As the speed and reliability of the internet continues to grow, online learning is becoming more accessible and a realistic option for professionals wishing to develop their careers.
Michelle Boardman, Senior Academic Manager, from the University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) dispels the top ten myths of online learning.
1. Is it more expensive to study online?
This depends on the course, but generally speaking it is far cheaper to study online at your convenience.
2. Is getting a degree online the same as getting a degree on campus?
An online degree is exactly the same as a University degree. In fact our degrees are University degrees from the University of Derby. The only thing that is different is the mode of study. They are the same quality from the same awarding institution and are recognised in the same way by industry. For international students, online learning allows you to achieve a recognised UK university qualification without having to leave your home country. 38% of our students are from overseas.
3. Online courses are easier
Online courses may provide more flexibility but they require just as much work. Students work at a pace which suits them, so discipline is required, but students do have their lectures and peers also motivating them. UDOL offers accelerated programs that let you work at your own pace.
4. How interactive is the programme?
This depends on how you define interactivity. From a social learning perspective, we pride ourselves in our courses being interactive. Gone are the days of a lone student staring at a computer. Instead the computer is their gateway to a whole community of students, from across the world, they constantly interact with whilst supported by a professional academic team.
Our learning materials are interactive from the perspective that students get to engage in different virtual worlds, learn through videos, read latest publications through access via our university’s library and work through our bespoke learning materials produced by our academic team.
5. There is no communication or engagement with other students
We would strongly disagree with this. UDOL provide students with social spaces where they can talk to each other (virtual cafes); discussion forums for academic discussions and also live webinars with their academic team.
6. Employers don’t take online degrees seriously
Online degrees are equally accepted by employers as traditional degrees. Gaining an online degree can also be of value to employers as students will develop during the course which in turn will enable their progression professionally. Many of our courses are accredited by professional organisations demonstrating their practical and reassuring students that they will be graduating with a credible, industry recognised qualification. Also, some of our students are supported and encouraged by their employers to study with us. Through their studies, they can improve their own practice in the workplace, of benefit to their employer and company.
7. You will never set foot on campus
We welcome all of our students to come and visit us on campus, but as they are based all over the world this can be difficult. We do our best to ensure students feel part of the University even if they are not physically here. We work closely with central services so our students receive the whole university experience; from receiving an ID card, attending virtual drop in sessions at the library and like any other student can receive study skill support, counselling sessions and help from IT services. All this means that when our students come to Derby for the first time for graduation they feel part of the University’s family; testament to this was at our recent graduation where over 200 students attended.
8. You must be a computer expert to study online
We would advise that you have a basic understanding of how to work a computer to get started but you certainly don’t need to be an expert. We recognise that may students may need support and help which we are more than happy to provide, whether it be IT or funding issues. When you become one of our students you can undertake a diagnostic to help identify where you need additional support. Also, all our students take part in an online induction which helps them get to grips with studying online.
9. Are students more likely to drop out when studying online?
We think there is a bit of a myth around high dropout rates in online learning, certainly at UDOL what we see are learners who complete the number of modules they wish to take as part of their CPD and often return back to complete more modules and realise the full qualification. This academic application of curriculum development and delivery purely for online learners is having a positive impact on retention and student achievement because we have applied these principles, and we are now proud to have one of the highest retention rates in the sector at 67%.
10. Is an online degree as good as one from a ‘bricks and mortar’ university?
An online degree is exactly the same as a degree you would obtain via conventional university studies. The only thing that is different is the mode of study. They are the same quality, from the same awarding institution and are recognised in the same way by industry.
For further information on UDOL, refer to the UDOL website.
