Misconceptions about online learning

A wise blues musician once said, “The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you.” That sentiment applies to online learning too, even if you’ve encountered pushback (or skepticism) about it from family and friends or within dubious echo chambers in cyberspace.

Consider this: In fall 2022, about 1.1 million students were enrolled in primarily online colleges, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Plus, consulting firm McKinsey & Company points out that the demand for online education is growing.

Many reasons may have kept you from going to a traditional college right after high school. Yet rather than let negative hearsay and conjecture about getting an online degree keep you from furthering your education in a manner that many find to be convenient and successful, dive into the facts about learning online — and make your own choice. 

No. While online learning may be more convenient, it isn’t easier than traditional learning. Online education can be just as rigorous as traditional, in-person education. Online learning harnesses digital platforms and customized technologies to provide a virtual classroom experience with qualified instructors that can be more schedule-friendly for busy individuals.

Additionally, the benefits of attending an online university can include:

• Learning at your own pace (within set time frames)
• Honing valuable time-management skills
• Garnering a variety of new technology skills
• Persistent access to classroom materials via electronic means
• Virtual options for collaboration, making it easier to schedule
• No commuting
• Flexible schedules (and the option to log in to your UOPX online portal to conduct research, read educational content and take in lectures you may have missed)

So quash the notion that you’ll learn more by physically being in a classroom. Keep in mind, however, that while taking courses online does provide greater flexibility, you’ll also need to be self-disciplined and self-motivated. 

Institutional and programmatic accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation operate under established frameworks to evaluate institutions or programs against accreditation standards. These organizations conduct comprehensive external reviews that evaluate an institution’s mission, academic programs, faculty qualifications, student support and overall effectiveness.

Accreditation provides key benefits, including but not limited to:

• Assurance of academic quality and rigor
• Possible credit transfers between institutions
• Access to financial aid for otherwise qualified individuals (often limited to accredited institutions)

Not necessarily. At an established, accredited online university, the curriculum can mirror the materials found in traditional classrooms with similar assignments and approaches — it’s definitely not just looking at PowerPoint presentations.

But interactions and socialization do look different online. Online platforms may open up a wider range of possibilities, including enhancing student interactions by sharing content and thoughts at different times when there is not shared availability. You can access classes and course materials from anywhere with a stable and secure internet connection, and then engage in interactive simulations, virtual labs, online forums and video lectures.

You can also collaborate with students on group projects, chat with faculty in real time with videoconferencing tools or at your convenience electronically and share your learning experiences during discussions with your online student community.

Online courses can be interactive or immersive. In addition, your instructors are there to help guide you and can offer feedback and support just as they would within a traditional classroom environment.

Meanwhile, you may be able to boost your networking game during virtual events, through your university’s social media pages and during online discourse with students and instructors.

Certainly not. Students at online universities can delve into massive digital libraries and dynamically share resources and ideas with other students and faculty. Dedicated, online support services are available when students need them and bypass the limitations of in-person office hours. This means that students can ask questions or reach out when it’s convenient for them. It also means they can ruminate on the comments posted during an asynchronous discussion and take their time to respond thoughtfully.

Online programs can provide the rewards of a college education as well as the following perks often associated with traditional institutions:

• A potentially wider time window for faculty availability
• Online resources curated by instructors for individual courses (featuring, for example, in-depth guides and links to scholarly articles)
• Online advisement for transfer requirements, course selection/registration and career placement
• Access to tutorials, online writing centers and live labs/interactive presentations

Yes. The spectrum of online degrees includes hands-on or practical subjects, which used to rely on in-person instruction and physical participation. Thanks to significant technological strides — such as innovative digital tools and virtual simulations and experiments — you can now earn a bachelor’s degree online in subjects like business, healthcare, IT, psychology and environmental science.

On another note, online students might take courses with elements that allow them to engage with materials in a hands-on manner, too, such as:

• Interactive, problem-solving exercises that mimic real-world situations
• Intricate, virtual experiments created in safe environments with observable outcomes (and sometimes without the need for a physical lab, hazardous items or expensive machinery)
• Live skill demonstrations and training sessions led by specialized instructors to prep students for real-world applications

These learning formats can have immediate feedback loops, which help students find resolutions to complex concepts through practice and repetition, and encourage them to think critically and to ask questions.

Don’t be fooled by the misconceptions about online learning. In many cases, getting your degree online may be better for your circumstances — especially if you’re employed full time and can’t travel to class every day for several hours.

You could save money too — not just on course fees, but on commutes and room-and-board needs at residential colleges.

University of Phoenix has a panoply of online education programs — more than 100 of them — to fit your needs and goals. Plus, the admissions process is clear. When available, there’s no cost to request prior transcripts. Eligible applicants in undergraduate programs can enroll in a risk-free period.

Still have questions? Contact University of Phoenix and equip yourself with the knowledge to make an informed decision about your educational future.