Many myths surround the world of online education, and we are going to tackle 7 that we just cannot seem to shift.
Online education was proposed as an alternative to in-class lessons and education. At first, many people were sceptical, and at the time, their suspicions were well-founded. The quality of online education has, indeed, substantially improved over the years. Unfortunately, there are still some myths and misconceptions remaining about alternative classes. Here are some of the top myths we always seem to hear about online learning.
1. Online courses are not as effective
Of course, some online courses may not be very effective, but there are also classroom lessons that are not very effective. In reality, it does not matter where you learn, whether it is online or in a classroom, it all depends on the quality of the course and the information provided. A well-designed online course can provide a student with quality academic knowledge that is comparable to an ‘in-class’ course.
2. Online courses are easier
Some learners sometimes sign up for online courses thinking it will be an easy ride and they will sail through the coursework, but this could not be further from the truth. Anyone who has previously taken an online course will know this, and instructors will often expect more of you because of the increase in resources available for you to use.
With an online course, you are expected to give just as much attention and time to your work, as in normal face-to-face lessons. Online courses normally consist of extra units of coursework to check your progress and develop your knowledge further, and learners who underestimate the workload of online learning often fall behind.
3. You do not receive awards or certification for online classes
Since online education has become more recognised and popular, a lot of accredited courses include online distance courses as part of the curriculum. It is becoming more regular for college learners to have to take part in online learning as part of their classroom-based course, and it is becoming increasingly unusual if a college student has never taken an online course.
A lot of private educators now have accreditation for their courses, so it is no longer just higher education boards that provide accredited courses. The process that private educators, such as UniCourse, must go through to get an accreditation is rigorous, only improving their education standards. UniCourse is an Edexcel and ILM approved centre, providing online courses that are internationally recognised by employers and other higher education bodies.
4. Employers and educators do not respect online courses
The fact that this myth portrays all online courses as the same is the main problem. Some online courses do not have the greatest of reputations, but then again, neither do some courses in colleges, and it is up to the learners to determine whether the course is suitable for their needs and whether it is credible.
The number of accredited online courses is on the rise, and fortunately, this shows the respect and acceptance among employers and educators alike, and some businesses also require you to take part in an online certification as part of the development of employees. Students sometimes cross over from classroom courses to online courses and vice-versa, but before they do this, they must check that their college or university credits cross over.
UniCourse’s HNC courses in engineering and business can help you gain acceptance on our HND courses which can further help you get acceptance onto the third year of a university degree course. Please check with your employer, potential employer or university to verify this for yourself.
5. Cheating is easier when you are in an online course
Cheating in online courses was a major concern for years when it came to educational boards, but as the technology has evolved, this concern has been addressed. Some online classes and tests have browser blocking technology meaning that you cannot be in the class if you are using a different browser, and there is also keystroke tracking so your cursor cannot go outside a certain area, meaning many online courses are cheat-proof places.
Evaluating learners differently is also one of the main features of online education. When the course consists of developing projects, writing essays, and is assessed through coursework, finding ways to cheat can be more effort than actually doing the work.
6. Online tutors do not interact with their learners
Often, this is up to the instructor and their personal preference, and of course, there are some online courses where the tutors do not get to interact with the learners often, but the majority of online courses have tutors who interact with their learners regularly and are there whenever you need them for.
At UniCourse, our tutors are available 7 days a week from 8:00 am to 7:30 pm for any advice or discussions about your work. All our tutors are more than happy to help and offer extra guidance or support whenever you need it.
7. You need to be an expert with computers
A lot of people think that you need to be good with computers to take an online course, and in some respects, you may be right depending on the course you are taking and what you mean by ‘good with computers’. For some, using a computer is a challenge if they do not often use or understand how to use computers, and for these people, online courses may be a struggle, but if you have a basic understanding of how to use computers, you should be fine.
This said many online course tutors work tirelessly to develop an easy-to-use system that even the biggest computer novices can use, meaning that the computer skill level for some of these courses is no more than being able to order your online shopping from the supermarket.
At UniCourse, we use Moodle as our online virtual learning platform, which is incredibly easy to use. All the resources you need are available any time of the day or night and you can even download the app to view them on your smartphone. If you do have any problems with our virtual learning platform, our support team is here to help.
Online courses make for quality learning
Online courses are constantly developing and are improving day by day. The constant improvement creates opportunities for tutors to look for better ways to educate their learners as they can now work outside the barrier of traditional classroom lessons.
Online courses also create opportunities for those who previously may not have been able to attend a traditional course, because they work full time or they are unable to travel, and this is one of the biggest benefits of online courses.
UniCourse is an online training provider who works with employers and education boards to offer a range of courses in subjects like engineering, business, and leadership and management. Our flexible online distance learning courses allow you to develop your skills from the comfort of your own home, even whilst you work full-time. Our courses are nationally recognised by employers and higher education providers and can help you to gain promotions and move on to further higher education opportunities. To find out more about our courses and how they can help you, visit our course directory, or contact us on 0151 236 1982 or enquiries@unicourse.org.
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"You are provided with all the resources you need and the support is fantastic. I would recommend UniCourse to anyone looking for distance learning at their own pace."
„John Smith
HNC Student
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"I have enjoyed my course so far with UniCourse, I have found it a lot more flexible and can fit it around my hectic lifestyle a lot easier than attending college with assignment deadlines. Any problem I have had with the course have been answered very quickly. I would recommend UniCourse to others who are busy but want to carry on with education."
„Marc
HNC Graduate
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"From the start of the enrolment phase, UniCourse admin team made everything simple and clear how the course would be laid out with the program ‘Moodle’ I would be using. The course is a very convenient way to study even if you are already fully employed like myself and lecturers were easily contactable and friendly. Overall I had pleasant experience with UniCourse and would recommend them to anyone looking to improve on their education"
„Jonathan
HNC Student
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"My dream of finishing my studies has been possible only because of UniCourse, they have given me the opportunity to be flexible with my studies and hold a full time job all at the same time. I would highly recommend them for anyone looking to study and work at the same time. I have found them to be very helpful with all my queries and they are quick to help me solve my problems. This is so convenient for me - I can study in my own time and in my own home no need to travel to college at a certain time. After finishing my current HNC course I hope to start my HND with UniCourse. They are fantastic i am very pleased with them."
„Golam
HNC Graduate
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"With a full-time job and 2 very young kids, a normal 9-5 course was not an option. It was becoming increasingly difficult to better my career options. Finding UniCourse on the internet has really opened up my learning potential. Their professionalism, knowledge and flexibility are really first class. To sum them up in one word.... Awesome!"
„Adam
HNC Graduate
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"I have found UniCourse to not only be a very convenient way to study as I am a self employed full-time electrician, but also the course tutor to be very helpful. Whether I require help by phone, email or a live web session he is always available. The tutor also returns marked work very quickly allowing me plenty of time to make any adjustments. I have found UniCourse to afford me the best opportunity to progress my career whilst also continuing to work full time. "
„Lee
HNC Student
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"I have really enjoyed my experience so far with UniCourse.org even obtaining a Distinction on my first module. The staff and lecturers are quick and helpful with their responses to any and all enquiries and the video conferencing platform is very helpful when discussing intricate subject matter. I would highly recommend the course to anyone wishing to broaden their horizons whilst holding down a full time job."
„Richard
HNC Student
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"Great tutors, easy to follow workbooks, great support, would highly recommend."
„Daryl
HNC Graduate
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"Time and place were severe obstacles to me achieving a HND in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Thankfully, the flexible options offered by Unicourse have allowed me to undertake my HND from home with them while working full-time. They have personalised my HND, allowing me to choose from many optional units. The traditional colleges I looked up did not offer option choices at all. I have also managed to complete my HND with Unicourse in a fraction of the time that would have been necessary at other colleges. I am really pleased that I made the right choice. The support I got was fantastic."
„Leonardo
HND Graduate
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"The flexibility of the courses and the professionalism of the staff make UniCourse a great way to improve your personal skills with a chance of a future career."
„Valentino
HND Student
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"If you want to succeed I personally suggest you apply to UniCourse. Why? After many years away from study I did my HNC. It was hard work but with superb help and guidance I obtained 8 Distinctions. This year I am doing my HND in Electrical & Electronic Engineering with UniCourse. Again, UniCourse are pulling out all the stops with high quality assignments, a one-to-one video conferencing platform, incredible feedback and comprehensive support when needed."
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