Big Mistakes Online Students Make
Skipping over accreditation
“Accreditation can impact eligibility for both federal and state financial aid, as well as competitive stance in the employment field. Regional accreditation ensures quality standards and ensures that programs/institutions are providing students with necessary job skills and student support,” Lynette O’Keefe, director of research at the Online Learning Consortium, which promotes digital education options, wrote in an email. Before you enroll, check the program’s website for its credentials and verify they are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Ignoring their learning preferences
Online courses require discipline, so if you are disorganized or prone to procrastination, you may want to think twice before enrolling in one. “The bottom line is that online learning is no less rigorous or difficult, and in fact, works more efficiently and effectively for many students,” O’Keefe says. She adds that students “will need to be a bit more self-directed in terms of meeting deadlines and pacing themselves” and in accessing online resources and seeking help.
Not reviewing the curriculum
Students eyeing a particular career field will want to take classes that properly prepare them for the work world. The curriculum for an online bachelor’s degree in computer science, for example, should include technical work with operating systems and programming languages. Jason Ruckert, vice chancellor and chief digital learning officer at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida, says students should check school websites for “information about the degree program online, degree requirements, course descriptions, specialization options, possible career fields and even possibly syllabi.” Additionally students may want to call the institution with questions.
Underestimating the difficulty
“Online degrees are not easier – a common myth. And many online students are working full or part time while often raising a family. Adding a degree to the mix requires thoughtful time management and discipline,” says Nancy Cervasio, executive director of learner services for the online arm of Arizona State University—Tempe. Other experts add that students should reach out for help if they struggle because robust school resources exist to assist students, whether on campus or online.
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