About eLearning | Myths and Facts
Videos about
eLearning Myths click
here.
Thanks to Monroe
Community College for these great videos.
Myth:
Online courses are easier than traditional, face-to-face courses.
Fact:
Online
courses are at the very least
as rigorous as face-to-face courses. Students are actually
more
challenged by online courses because they are in charge of their own
learning. Due to the fact that a large part of an online
course is
text
based, there is a great deal of time spent reading and writing rather
than speaking and listening. Students may perceive this as more time
consuming than a traditional class. Students are encouraged to have a
reading comprehension level of 84 or placement into English 101 before
enrolling in an online course to ensure success. 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.
Myth:
Since there are no time or place limits, I can do all of my assignments
at one time and not really have to attend class.
Fact:
It is true that students can access their classes at any time and from
any place where Internet connectivity is available. However,
online
courses are structured and organized so that content is delivered on a
set schedule to ensure active participation and maximum
learning.
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.
Deadlines for completing class work are posted and expected to be met.
Myth:
Since online classes are so flexible, it is okay if I have to miss an
entire week or two of class. I can always make it up when I
return.
Fact:
It is true that many people choose online classes because of the
flexibility, however, deadlines are deadlines. If a student
misses
turning in an assignment on time, he/she will receive a zero.
Myth:
Online courses are condensed versions of traditional courses.
Fact:
Online
courses cover the exact same content that a traditional course covers.
Myth:
If my computer breaks down, the instructor will have to excuse me from
an assignment or at least give me more time to complete it.
Fact:
Students are encouraged to have a back-up plan in case their
primary computer malfunctions, they experience other technical
difficulties, or they travel during the quarter. Students are
expected
to follow the back-up plan when necessary so that they may continue
their coursework. The need for an extension is a moot
point. This
type of critical thinking on the student’s part is a
necessary skill in
dealing with technology in all facets of life today.
Myth:
Since I am taking an online course, the school or the school system
will provide a computer for me.
Fact:
It is the student’s responsibility for providing the required
technology. Computer labs are available to all students at
all
campuses if they choose to use them.
Myth:
My online course will teach me everything I need to know about using
the computer for this course.
Fact:
Students must have prior skills in word-processing, e-mail, Internet
use and research. Because of the nature of online
courses,
the student
is expected to also have minimal typing skills. 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.
Myth:
Because it is an online course, I can be invisible and remain anonymous.
Fact:
All online courses have two discussion components: threaded
discussion
and chats. Both of these components are secure areas from
which
only
students registered for that particular class may access.
Students are
required to participate in online discussions. Most students
enjoy
getting to know their classmates through threaded discussions and
chats. These discussions allow for an exchange of ideas in which
“shy”
students may openly speak up in a protective, non-threatening
environment.
Myth:
In an online class, there is no teacher or the teacher
doesn’t really
interact with the students.
Fact:
All online courses have instructors. Instructors log on
regularly
to
check on assignments, check for messages from students and sometimes
participate in discussions. Instructors contact students in
most
instances within 24 hours of a question or concern. Distance
learning
students take an active role in their courses and have even expressed
that they feel more connected to their instructors than in traditional
classrooms.
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