Common Myths about Online Education

Frequently Asked Questions about Online Education

A general list of frequently asked questions and detailed answers about online education. Includes information about how online classes are organized and structured, the reputation and respectability of online degrees, accreditation information, financial aid resources, etc. Read The Article...

General Benefits of e-Learning

This article lists and explains some of the most noticeable benefits of completing online college coursework, especially as compared to the in-classroom instructional environment, and includes a discussion of why online education has enjoyed increased respect in recent years. Read The Article...

Is e-Learning Right For You?

An informative article that details and explains the nature of online education. This article is primarily intended to help potential students make an accurate determination of whether or not they can succeed in the online education/e-Learning environment. Read The Article...

Understanding Accreditation

Will employers respect your online degree? Will your credits transfer to another institution? Does your online education have the same value as one earned on-campus? This article explains the general concepts of accreditation and why it matters to both students and employers. Read The Article...

Differences In Academic Schedules

The differences between self-paced, one-month, quarter, and semester terms, as well as an explanation of synchronous and asynchronous schedules in online classes. Students can use this information to help determine the best schedule for their own educational needs. Read The Article...

Online Learning Styles

This article offers a detailed explanation of the visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles. The prevalent aspects of each learning style is addressed, including examples. The design of online education to meet the various online learning styles is also addressed. Read The Article...

Why Accreditation Matters

What do colleges and students mean when they mention a university or program's accreditation? This article discusses accreditation - what exactly is is, why it matters, and how to recognize and avoid unaccredited online colleges and universities. Read The Article...

The History of Online Education

This article contains a general overview of the history of online education, and uses extensive statistics and research to display trends of online education, including its rapid and continued growth in popularity and respectability amongst both students and employers worldwide. Read The Article...

Demonstration of an Online Course

Are you curious about online education but have no idea how an online class "works?" This is an actual, working demonstration course that we have developed solely to help potential online students determine if online education is the right choice for their educational needs. View The Demonstration Course...

Information, resources, and tips to help service members transition from the front lines to the front of the class

Transitioning from the Front Line to the Classroom

The brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces are increasingly enrolling in college coursework to strengthen professional skills. This article explains the process of pursuing higher education as a service member, including numerous resources for financial assistance. Read The Article...

Step-By-Step Instructions to Complete the FAFSA

This step-by-step checklist will guide you through the process necessary to complete the Free Application for Federal Student AID (FAFSA) - the primary source of state and federal financial aid funding. Includes preparation information and links to necessary resources. Read The Article...

How and Why To Apply for Financial Aid

This article provides a general description of internal/institutional, external, and governmental financial aid funding opportunities, and the importance of recognizing and seizing such opportunities for funding possibilities. Several links are included. Read The Article...

What Is A Virtual Classroom?

Have you wondered how exactly you attend an online college course, submit your assignments, or participate in online class discussions? This article offers a brief explanation of how online classes are organized and their general benefits to students. Read The Article...

Beating Cheaters: Cheating in an Online Class

It's a common argument in opposition to the respect and reputation of an online education - it is easier to cheat in an online class. This article examines and exposes the myth by explaining the methods used in an online class to deter and eliminate cheating. Read The Article...

Common Myths about Online Education

A brief list of some of the common arguments made by proponents of online education. This article discusses and dispells these myths while providing additional resources for students regarding their online degree program. Read The Article...

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Myths about Online College Classes

Common Myths About Online Education

Though growth in enrollment for online classes and online degree programs has surpassesd enrollment in traditional, on-campus classes in recent years, there are still many misconceptions about the nature and respectability of online education. The following sections address some concerns that online students might have when approaching online college classes.

Online Programs are Harder than On-Campus Programs
Online classes are not necessarily more difficult than their on-campus counterparts. Colleges offering online classes design curriculum the same regardless of the delivery method. Course contents and assignments in an online class are typically the same as those taken in the same class, on-campus, even at the same college. Generally, college classes are harder because of the subject, the student's ability in that subject, and even the professor's teaching style, not because of whether they are completed online or on-campus.

Additionally, because course contents are available anytime, from anywhere, many students benefit from the ability to review materials frequently. The one aspect in which some students encounter greater difficulty with online classes is in the self-direction and motivation required of online students. Because online classes require their students to exhibit a great deal of time management, organization, and dedication, some students find online classes difficult.

Employers Will Not Respect My Online Degree
Employers in every industry are increasingly supportive of online education. Many companies now prefer that their employees further their education through online college classes, as the convenience and flexibility allows the completion of course assignments without disrupting regular work-related responsibilities, duties, and schedules. Additionally, most colleges and universities make no distinction of whether coursework is completed online or on-campus, either on transcripts or on your diploma.

If you are concerned that your employer will not respect your accredited online college degree, you should discuss your intentions with both your supervisor and your Human Resources Department to guage their support of your educational endeavors.

Online Classes are More Expensive
The price of education varies greatly, whether online or on-campus. While private colleges and universities are more expensive than state, generally neither makes a distinction in cost of tuition for out-of-state students. This means that your tuition will likely be the exact same as an on-campus student at the same college. The cost of commuting to campus - gasoline, automotive maintenance, parking fees, and parking tickets - are also eliminated when you enroll in an online degree program.

Online Students Can't Get Financial Aid
Students enrolled in online degree programs are typically eligible for the exact same scholarships and financial aid opportunities as students enrolled in traditional classes. If your chosen college or university is Title IV eligible, simply include the Title IV School Code on your FAFSA. For more information about financial aid opportunities, please read the following articles:

• How and Why to Apply for Financial Aid
• External Scholarship Resource
• Step-by-Step Instructions to Complete the FAFSA

Online Students Can't Get Credit for Work Experience
Students with sufficient experience to warrant credit for college-level coursework have several options, depending upon the college in which they enroll. Many colleges accept proficiency exams as a method of proving that a student has acquired through work experience the same content presented in a particular class. Several common proficiency examinations include:

• College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
• Proficiency Examination Program (PEP)

Many colleges also allow students to submit portfolios of work experience, which are typically reviewed by a committee to determine whether to award credit for the course(s) requested.

If you believe that you already have the knowledge, skills, and abilities taught within a course, you should contact the Academic Advising or Academic Affairs office at your college to determine the most appropriate method of gaining experiential credit.