Common myths debunked about opting for an online degree

For years, traditional education has given online learning a bad rap. In fact, before the pandemic pushed education into the digital realm, the common masses thought of online learning as a scam or a side hobby to acquire new skills. However, online learning programs have now found their time to shine.

As more and more learners are opening up to the idea of pursuing an online degree, here are a few myths that are worth dispelling:

Myth #1: An online degree doesn’t have the same value as its traditional counterpart
There used to be a grain of truth in this belief. However, that was almost a decade ago when online learning was still in its nascent stages. At present, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has authorized top universities to offer their programmes online. In the landmark UGC (Online Courses or Programmes) Regulations Act of 2018, the UGC announced that educational institutions can offer online certificate, diploma and degree programmes in disciplines that have the same programme in the classroom teaching mode.

The impact of this act is that these online programmes will bear as much weight and value as offline degrees. And whether you apply for the programme to gain practical or theoretical knowledge or for better job prospects, online degrees will hold the same merit as traditional ones.

Myth #2: Online learning offers low-quality education Initially, universities and colleges did not have the direction or resources to conduct online programmes. This resulted in a minor trade-off with quality. Fortunately, now we are living in a time where technology is ubiquitous, and it would be a criminal waste to miss out on the opportunity.

With a growing number of students and improved channels for communication, educational institutions are finding the best possible ways to cater to the changing needs. They are also recruiting top-notch educators and faculty members to be a part of their programmes. As a result, you can now trust your future in the hands of highly skilled and knowledgeable faculty members.

Additionally, as part of regulations, online learning portals have to adhere to the highest standards of quality to retain their accreditation and recognition. Therefore, as long as your education provider is accredited, you do not have to worry about the quality of education.

Myth #3: eLearning is easier On the contrary, e-learning is tougher and more rigorous than traditional classroom programmes. The primary reason for this difference is that online learning calls for sharper reading and writing skills. Further, you are in charge of your education. It requires a greater amount of discipline and dedication to stay on top of all the deadlines, assignments, tests, and other schedules.

Myth #4: I will have to purchase a high-end laptop or computer. I will be spending more than I would on a regular course As stated previously, technology has made progress by leaps and bounds. Resultantly, you are no longer confined to laptops and desktops to get an online degree. You can leverage the power of your smartphone to download official apps from your education provider and get learning anytime, anywhere.

Plus, think about all the money that you would be spending if you had to travel daily to your classes. Or worse, think of the situation where you would have to relocate to an entirely new city to earn your degree. The total costs of shifting, rent, and other expenses would surely make traditional learning more expensive.

Myth #5: Online learning is boring
Naturally, when one thinks of online learning, they may assume that it may feel like a lonely and boring option. However, the online learning sphere is supported by an active and thriving community of learners and educators who add a personal touch. From discussion forums to live chats and online clubs – there is a wealth of possibility if you crave a complete campus experience.

With cutting-edge technology, you can enjoy real-time conversations, interactive sessions, and educational content in various formats. Online learning programmes attempt to emulate the traditional model of learning with digital platforms. So, you can participate in group discussions, projects, interactive seminars, collective assignments, and more. You end up getting the best of both worlds!

Concluding thoughts As one can conclude from above, the reality of online learning is quite different from its perception. It may feel overwhelming at first, but it is not very different from the traditional learning environment. And while you are juggling assignments, coursework, and tests with other life commitments, you will grow to appreciate the flexibility offered by online education.