Students, parents, and even some teachers can have some misconceptions about remote learning when it comes to distance learning.
If you have certain misconceptions about distance learning, then you are here at the right place.
Without further ado, let us jump straight into the list of four common misconceptions about distance learning:
Remote Classes Are Easier Than Traditional Classes
Many people think that online classes are easier than traditional ones. However, the truth is that online classes are just as hard as traditional classes. Sometimes, online classes can be more challenging than traditional classes.
While there are fewer face-to-face interactions in an online class, the interactions between the students and teachers and between students and students are taking place on another level.
For instance, on an LMS system, you will not only find the typical class activities of reading, tests, and assignments, but you will also have interactive assignments, such as collaborative projects, and participation in the postings on the discussion board threads.
These different aspects of distance learning may feel more challenging for some to accomplish, whereas traditional courses might require such participation only two times a week with little participation required.
Online classes typically require students to complete their assigned tasks and activities almost every day. And all students must participate, contribute, and complete the assigned tasks and activities in their online course.
Only Courses Are Short
Another misconception that most students have about remote learning is that online classes are less time-consuming than the traditional lengthy courses.
Students think that will take less time since they don’t have to sit in a classroom – but in reality, online courses can just take as much time (or even more) as a traditional course.
When you sign up for an online course, you are expected to regularly check your emails, complete all assignments on time, discuss your questions with your peers and teachers, and fully participate each week.
That said, it would be wrong to expect to succeed in an online course just by logging into the course once or twice per week.
Instead, if you have signed up for remote learning by getting enrolled in a course, it is recommended to log in frequently and stay engaged in all required class activities to steer yourself in the right direction and succeed in the course.
You Can Complete the Course at Your Own Pace
Typically, one of the greatest advantages of online courses revolves around “flexibility.” But, the term flexibility doesn’t mean that you can work entirely at your own pace.
As mentioned before, online classes have deadlines. And online courses are synchronous with discussions and meetings; all students are required to show up at a certain time or place to participate; thus, you are required to be self-motivated and a self-starter to manage your course and time well.
If you learn self-management and time management, you will certainly benefit from the flexibility of online learning.
You Don’t Get Individual Attention From the Teacher
Another misconception about online learning is that students don’t get individual attention from their teachers, which is wrong.
The professors participate in classroom discussions in an online course, hold virtual office hours, and provide you with much-needed feedback after each homework and assignment submission.
All of this is very similar to what a professor would do in a traditional classroom. Students have access to help from their professors whenever they need it in an online classroom.
Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself or initiate a conversation with your professor just because you are studying online. With an online course, you will learn as much as in a traditional classroom.
