Online Students Should Avoid These 5 Mistakes
It’s common for online learners, much like their counterparts in traditional colleges, to encounter a few challenges along the way due to misunderstandings about their program’s structure, expectations, or other factors.
In today’s landscape, there are remarkable opportunities for individuals to pursue a degree at any age or stage in life, courtesy of online learning pathways. However, along with these opportunities come a multitude of crucial questions that students should consider. It’s essential for students to reflect on their motivations for enrolling online and strategize on how they can achieve success in their academic endeavors.
Before committing to an online degree program, experts advise avoiding these five common mistakes.
Neglecting Warning Signs
One telltale sign that a program may not be legitimate is the absence of accreditation. It’s essential to scrutinize a program’s website for accreditation credentials and ensure they are recognized by reputable bodies such as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the U.S. Department of Education. Additional red flags include insufficient student services, unclear program costs, aggressive recruiters, and unrealistic promises regarding outcomes.
Lacking Technological Preparedness
Assessing one’s online readiness, which includes being comfortable with technology and possessing self-motivation to adhere to assignments and deadlines, is crucial, experts emphasize.
In addition to proficiency with fundamental tools such as Microsoft Word and learning management systems like Canvas, online students require reliable internet access, a webcam, and the availability of a laptop, desktop computer, or smartphone.
A reputable institution providing a high-quality online program prioritizes informing students about the necessary technology requirements. Certain schools may provide laptops or offer local online students access to on-campus computer labs, if necessary. Students lacking access to technology should inquire about the available resources offered by their program.
Failing to Investigate Course Format
Prospective online students should recognize that not all online classes follow the same format. To prevent surprises, it’s essential for them to ascertain whether their courses will be conducted asynchronously, synchronously, or a combination of both. Synchronous learning entails attending class and participating in lectures at designated times each week, whereas asynchronous learning allows for self-paced progress.
Additionally, students should inquire whether the program mandates occasional campus visits and confirm whether their professors possess experience in teaching online courses. It’s crucial to recognize that skills acquired in traditional in-person teaching settings may not seamlessly transfer to the online learning environment.
As online learning has become increasingly prevalent, there have emerged some standard definitions of what constitutes online education. However, as demonstrated during the pandemic, hastily transitioning a classroom to remote online instruction differs significantly from a deliberately designed online course and learning experience. It’s essential to comprehend how institutions define online learning and ascertain whether their approach aligns with your needs and preferences.
Miscalculating Difficulty of the Program
Many students mistakenly believe that earning a degree or credential online is easier than doing so in person because there’s no teacher physically present. However, in reality, an online degree can often be more challenging due to the heightened requirement for self-discipline and motivation to actively engage in learning. Additionally, like their peers in traditional settings, online students must uphold academic integrity when completing assignments and examinations.
Online students frequently balance academic pursuits with other responsibilities such as employment or parenting, resulting in limited time for completing assignments. Therefore, experts emphasize the importance of not hesitating to seek assistance from peers or professors if coursework becomes overwhelming.
Educators have acquired significant insights into teaching in online learning environments. The various practices employed can inadvertently increase the difficulty level for online students, particularly concerning assessments. Even if instructors permit open-book assessments, they may design the test to be more challenging under such conditions. Therefore, it’s essential for online students to avoid making assumptions about the ease of assessments, as they may not necessarily be accurate.
Limiting Your Social Interaction
Experiencing feelings of isolation is common for online learners. However, numerous schools provide avenues for online students to connect with peers, including virtual events held throughout the year. Additionally, experts recommend that students, especially those residing locally, take advantage of opportunities to visit the campus.
Avoid restricting your engagement with the university based on the assumption that being an online student means you’re not fully embraced. Take the initiative to connect with peers in your virtual classroom. For instance, propose starting a group chat where students can catch up on missed classes, collaborate on studying, or seek assistance with assignments.
Moreover, it’s unwise to assume that professors won’t take the time to get to know their online students. Establishing relationships with professors can be crucial for securing recommendation letters down the line.
