10 Myths concerning Online Colleges

There was a time when completing distance education classes was almost taboo.  Materials were shipped to students through the mail.  Students would finish the assignments, as well as tests, and ship them back to the school.  For this reason there was a lot of doubt as to how much knowledge people were actually gaining from this type of learning.  Thankfully, online schools have greatly improved the image of distance education.

Even with the improvements afforded by internet based classes, numerous people still have their doubts  about online classes and the degrees awarded by these schools.  Do the professors have high credentials? Yes.  Can you find legitimate work after you receive an online degree?  Most definitely.  Do the degrees earned from online schools have the same value as a degree received from a traditional campus school?  YES!

Here is a list of 10 common myths usually associated with online colleges.  This information will help you to make a better choice concerning continuing or resuming your education.

1. You must have your own computer – Obviously, having your own computer and reliable access to the internet will make it a lot easier to complete the courses and necessary assignments.  However, it is also possible to use the computers found at many libraries and internet cafe’s located all around the country.
2. Online colleges are easier than campus schools – Whether you attend a traditional class or receive instruction over a computer, the work is the same.  You have to put in the time to prepare for class, take notes during class, finish assignments and study for tests.
3. Students will not have access to the services usually found at campus schools – The services offered to students during college assist them with all types of issues.  The majority of online colleges offer the same type and quality of services found at campus schools.  Examples of these services include career guidance, tutors, admissions counselors, bookstores and computer troubleshooting.
4. It is tough to find a job with a degree from an online school – Many employers are more concerned with how the student performed in his or her studies rather than the name of the school printed on the diploma.  Another important consideration is the relevancy of the student’s coursework to the job at hand.
5. Technology has more importance than education in an online college – Obviously an online school relies heavily on current technology.  After all, the prevalent technology makes the online college possible.  But the reason the school exists is to teach the students.  The setup of many online colleges will include a discussion area that allows everyone to participate, a secure area for administering tests and a common area for submitting assignments.  Relevant notes, slide shows and printed material can also be made available through DVD’s, CD’s or through a download link.  The use of these items helps students to get a more thorough understanding of the information.
6. Students cannot transfer credits from online college to a campus school – Transferring credits from one college to a new college has often been a troublesome task.  However, the majority of online and campus schools will accept credits earned at a reputable online college.
7. Online colleges do not have any deadlines – The deadlines used at campus schools, such as completing assignments and participating in class, are also observed in online colleges.  The format is obviously slightly different but the deadlines do exist.
8. All of the degrees from online colleges are identical – Online schools are just as varied and different as traditional schools.  Certain online colleges will have easy classes and can produce an almost record number of graduates.  Other online programs are dreadfully difficult and produce some of the best graduates in the land.
9. Professors do not provide personal time to students of online colleges – Online colleges are keenly aware of the importance of allowing students to interact with professors.  In order to facilitate this interaction online colleges use a variety of communication methods such as live lectures, conference calls, numerous chats and open message boards.
10. Students do not communicate with each other – Students that have completed a course or degree at an online school have seen lots of interaction with their peers and professors.  People are able to discuss ideas through E-mail, instant chat systems and community message boards.