4 Online Education Myths

By Christina Couch, Contributing Writer

Updated: 1/7/2009

No formal classes, no closed book tests, no cramming the night before an exam – earning your degree online sounds like a sweet deal, right? Before sending in that first tuition check, make sure you have all the facts about what it takes to make it in the virtual classroom. Read up on the truth behind these common online education myths.

Truth: Like brick and mortar campuses, online institutions vary tremendously in terms of educational quality. While many online schools offer curricula as challenging and rigorous as those found in the most prestigious universities in the country, students absolutely must do their research before they enroll to be sure the institution is legitimate. The first step is to make sure the school is accredited by the Distance Education Training Council or one of the six regional accrediting bodies in the U.S. (the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges, the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, or the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities). You can check your school’s accreditation status at www.chea.org. Once you’re absolutely positive the school is accredited, conduct a few interviews. Ask your admissions counselor to put you in touch with a few professors, alumni, and current students so you can get a clear picture of the school’s academic expectations.

Truth: Thanks to recent legislation, students enrolled in online courses at accredited colleges and universities are now given the same federal and state financial aid opportunities as their in-class counterparts. All you have to do is fill out a FAFSA form (available online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/), fill it out, and get that bad boy in the mail in January of the year before you’ll attend school. In many cases, online students are also eligible for private scholarships, grants, and fellowships through their school. To find out what kinds of monetary help your institution offers, contact your school’s financial aid office.

Truth: Oh contraire! Students who attend high-quality institutions are expected to put in the same amount of blood, sweat, and tears as their brick and mortar classmates. In fact, schools that operate both traditional and virtual classrooms oftentimes use the same curriculum and assign the same projects and tests to all students, regardless of whether they’re taking classes through the web or in person. In fact, many students report that taking courses online is actually harder than heading to the classroom. Because e-students take courses on their own time and are not required to attend regularly scheduled classes, they have to be more disciplined than brick and mortar students, making a conscious effort to stay on top of assignments, participate thoughtfully on classroom web boards and forums, and stay in touch with their professors.

Myth #4: E-Degrees Aren’t Accepted in The Real World

Truth: As more and more employers start reimbursing workers for returning to the classroom, online education is becoming a more acceptable option for adults working full-time. Credentials from online institutions are quickly gaining the same status as those from brick and mortar campuses; however, you’ll need to be prepared if an interviewer asks you about your curriculum. Bringing a transcript as well as a portfolio of your classwork will show an employer your talents and experience.