myth #2:
You Can Complete Your Work In One Log-In Session Per Week |
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| Most online classes require students to log on several times a week to ensure active participation and maximum learning. It is very difficult to take in all the material in one sitting. And because of the nature of the class, with no physical contact, it is important to maintain contact by logging in several times a week. Online classes are not just about gathering information, they are richly integrated learning environments just like the traditional classroom and as such, require attendance several times a week. |
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| Myth #3:
Online Courses Are Easy Credits |
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| Taking an online class simply to earn extra credits would be a big mistake. Because of the nature of online classes they tend to take more time than traditional classes. Students are encouraged to take no more than two online classes at one time due to the intensive reading required and the extensive time commitment. Many students find that an online class takes between nine and fifteen hours per week. Students need to go into an online class knowing that the class will require as much, if not more, time and effort as any traditional class. |
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| Myth #4:
Online Courses Do Not Follow The Regular Semester |
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| Online classes follow the traditional semester
calendar with beginning and ending dates the same
as traditional classes. In addition, online professors
have similar attendance policies as traditional
classes. Students must log on a certain number of
times per week to ensure they meet the attendance
requirements. While some classes have more lenient
attendance requirements, most professors feel that
students need to be as present in an online environment
as they would be in a traditional environment. Vacations
should be planned during semester breaks. An online
class is not just about information, it is an important
and viable community of learners. A community that
students need to join right at the beginning and
stay with right to the end. |
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| Myth #5:
Broken Computers Are Great Excuses |
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| With computer accessibility on the rise, students
have many options in dealing with breakdowns of
their own system. Most instructors will not accept
excuses involving broken down equipment. Most universities
have a computer center that students can use. In
addition, public libraries provide Internet access,
Kinko’s rents time on computers and provides
Internet access and Internet cafes are beginning
to pop up all over the world. With this much availability,
the motivated and committed student can always find
a computer to complete assignments on time. The
same standards are set in traditional classrooms.
All students in all classes are expected to deal
with the calamities of technology and to produce
assignments accordingly. At the beginning of most
online classes, instructors suggest students have
in place a backup plan in case of a computer breakdown.
If students heed this warning then when, and if
this happens, the student will implement the backup
plan and proceed in the class. The need for an extension
is a moot point. |
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| Myth #6:
A Computer Will Be Provided |
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| Colleges are not required to provide computers
to students to take online classes. Students are
required to provide their own access to a computer
and the Internet. As stated before, there are places
students can go for emergencies, but students should
have their own computer for the bulk of the work.
Using a friend's computer and trying to work around
their schedule will only lead to frustration and
an unsuccessful online experience. Students must
have a working computer up and ready to go by the
first day of class. However, it is a good idea to
have a back-up plan just in case your computer breaks
down. |
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| Myth #7:
You Will Be Taught How To Use A Computer |
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| Students need to have minimal computer competencies
such as basic word-processing skills and a working
knowledge of the Internet (what it is, how to get
to it, how to navigate around it, how to send an
e-mail, etc.). In addition, because of the amount
of writing required in online classes, students
should know how to type with some accuracy and ease
to avoid endless hours of frustration. These are
not skills that can be learned in conjunction with
taking the class. They are skills that should be
mastered before the class begins. |
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| Myth #8:
You Can Hide Out And Remain Anonymous |
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| Students are required to participate in online
discussions and, according to students who have
done so, are able to get to "know" each
other in a very open and honest way. This discussion,
while not face to face still allows a wonderful
exchange of ideas and the opportunity for shy students
to open up in an unthreatening and protective environment. |
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| Myth #9:
It Is Okay To Procrastinate |
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| Students who take an online class need to be very self-disciplined and motivated. Students need to be independent learners who can take responsibility for completing assignments on time and meeting set deadlines. It is very easy to get behind since there is no teacher standing up at the front of the class reinforcing what’s due when. Students must be able to set their own schedules and stick to them. Online classes put more of the responsibility on the learner. |
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| Myth #10:
There Is No Personal Attention From Your Teacher |
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| Actually, students who have taken online classes say they feel more connected to their professors than in the traditional classroom. Most professors are logging on daily, checking for questions, assignments, problems, and usually get back to students right away. Students have commented that the online environment feels like someone is “always there” instead of just there twice a week as in a traditional class. There is still the option of calling the professor on the phone for clarification. |
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