Truths and Myths About Online Education
We’ve talked about motivation and having a growth mindset for learning but what about having the right mindset about learning online? Do you have realistic expectations for your upcoming online learning experience? Or are you bringing with you misconceptions about online education? Read on to make sure you are aware of the truths and myths about online learning.
Online Course Assumption:
"An online course will be easier and take less time."
This is not true. Online courses are built with the same level of rigor in mind as on-ground courses. In fact, many students say online courses are more difficult because they can’t simply show up, sit in the back row of the room, and be a passive participant. In online classes, every student is expected to participate.
Another Online Course Assumption:
"I Can Do It As Quickly or Slowly As I Like."
In asynchronous courses this is somewhat true. Asynchronous means “not in real-time” so yes - you can do it anytime . . . as long as it’s submitted by the due date. But you need to keep up with the deadlines in your course. Having said that, do not plan to do all of your work in one sitting or after procrastinating. You need to be an active learner throughout the week to get your concerns and issues resolved, rather than submitting a questionable assignment.
Tips for being active:
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- Login to the course on the first day of the module
- Preview the entire module and note activities, assignments, and due dates
- Plan your week and decide when you will work on the course
- Download the Canvas Student mobile app so you receive mobile notifications of course activity such as announcements
- iPhone users download the app here: Canvas Student for iPhone/iPad Links to an external site.
- Android-type users download the app here: Canvas Student for Android Links to an external site.
- Check the Q&A Discussion Board, if there is one!
- Interact in discussions on time! The research is clear, students who are more active earn higher grades
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Another Online Course Assumption:
"I Won't Have to Interact with Classmates in an Online or Blended Course."
Incorrect!
Unlike truly learning on your own, online courses will have requirements to engage with other students and with the instructor. Good online courses will feel humanized, where you feel like you’ve met real humans (even if you haven’t met in person). For example, you may be engaging with your classmates in breakout rooms on Zoom; asynchronous video posts where you can see and hear your peers; discussion threads; shared documents; instant messaging apps; and more! There’s no back row in online education! You’re in the front row participating with everyone.
Another Online Courses Assumption:
"Online courses run themselves. The Instructor Doesn't Have Much to Do or Say and I’ll Hardly Know Them."
You’ll be surprised to find out that many instructors feel like they get to know their online students more than their on-ground students. This is because all students do participate in the discussion, especially in asynchronous discussions. Your instructor will be actively engaged in facilitating your learning process by guiding asynchronous and synchronous discussions, providing you with feedback, facilitating your critical thinking and application of course concepts, and connecting with you as individuals.
You’ll also find many instructors wish more students attended virtual office hours to chat about career goals, class questions, etc. That’s nowhere near as intimidating as having to go to an actual office. Many instructors schedule Zoom meetings as part of the course where you may meet with your instructor, whole class, or a small group.