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Benefits of Online Education: Top 5 Myths

Most major colleges and universities have included online learning modules to their degree programs. There are comprehensive undergrad and graduate programs allowing students to work on their degrees entirely from remote locations. Some majors include online education as a component of a mixed campus-remote curriculum. With acknowledged online academic excellence and employer acceptance of online degrees, it's startling to see that there are still many misconceptions about online learning.

Let's dispel the top five here:

1. Online degrees are worth less than campus degrees. Ancient history. Today's employers look at the quality of your training, the college you attended, and your job-specific skills. (A diploma does not indicate that you did your work online.) In fact, employers often pay tuition to encourage their valued employees to update their credentials through online degrees and/or certification programs.

2. There's no social interaction via an online education. Not so. Almost every online course requires emails, bulletin board participation, or chat-room collaboration among students and with faculty. Online participants build networks of student relationships that bolster life-long professional contacts as well as long-term friendships.

3. Professors won't know who you are. Oh, they certainly will. There's no jousting for limited, hour-long lecture time in an online class. No raising of hands to speak. All students are measured by the quality of their writing, their collaborative research, and their online test scores.

4. Students are isolated--stuck without resources. Hardly. Online students have outstanding, 24-hour access to online libraries, lecture notes, streamed video lectures, and contact with mentors, tutors, and instructional aides. And you won't need to be a tech freak to use the system. Colleges create easy-to-use interfaces that enable all students (including those with disabilities) to access enrollment, financial aid, online classes, labs, and email.

5. Online classes are cream puffs. Avoid that trap. Online courses are as complex and rigorous as campus-based classes. In fact, you'll need to maintain a regular schedule in attending online lectures and delivering papers or you'll fall dismally behind. Online students have to be committed to learning.

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  • University of Phoenix

    At University of Phoenix, we believe everyone deserves access to higher education.

    Programs

    • B.S. in Business/Public Sector
    • California Teachers of English Learners Cert.
    • M.A. in Education/Curriculum and Instruction - Reading
    • More...
    Location:
    Phoenix: , Phoenix AP
    University of Phoenix
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  • Virginia College

    Set your career in motion at Virginia College Online.

    Programs

    • AS - Paralegal Studies
    • AS - Medical Office Administration
    • BS - Business Administration
    • More...
    Location:
    Birmingham: 300 River Hills Business Park, Birmingham AL 35242
    Virginia College
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  • DeVry University

    Five colleges of study.  One clear focus: Your career success.
    Earn the respect of employers with a degree you can earn on campus, online or both.

    Programs

    • Graduate Certificate-Electronic Commerce Management
    • Graduate Certificate-Entrepreneurship
    • Graduate Certificate-Financial Analysis
    • More...
    Location:
    Calgary: , Calgary AB
    Chicago: , Chicago
    DeVry University
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  • Keiser University

    For over 30 years, Keiser University eCampus Online has provided student-centered, quality career education.

    Programs

    • Homeland Security, AA (Online)
    • Medical Assisting, AS
    • Information Technology Management, BS (Online)
    • More...
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale: , Fort Lauderdale FL 33309
    Keiser University
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  • South University Online

    South University offers excellence in education, online convenience, and more than 100 years of tradition.

    Programs

    • Psychology (BA)
    • Business Administration (AS)
    • Nursing (BSN)
    • More...
    Location:
    Savannah: 709 Mall Boulevard, Savannah GA 31406-4805
    South University Online
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  • Ultimate Medical Academy Online

    Boost your career with an education from Ultimate Medical Academy Online.

    Programs

    • Pharmacy Technician Diploma
    • Medical Billing and Coding - Diploma
    • Medical Billing and Coding - Associates
    • More...

    Location: Online

    Ultimate Medical Academy Online
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  • Everest University Online

    Manage your career and your life while earning your degree online.

    Programs

    • Accounting (Bachelor)
    • Paralegal (Associate's)
    • Business (Bachelor's)
    • More...
    Location:
    Santa Ana: , Santa Ana CA
    Everest University Online
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  • Allied Health Institute

    Allied Health Institute is a post-secondary vocational school offering a variety of Diploma and Associate Degree programs in the field of Allied Health. By utilizing online learning, students have the flexibility to continue their education from the convenience of their own home. Our virtual classrooms will enable students to attend classes and communicate with instructors and classmates. Students can complete some programs without leaving their current employment or sacrificing family time.

    Programs

    • Medical Assisting
    • Medical Assistant
    • Medical Office Assistant
    • More...

    Location: Online

    Allied Health Institute
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  • Animal Behavior College

    Interested in a career as a professional dog trainer? Animal Behavior College is the place to start.

    Programs

    • Veterinary Assistant
    • Grooming Instruction
    • Certified Dog Trainer Instructor Course
    Location:
    Northridge: 9249 Reseda Blvd, Northridge CA 91324
    Animal Behavior College
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  • Post University

    Earn your degree online or on campus and accelerate your life.

    Programs

    • Forensic Accounting
    • B.A. in Psychology
    • B.S. in Human Services / Counseling
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    Location:
    Waterbury: 800 Country Club Rd., Waterbury CT 06723
    Post University
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