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Posted March 19, 2013

6 Myths about Distance Learning

Distance learning has always been something that has divided opinion. Some give rave reviews whilst sceptics question its value and legitimacy!

One of the main reasons for this scepticism is all of the myths about distance learning that are often thought to be true...

All Online Schools are a Scam Unfortunately diploma mills do exist, and they have tarnished the view of online learning as many people are wary of perfectly legitimate online schools for fear that they will be a scam. The truth is that diploma mills are few and far between and legitimate online degree courses are becoming increasingly popular.

Distance Learning Courses are Easier than ‘Ordinary’ Courses This is utter rubbish. The courses completed by accredited online course providers will be covering exactly the same syllabus as ‘brick and mortar’ institutions . In fact many universities offer online courses as well as their face to face courses, and the content is identical. The reason that some people believe that the courses are easier is that many people thrive in an online learning environment as it suits their learning style better, and their good results are proof of this.

Distance Learning Students Miss Out on Teacher / Student Interaction Whilst it is true that distance learning students do not have the benefit of meeting face to face with their tutors and fellow students, there are plenty of interactive forums for students to connect, share information and experiences, and to seek advice from their tutors. Many courses run live webinar classes where all students are able to become actively involved in the lesson. Advancement in technology reduces the importance of being in a fixed location to interact.

Employers Won’t Accept a Distance Learning Degree The view that most employers have of distance learning has drastically changed over the past five years, with the vast majority now stating that they hold these qualifications in as much stead as any others. With technical advancements always on the increase, online learning platforms are becoming more and more widely utilized as they provide an accessible way for people to study.

Distance Learning Programs are Overpriced Some people believe that distance learning courses are significantly overpriced considering that you are only being delivered a digital course. Without the tutors requirement to go into college, building an maintenance fees, cleaning fees, landscaping sports facilities etc people want to know why the cost is so high. Well, technology costs money and time, and more often than not the courses still require a tutor to be involved with live class chats, so in that respect the cost remains fairly consistent. There are plenty of examples of where you might save money by completing an online course – no commuting costs, no parking costs, no childcare costs, no relocation costs etc.

Online Degree Courses are Easy Whilst distance learning courses are extremely beneficial to many people’s learning styles, there are certain aspects which make this style of learning much more difficult. If you suck at motivating yourself or at meeting deadlines, you'll have your work cut out trying to obtain an online degree, especially one you've succeeded in!

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What's The Difference Between Distance Learning & Online Study?
 

 

8 comments

Sahar Hikmet Aug. 15, 2016, 8:29 a.m.

I like to know the fees of bursaries which are introduced by this site .
My study is about English language teaching , literature , grammar or any of the MA bursaries which can be useful for me as an English language teacher .

Sahar Hikmet Aug. 15, 2016, 8:32 a.m.

I like to know the fees of distance online learning bursaries which are introduced by this site .
My study is about English language teaching , literature , grammar or any of the MA bursaries which can be useful for me as an English language teacher. Looking forward to your cooperation.

Charlotte King Sept. 20, 2016, 9:43 p.m.

We have some useful information about Online Study in our Study Modes section:
https://www.postgrad.com/advice/study_modes/distance_learning/
We also offer a specific £500 Distance Learning Bursary as one of our Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries https://www.postgrad.com/fees_and_funding/postgrad_solutions_study_bursaries/information/

Isabel May 4, 2017, 12:02 p.m.

This such an important article to read regarding distance learning! There's so much stigma surrounding the term that I myself have only just started truly considering it as an option (thinking I would be shunned and looked down on for doing one). But I've finally decided to just go for it! I feel like I have missed out on so many different opportunities - simply because I did not do my A Levels. I regret my decisions and the impact they've had on my life, and that's why I'm desperate to start a home course!

Charlotte King May 14, 2017, 4:27 p.m.

Hi Isabel,
I'm glad you found the article inspiring - this blog about the Pros & Cons of DL study also has some useful information which is worth reading before committing to studying a course via DL
https://www.postgrad.com/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-postgrad-distance-learning/
Good luck with your studies, Charlotte

DANIEL SHIKUKU May 24, 2018, 7:37 a.m.

Very informative.

Charlotte King May 30, 2018, 2:16 p.m.

Thanks!

Glad you found it useful.

Femi Ekundayo Osayemi May 11, 2021, 10:20 a.m.

It is very informative and engaging .

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