10 Top Myths About Online/Distance Learning

Posted on July 16, 2007 by Som Seng

Lots of generally helpful articles like this one, entitled Top 5 Distance Learning Myths are available online from independent third parties. This one by Jamie Littlefield at About.com is a good one. But I thought it might be valuable as well to have an insider's more specific view of UMassOnline. None of this is about whether online is better than face-to-face learning or vice versa. This is all about how any individual person learns best. Here is what I see to be among the top ten misconceptions:

Online learning is easier than brick and mortar learning. It's not. Both systems make rigorous demands upon students. In fact, online courses can be more challenging. For example, in a live Introduction to Marketing course, 3 exams might be required. That’s it. In an online version of the course, in addition to the 3 exams, writing assignments and quizzes every other week might be required, plus threaded discussions participation.
Online is less expensive. This is not true. Online educational delivery system expenses/maintenance is not trivial. Tuition and fees for UMass day programs and UMassOnline programs total to be about the same. Only difference is that UMassOnline fees are built in the cost.
Less interaction with other students via the online approach. In fact, many online students say they find the peer to peer and student/teacher interaction just as rich as on campus. Also as with on campus programs, most online courses encourage student interaction with group assignments and chats.
Less interaction with faculty. The faculty teaching in traditional UMass classrooms is the same faculty that teaches online. In both instances, traditional and online, student/faculty interactivity is a key element of our strengths and values offered to students that aren’t offered by all online learning providers.
Can be less responsible. Do not expect to be able to slack off. In order to be successful in an online environment, students must be self-motivated. Online learning requires discipline. Some would say it may require even more discipline since so many online students also work full or part time and typically are juggling the demands of work, learning and family.
Less ‘real-world’ experience. Not true since developing core business skills…email, writing, time management/organizational skills, communicating ideas, completing assignments individually or working within a team are all skills that are honed through learning online using technology.
Employers won’t accept online degrees. Fact is lots of employers don't accept any kind of degree when they come from degree factories. Employers readily accept credentials earned traditionally or online when these come from credible, accredited, established and reputable institutions like UMassOnline. Worthy of note that upon graduation, students will receive a diploma from the University of Massachusetts.
Quality of the learning is lower. UMassOnline and the University of Massachusetts system wide set a common, very high standard of educational quality. The quality of online programs is identical to that of traditional offerings. Curriculum and admissions requirements are the same.
Online learning credit doesn’t transfer. Online learning credits from established, reputatable, and accredited institutions are every bit as transferable as credits earned the traditional way at similarly-established, credible, reputatable and accredited institutions. Another important aspect to note is that online courses will appear the same as live courses on transcripts. You will not see ‘online’ anywhere in the course title.
Online accreditation is all you need to judge quality. Not true. Educational quality varies widely from one accredited institution to another.