From: Subject: Myths about Online Courses Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:48:29 -0400 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Location: file://T:\Web Folders\Myth.htm X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.00.2900.5579 Myths about = Online Courses

 

Myths about Online = Courses

 

Myth:  Online courses are easier than = traditional, face-to-face courses.

Fact:   Online courses are at = the very=20 least as rigorous as face-to-face courses.  Students are actually more = challenged by=20 online courses because they are in charge of their own learning.  Because a great part of an = online course=20 is text based, there is a great deal of reading required.  Students need to go into = an online=20 class knowing that the class will require as much if not more time and = effort as=20 any traditional class.

 

Myth:  Since there are no time or = place limits,=20 I can do all of my assignments at one time and not really have to attend = class.

Fact:   It is true that students = can=20 access their classes at any time and from any place where Internet = connectivity=20 is available.  However, = online=20 courses are structured and organized so that content is delivered on a = set=20 schedule to ensure active participation and maximum learning.  Students need to go into = an online=20 class knowing that the class will require as much if not more time and = effort as=20 any traditional class.  Deadlines=20 for completing classwork are posted and expected to be met.=20

 

Myth:  Since online classes are so = flexible, it=20 is okay if I have to miss an entire week or two of class.  I can always make it up when I = return.

Fact:   It is true that many = people choose=20 online classes because of the flexibility, however, deadlines are=20 deadlines.  If a student = misses=20 turning in an assignment on time, he/she will receive a=20 zero.

 

Myth:  Online courses are condensed = versions of=20 traditional courses.

Fact:   Online courses cover the = exact=20 same content that a traditional course covers.

 

Myth:=20   If my computer breaks down, the = instructor will have to excuse me from an assignment =  or at least give me more = time to=20 complete it.

Fact:   At registration, = students are=20 asked for a back-up plan in case their primary  computer malfunctions, = they=20 experience other technical difficulties, or they travel during the=20 semester.  Students are = expected to=20 follow the back-up plan when necessary so that they may continue their=20 coursework.  The need for an extension = is a moot=20 point.  This type of = critical=20 thinking on the student=92s part is a necessary skill in dealing with = technology=20 in all facets of life today.

 

Myth:  Since I am taking an online = course, the=20 school or the school system will provide a computer for = me.

Fact:   If the Virtual Campus = course is=20 taken outside of the school day and, therefore, off campus,  the student responsible for = providing=20 the required technology.  = If the=20 course is taken during the school day as a normally scheduled class, the = school=20 will provide a computer station for the student=92s = use.

 

Myth:  My online course will teach me = everything I need to know about using the computer for this=20 course.

Fact:   Students must have prior = skills in=20 word-processing, e-mail, Internet use and  research.  Because of the nature of = online courses,=20 the student is expected to also have minimal typing skills.  These are not skills that can = be learned=20 in conjunction with taking the class. =20 They are skills that should be mastered before the class = begins. 

 

Myth:  Because it is an online = course, I can be=20 invisible and remain anonymous.

Fact:   All Virtual Campus = courses have=20 two discussion components:  = threaded=20 discussion and chats.  = Both of these=20 components are secure areas from which only students registered for that = particular class may access. =20 Students are required to participate in online discussions.  Most students enjoy getting to = know=20 their classmates through threaded discussions and chats. These = discussions allow=20 for a exchange of ideas in which =93shy=94 = students may=20 openly speak up in a protective, non-threatening environment. 

 

Myth:  In an online class, there is = no teacher=20 or the teacher doesn=92t really interact with the=20 students.

Fact:   All Virtual Campus = courses have=20 instructors.  Instructors = log on=20 daily to check on assignments and check for messages from students.  Instructors contact students = within 24=20 hours of a question or concern. =20 Virtual Campus = students take=20 an active role in their courses and have even expressed that they feel = more=20 connected to their instructors than in traditional classrooms.