5 Myths About Distance Learning and Realities

Distance learning is not a new thing and we know the advantages of doing courses with distance learning. But there are some myths connected with distance learning. Let me help you break those.

Myth #1: the quality of education will be lower

Not all popular colleges had the opportunity to get a diploma remotely before coronavirus. But where this form of education is provided, the program does not differ from the traditional one. Both there and there students take the same subjects and study according to the same textbooks. The difference is only in the submission of material.

As with the traditional format, the quality of instruction depends primarily on the college or training center. As the popularity of distance education has grown, so too has the number of institutions that offer it. These include both serious and “one-day” institutions that offer a variety of programs and diplomas, often at very short notice and for little money.

The quality can be quite low, which fuels the myth. But there is also distance learning, for example, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of California, Harvard, Stanford, and others. 

Myth #2: a diploma will not be appreciated.

Distance learning in its modern form has recently appeared in Russia. Ten years ago employers really did not trust the diplomas they received online. In some areas, nothing has changed so far, but overall the situation is gradually improving.

Companies are also willing to send employees to study remotely, because it saves time and money, and when hiring, they pay more attention to where they studied and what the applicant finished, rather than to the form of study. Besides, in any case, real knowledge, skills and experience are valued first of all, rather than “crust”.

Myth #3: no contact with other students

Many people think that distance education implies isolation from professional “hangouts”. After all, in college, not only the knowledge itself is important, but also contacts and communication with classmates.

“It is not possible to really see anyone online unless students decide to gather somewhere in their spare time. But this does not mean that there is no communication or exchange. Students communicate in online seminar classes, discussions and conferences. As a rule, groups are created in social networks.

Myth #4: You can study whenever you want.

Distance education often looks to people from the outside as follows: no need to go to couples and exams, you can listen to lectures, sitting in pajamas and a cup of tea. One gets the impression that students exhibit their work schedule as well, and that homework is voluntary.

And although there are online courses (for example, in Khan Academy), built on the principle of webinars. The student watches them at a convenient time, sometimes does practical tasks, but no one assesses how well they have learned the information. On other platforms, all you have to do to get a diploma is complete a series of tasks and take exams, and the deadlines are set by the student.

However, in college the system is no different from the traditional one. The program is divided into semesters in the same way, at the end of each of them you have to take exams. It is necessary to attend all lectures and seminars online, to complete homework on time.

Myth #5: No one keeps track of cheating.

Another stereotype is that remote programs do not allow checking the level of knowledge. It seems that during the test in the classroom it is not so easy to write off, while during the online test you can simultaneously search for information on the Internet or download and send someone else’s written work in case.

All this is not true. Written assignments are carefully checked for plagiarism and may not be counted, that is why you need to contact the qualitative paper writing service. Instead of traditional tickets, students are offered tests and practical assignments, which are also done online. The answer time for each question is limited, so it is not possible to write off.