Popularity and commonality have done little to decrease the fallacies spread around amongst prospective and current students who wish to go to school online. Although the number of new distance learners increases in each semester, myths about this way of learning unfortunately turn off too many others from the thought. Learning the truth about distance learning before choosing one option of delivery instruction can change the minds of the most pessimistic critic towards the still unconventional mode of knowledge acquirement.

Myth # 1: Online schools = degree mills.

Fact: With anything else in life there will always be scammers in any industry looking to swindle money out of unsuspecting clientele using grand promises rendering nothing or at best a worthless product. Because of the unscrupulous practices of some less than savory degree factories conducting business online, too many people have been lead to believe that a legitimate degree cannot be solely be earned through distance learning. In fact, there are several traditional schools with outstanding reputations for turning out excellent graduates. Avoid the mills by choosing better-known universities that have an actual campuses offline, regional accreditations, and substantial program of study. A major warning sign of rip-off practices are credits applied for unsubstantiated work such as life experience credit given for unsupported claims.

Myth #2: All online classes are a breeze.

Fact: There are some classes that every student believes to be too easy to be taken seriously. Usually these classes are prerequisites to the harder classes that contain the meat of a degree program. As classes are completed and the student uncovers the harder realms of the curriculum, the same grumbles that classmen share offline are sounded off in distance learning discussion boards and classrooms. A virtual environment does nothing to hinder professors from challenging their students.

Myth #3: Online classes have no time constraints.

Fact: Universities offering classes online follow the same term/semester schedule as they do for their ground classes. Students are required to login to their classroom just as students taking classes on the ground are expected to show up to class on schedule to keep abreast of class happenings and as a part of a participation grade. Once logged in the student must do an activity towards the grade such as posting in a discussion thread or entering the chat for a virtual class meeting. This is one of a few ways that professors can also see who is actually working, rather than cheating their way through the semester, and who needs extra help.

Myth # 4: Distance learning is cheaper than college and there are no books.

Fact: Students in distance learning classes still must obtain the proper books for class. They can get the books from the store or individual of their choice but indeed books are required. Using a source other than the school's bookstore (or e-bookstore), may be cheaper but they are not free. Students have to pay just like local students.

Myth #5: Learning online is super easy.

Fact: Students often fail their first schedule of classes because they refuse to take their assignments and exams seriously. In an online environment, there is no one to depend on but you to become motivated about the work that has to be done, keeping up with the coursework, and fitting it all into your lifestyle. It takes a much-disciplined person who is centered on their desired goals for their education to finish school successfully via the online route.

Going to college was never designed to be a cakewalk and the likelihood of a design that will call for less studying and hard work from the student is slim to none. If getting a degree online seems like the best idea for you, jump in with serious focus on graduating.

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