The Redgate Read On Online Learning

 

•  If I earn a degree online, I will not have to interact with people.  I am much more comfortable with that.

Although there is no direct face to face interaction in the virtual classroom, there are multiple channels of interaction that many schools deploy in their Learning Management Systems (LMS) to enhance the learning experience.  Some of these include discussion boards, forums, social networking, and synchronous software like Elluminate or Adobe Connect that bring real time learning into a asynchronous environment.  I would wager that, in most cases, there is more interaction and collaboration in a virtual classroom than a traditional one.  Don’t think for a minute that because you might be introverted or uncomfortable with classroom interaction that online learning is a perfect fit for you.  In fact, as technology improves, I think we will see less of the “A” in asynchronous as it relates to online learning.

•  It will be quicker for me to earn my degree online     

Another fallacy that I have seen, especially when a prospective student is first exploring his or her options, is that completing an online degree will take a lot less time than earning a degree on campus.  The bottom line is that the workload for online classes, in most cases, rivals or exceeds that of traditional brick and mortar, especially with some online schools offering terms of 5 – 8 weeks.  Of course, one may accelerate his or her degree if schedule permits, and there are online schools that offer accelerated programs of study just like their traditional counterparts.  Overall, how quickly one proceeds is determined by the institution, the student’s schedule, the student’s aptitude and academic record, and whether one is able and willing to accept the rigor of accelerated studies.

In the next several posts, I will elaborate on wrong motives or reasons for being an online learner.  As you might learn from reading my blog, I am a proponent of online learning.  From the hallowed halls of our nation’s colleges to the single mom looking to better herself to the 80 year old completing that lifelong goal of earning a degree, online learning has its pedagogical and practical benefits.  At the same time, I have spoken with many students who have wrong motives for wanting to study online.  Here is one of the most prevalent misconceptions that I consistently run across:

• It will be easier for me because I don’t have to go to class — Granted there are convenience and flexibility factors for those studying online and asynchronously – not having to travel, not having to be at class at a specific time, no major disruptions to work, family, civic, and church responsibilities.  But with flexibility comes self-discipline.  There are still semester, sub-term and assignment deadlines.  I posted several months ago on this very subject and how important it is for online students to literally set aside scheduled time to work on their online studies.  I even suggested that within the home, online students should put up a “Do Not Disturb” sign so family members know class is in session.