What Do You Know About Online Learning?

Students have many different ideas and opinions about online learning and taking online classes. Complete the Quick Check below to see if what you’ve heard about online learning fits with how online learning works at Salt Lake Community College.

Read each statement in the Quick Check and determine if you think the statement is myth or reality.

1. Online classes are easier than face-to-face (F2F) classes.

Myth

Correct! This is a myth. Online courses are planned to cover the same topics that are covered in face-to-face (F2F) courses. They are also designed to have similar activities and tests as you would have in a F2F course. Overall, online and F2F classes are usually comparable to each other in difficulty and in the amount of time needed to complete the course.

Reality

Try Again. Online courses are planned to cover the same topics that are covered in face-to-face (F2F) courses. They are also designed to have similar activities and tests as you would have in a F2F course. Overall, online and F2F classes are usually comparable to each other in difficulty and in the amount of time needed to complete the course.

2. Online course content can be accessed multiple times so you can review lessons as much as you need to.

Myth

Try Again. Unlike on-campus lectures that are presented once, the contents of your online courses are always available when you need to go back and review.

Reality

Correct! This is reality. Unlike on-campus lectures that are presented once, the contents of your online courses are always available when you need to go back and review.

3. I won’t have interaction with instructors or other students in my online class.

Myth

Correct! This is a myth. Your instructor will be an active part of your course experience. Your instructor will give you feedback on your assignments, answer questions you submit, and participate in discussions. Other students in your class will also participate in online discussions where you will interact with them. Depending on the course, some online group work may also be required.

Reality

Try Again. Your instructor will be an active part of your course experience. Your instructor will give you feedback on your assignments, answer questions you submit, and participate in discussions. Other students in your class will also participate in online discussions where you will interact with them. Depending on the course, some online group work may also be required.

4. Online courses are more flexible.

Myth

Try Again. While many online courses have regular due dates, they are flexible in that you can choose when you want to get the work done before the due date. Online classes accommodate your busy schedule by allowing you to decide if you want to work on your class in the morning one day or the afternoon the next day.

Reality

Correct! This is reality. While many online courses have regular due dates, they are flexible in that you can choose when you want to get the work done before the due date. Online classes accommodate your busy schedule by allowing you to decide if you want to work on your class in the morning one day or the afternoon the next day.

5. Taking online courses helps increase your self-discipline.

Myth

Try Again. While there is no guarantee that taking online courses increases your self-discipline, the consistent practice of managing your time and making yourself do the required work can help you create habits that lead to increased self-discipline.

Reality

Correct! While there is no guarantee that taking online courses increases your self-discipline, the consistent practice of managing your time and making yourself do the required work can help you create habits that lead to increased self-discipline.

6. Online courses require you to “teach yourself.”

Myth

Correct! This is a myth. Online courses are not meant to be “correspondence courses” where you learn entirely on your own. Online courses are virtual classrooms—you’ll be interacting regularly with your instructors and fellow classmates.

Reality

Try Again. Online courses are not meant to be “correspondence courses” where you learn entirely on your own. Online courses are virtual classrooms—you’ll be interacting regularly with your instructors and fellow classmates.

7. Online courses might be viewed negatively by future employers or other universities.

Myth

Correct! This is a myth. With the growth of online programs and their adoption by well-respected universities, schools and employers are coming to acknowledge their value and equality with F2F programs. In fact, many employers will think highly of candidates who have the self-discipline to do well in online courses.

Reality

Try again. With the growth of online programs and their adoption by well-respected universities, schools and employers are coming to acknowledge their value and equality with F2F programs. In fact, many employers will think highly of candidates who have the self-discipline to do well in online courses.

8. Online classes are self-paced; I can turn in assignments whenever I want in the semester.

Myth

Correct! This is a myth. Most online courses have due dates and testing dates just like F2F courses. In fact, many online courses have weekly due dates.

Reality

Try Again. Most online courses have due dates and testing dates just like F2F courses. In fact, many online courses have weekly due dates.

9. Online courses can be completed in your environment of choice (i.e. in your pajamas at 2 am, in a coffee shop, at the library, etc.)

Myth

Try again. You can log in to your online course anytime of day and from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. But a word to the wise—find a comfortable spot without distractions, and know when assignments are due so you can turn them in on time!

Reality

Correct! This is reality. You can log in to your online course anytime of day and from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. But a word to the wise—find a comfortable spot without distractions, and know when assignments are due so you can turn them in on time!

Click Next below to continue.