In recent years, remote learning has been associated with K-12 students, especially those who can not attend school in person because of illness. However, it is no longer just that anymore. Today, remote learning involves online education and is known by various other terms such as e-learning, online learning, m-learning, virtual classroom, etc.

However, with the increase of online learning classes, various myths and misconceptions have cropped up from all angles giving a false impression about remote learning. Many are under the impression that online classes are not as good as regular or face-to-face classes; they do not offer decent degree programs; their classes have zero value on the job market and whatnot.

Whether you are a learner or parent, or someone looking for a remote learning class but are confused because of the several myths they have heard, this post will enlighten you and help dispel some of the commonly held misconceptions concerning remote learning. Take a look.

1. Remote learning platform does not end in a degree

Many people believe that online education providers do not offer full-time degree programs. However, this is not true. You can earn a legitimate degree ranging from an associate’s degree to a doctorate. Yes, online class platforms offer educational opportunities without a degree attached, but they focus on skilling or upskilling them. Many online learners are solely focused on learning a new skill or improving a skill they already have.

2. Low-quality teaching standards

Many people think online classes’ quality is lower, and are afraid that they will not get the same quality as traditional classes. It is easy to assume that online learning could never match the on-campus learning experience. Many people believe that online classes are designed poorly, content is delivered haphazardly and organized terribly, but the same can also be true for traditional classes.

Many online classes go through a design process that ensures that the class is well organized, but that the content is delivered to conform to best practices for online learning and learning in general. Many online classes are offered with higher quality than many traditional ones.

3. The classes are self-paced

Well, this is not true. Just because you are not physically in front of your instructors does not mean they are not there or will not guide the learning process. While there are lots of self-paced online education options, many programs are structured like an on-site school. Assignments, grading, and whatever is being done in the physical classroom are also done in online learning.

Just as they would in a face-to-face class, online class instructors are responsible for engaging their learners and teaching them the subject matter. However, if you are looking for self-paced online classes, there are plenty of options available.

4. Very little interaction between students

Many assume that since online classes are not conducted face to face, they provide less or no interaction with their classmates or other learners. However, this is not true. Peer-to-peer learning is central to many online class providers. They allow learners ample opportunities to interact, work together, and learn from each other during the class. Many online classes require regular peer interactions multiple times for certain group projects. Learners can interact with other classmates/learners using online collaborative tools such as Pedagogue.

5. Remote learning instructors are not real educators

While certain tech companies are working to transform teaching jobs by replacing the human educator with machines, we have not yet reached that point. So far, all online lessons are taught by a human educator. Universities and edtech companies that offer online remote learning programs do not pick just anyone to teach their learners; renowned professors or educators teach many of the lectures and lessons in their field.

6. Remote learning classes are easier than face-to-face classes

It is widely assumed that remote learning programs and online classes are easier than face-to-face classes, and anyone can succeed without difficulty. People also believe that such classes are specifically designed to be impossibly difficult to make them appear to have the same competitive vigor as the traditional classes. However, this not true. Remote learning class classes are just as demanding and, in some ways, more demanding than many face-to-face classes.

Remote learning classes require the same amount of work and effort as traditional classes. Instructors carry out all tasks and assign the same amount of work as they would in regular classes. Learners do not lose out on any content and enjoy just as many opportunities to learn, sometimes in more interesting ways, as they would in face-to-face classes.

7. Remote learning classes do not help learners achieve their career goals

This is simply not true. Online or remote learning classes are perhaps the most convenient and effective way to learn new job skills and enhance career goals. Most online class providers offer their programs with so much flexibility, offering a perfect match for anyone with a busy schedule. Seeing that the traditional educational system no longer works for learners to fit in the 21^st-century job market, most remote learning class providers focus on job-oriented classes, helping them build the skill as per industry needs.

It does not matter which industry you work for or want to work in; you can always find an online class that would benefit or enhance your day-to-day work performance. If you are too busy, there are plenty of online learning platforms that offer completely self-paced experiences.

8. Have to be a tech expert to take Remote Learning Classes

While it is true that one needs some basic technical know-how, such as how to connect the Internet or navigate a browser, you do not have to be tech-savvy to take online classes. Most online learning platforms require very little computer knowledge, as many tools and programs you will be working with our simple and have familiar user interfaces. Many platforms offer various tutorials and links to help those who have any questions or run into any problems.

9. You cannot build a network

Many think that remote learning limits building relationships with friends and other people. While it is true that many people rely on college networks to land jobs and learn about opportunities, the belief that online learning cannot help build a network is not true. Although building a network might seem hard at first in an online space, it is not an impossible thing to do.

10. Remote learning classes cannot help you land a job

One of the misconceptions about remote learning is that employers do not value online degrees or online classes have zero value in the job market. This is simply not true. While it is true that non-accredited online degree programs are not positively regarded on the job market, these are the exceptions to the rule. Contrary to the myth, remote learning programs and associated skills are highly valued in the job market. They have given learners highly-skilled training in the career of their choice.

Concluding thoughts

For many, when they think about education, they still only see the traditional classroom setting – complete with a blackboard, benches, desks, chair, table, pen, textbooks, notebooks, and a host of learners. While that is how learning has been for decades, things have changed. Now, taking classes and learning online can be just as rewarding and educational as traditional and face-to-face classes, with the added benefit of taking them on your schedule.