5 Myths about Online Education

1. Online courses offer an easy way out.

Some assume that online classes are too easy, or that students who take them don’t learn material as effectively as they would at a traditional school. This isn’t the case. Online courses are different, but they’re not easier or more difficult than traditional ones; they’re equally challenging.

2. Online courses lack in quality.

The truth is: material offered online is the same as the material taught in a traditional classroom. It is the setting that changes. With online courses, students learn from home at their own pace.

3. Online courses let cheaters prosper.

Plagiarism continues to be an issue for all teachers in both traditional and online environments. It’s likely this will continue to be the case as information becomes increasingly available and accessible. Fortunately, new software can detect plagiarism, and online assignment submissions are actually easier to verify than those in hardcopy. When it comes to test-taking, many online courses require students to write in front of a webcam where they can be observed by an instructor.

4. Online courses are for the technologically savvy.

Let’s be clear: you do not have to be a technological wizard to take online classes. Certainly, familiarity with technology helps. But if students lack self-confidence initially, they’ll gain it quickly with a little practice and with help from their instructors.

5. Online courses = no interaction with instructors.

This one is a big misconception. Although instructors may not have the opportunity to interact with students in person, they communicate with their students often, whether by email, phone, or Skype. Additionally, Flex ED educators have found that their student-teacher relationships are not just good, but great. (Find out what one teacher had to say here.)