BREAKING #7 MYTHS OF ONLINE LEARNING

When you imagine going to school, you picture the conventional classroom environment – complete with a blackboard, benches, pencils and notebooks. That is the way a classroom has looked for decades, and it was truly difficult to picture education in any other way until a few months back.
The convenience and flexibility of online learning is appealing, yet everyone would wonder how effective this would be.Your concerns might stem out from some of the common myths about online learning. If there is any chance these misconceptions are getting in the way of you and your dream career, it is the ideal time to bring them out to light.
Part of learning is being eager and willing to challenge your assumptions about a topic and online learning is no different. It is also the same. Continue reading to see whether reality behind any of these common myths about online learning will leave you thinking differently.

Myth #1: The quality of the education is lowerIt’s anything but difficult to assume that online learning could never rival the classroom training and experience. Many are afraid and anxious about the possibility that they won’t get the same quality out of their online programs, compared to the classroom programs. Sure, there could be online programs that are poorly designed, with the content delivered erratically and organized badly. In any case, the same is true for conventional course. Rather, numerous online courses go through a design process that guarantees that the program is well-organized and efficient, yet that the content is delivered in a way that adjusts to best practices for online learning and general learning. The capacity to learn is free of delivery style and strong potential in a student can be recognized regardless of any education method or training technique.

Myth #2: Online education is not interactive and is quite boringThis myth needs to be broken. Speaking of friendships, one of the underestimated perks of education is the individuals you meet and the connections they can bring into your life. Many people depend on college networks to seek employments and learn about strong and solid opportunities. At first glance, that sort of relationship-building may appear to be hard in an online class. However, discussion forums, online collaborative projects and group webinars using web conferencing tools like Zoom or Skype are all positive ways the individuals get to interact with each other during the online courses. While it can be awkward for students to break the ice with the right motivating forces, many students find more confidence in expressing themselves in writing than in words. This may make online learning more comfortable way for introverts to bond with their fellow mates than the conventional classrooms.

Myth #3: Online learning programs are always glitch – free technicallyOf course, we despite everything, have technical issues now and again, yet gone are the days of dial – up internet, horrendous internet speeds and bad connections. In today’s developed world, most of us will have access to good internet connection. However, there could be unavoidable circumstances like unfavorable climate, sudden and unexpected power outages etc. which may lead to poor internet connection.

Myth #4: You need to be a “computer geek “to take online courses
It is difficult to state how accurate this myth is, as what it means to be a “computer geek” can vary greatly from user to user. For some a “computer geek” is someone who writes codes professionally. For others, even basic interactions and operations on a PC are unfamiliar and alienating.
You can order a pizza from your mobile phone with a couple of simple taps on the screen. You post your pictures with your loved ones, tag them and update your status on social networking sites. You know that well – designed technology doesn’t need a longer time to learn and adapt. What’s more, platforms for online learning are becoming more refined and intended for better student experiences. Online education is not reserved for those with detailed information of computer technology and innovation. This means that the bulk of online learning programs require no more unique computer skills and aptitudes than shopping on Flipkart or Amazon. Any new skill requires you to practice and that includes getting comfortable with computers and technology. Age or technical ability should never be an excuse for anyone to not pursue online learning alternatives.

Myth #5: Online degrees do not help you to earn your desired employmentDecades ago when online learning was newly introduced in the education sector, few employers were skeptical of the quality of an online education. Taking a leap into today’s scenario, however, and that hesitation of years ago has turned into preference for many employers. Graduates who have completed online programs show self-motivation. They can deal with a fast – paced environment, know how to comply with time constraints and can utilize technology to communicate effectively. These are some of the definite positives for any job candidate.

Myth #6: Only the smarter ones get noticed in an online courseThis myth doesn’t add up both in a classroom or an online method. People think that one receives support and get fairly acknowledged only if they have high levels of communication or oratory skills. In fact, the tutor shares a one-on-one relationship and can give advice or feedback in an online course much better than you can envisage. Even fellow students can interact in breakout rooms or hold discussions, can share notes through links and chat boxes, and connect through email or phone conversations with due class norms. One can always connect with the tutor after the class through emails and follow-ups that makes one feel inclusive and engaged.

Myth #7: Only technical courses can be availed in an Online learning sessionThis has been a popular myth and a misconception of people world around. When it comes to workshops or training programs, the skills taught online get divided into main types – hard skills and soft skills. If one has to go further dividing these skills, you will see an array of courses being offered in the subjects of Maths, Science, technical and more… In today’s scenario, you will also see diverse and applied courses online. Right from a fitness course to a photography course or a Public Speaking course, you will see these skills being taught online and through video recording as well. Nowadays, Universities and autonomous college institutions are ready to provide MBA and other part-time degrees online.

With a huge number of online learners across the world today due to the current pandemic crisis, everybody has realized that ‘online’ is just a new delivery format, not a separate sort of training.

So, now are you ready to enroll in an online course?Now that your mind must have been at ease, don’t botch the opportunity to boost your knowledge and skillset with an online program. Just ensure to thoroughly assess the program provider and the learning outcomes of the program.

And if you have worried yourself on feasibility and connectivity issues, you can always read our previous article to know more about the tips of maintaining a seamless online learning experience. So, plan your learning program today and prepare yourself to have an amazing learning experience from anywhere and everywhere.