There is no doubt about it, technology has changed how education is viewed. A recent study revealed that in the five years leading up to the 2012-2013 school year, the number of students taking online courses rose by 96%. It has never been easier to take an online class, and now, with virtual college, you can feel like you are right in the classroom. However, even with the increased popularity of virtual college, there seems to be some confusion concerning how virtual college actually works. Let’s try to correct some of the common misconceptions, and show how virtual college can greatly benefit you in your pursuit of a college education.
- Virtual College Means No Instructors - Students may confuse online with alone, and with some forms of online education that may be the case. However, a virtual classroom is taught by a LIVE, QUALIFIED instructor. It’s very nearly identical to being in a traditional classroom, only you have the convenience of no commute, no getting out in inclement weather, or walking (or running) across a campus to get to your class on time.
- Virtual College Means Too Much Time in Front of a Computer and Limited Time Spent with Peers – Let’s face it, a computer or mobile device is how this generation interacts with peers. Rather than limit peer time, many students feel more comfortable and interact more in virtual college. And by eliminating getting ready for class, commuting, and other preparation tasks, there will actually be less time spent than there would be in a traditional classroom.
- A Virtual Class is Too Hectic – In traditional classrooms, talking, passing notes, and similar activities with fellow students, serve as distractions to students. In a virtual college setting, it can be an advantage. Students can text or discuss a point with each other without disrupting the class. Instant feedback helps accelerate learning. Students that can multitask well no longer feel frustrated by sitting quietly in a traditional class.
- Virtual College isn’t “Real” – It’s the content that matters, not the delivery method. The credit received from a virtual college setting is the same as the credit received from a traditional classroom. Most employers aren’t concerned with where your knowledge came from, just that you have that knowledge. In fact, many employers feel those who are successful online students are better hires because they have shown discipline, determination, and an ability to get things done.
- There is No Personal Attention in a Virtual Classroom – Actually, the opportunity exists for there to be MORE personal attention in a virtual class. Virtual instructors are good multitaskers. By checking texts and emails from students as the class progresses, the instructors can see in real time where a lesson might be failing, or can track which students might need some clarification.
There are many additional benefits to virtual college, including flexibility, since virtual classes may be offered at times a traditional classroom isn’t. Plus, with the technological advances in smart phones, students can, in many cases, use their phone or laptop to take the class anywhere – even on the go.
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