Like any sweeping phenomenon the growth of online education has met its misconceptions and myths. In various quartets, you can still come across various issues and challenges regarding online obtained education based on several myths on online degrees. In this post we want to establish some of the myths and provide factual alternatives for those interested in knowing some facts about online education. There are many people that have been turned away from pursuing online degrees because of such myths as we present here. Here are 3 top myths about online degrees.
Myth number 1. Online degrees are of poor quality compared to campus degrees
Nothing can be further from the truth. This is one of the most enervating myths in the academic world. What you need to know is that online degrees have the same curriculum content just as traditional or campus degrees. The learning model does not mean any difference really. Campus students and online students basically learn the same things. Also, regulatory bodies keep a close eye on online degrees so as to ensure the degree meets the set standards for all degrees. Institutions that offer online degrees need to be accredited so that they have their curricula approved before they can be accredited.
Myth Number 2. Online Degrees are not recognized by employers
This is another baseless notion about online degrees. Research has shown that more and more companies are recruiting employees with online degrees. There was significant skepticism in the early days of distance learning but over the past years employers have been shifting into a more positive recognition of online degree as evidenced by a growing number of companies that employ people with online degrees. Also, many employers recognize that distance education is the best model that benefits both the employer and the employee. Distance education enables the students to learn remotely. This means that a learner does not have to quit his or her job and create vacancies that the employer has to struggle to fill. Distance education has mutual benefits for all stakeholders and the notion that online degrees are not recognized by employers is only a myth.
Also, if you look at job openings and look over to the requirement section that focuses on qualifications, there is employer who specifies preference for a campus based degree over an online degree. In other words, a degree is simply a degree.
3. Online Degrees are easier to obtain than campus degrees
This another myth about online degrees. We have mentioned earlier that campus students and online learners learn the same things. The only difference is in the mode of learning. In fact studies have shown that online students have to tough it out as they go through a lot of learning challenges without immediate help from tutors. As much as there are interactive elearning systems, online students have to conduct a lot of independent studying.
Those thinking about taking up online degrees must never imagine that online degrees can be easier than campus based degrees. There you have it. What other myths have you heard about online degrees? Share your thoughts in the feedback form below.