Online learning has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, as more and more people around the world opt for a more flexible way to study and upskill over traditional on-campus learning.
Yet, for those unfamiliar with online learning, there are still myths about online learning that can make them hesitant to make the decision to start an online course.
Here, we address some of the most popular myths about online learning.
Do employers accept online degrees?
It’s important to remember that when you study an online course, the degree you’ll get at the end will be identical to the degree you’d get if you had studied the same course on-campus.
The main difference between online learning and on-campus learning is essentially how you study – what you study, the quality of the teaching, and the degree you’re awarded at the end of your course are the same whether you study online or on-campus.
That means, when you study online, your degree won’t be an ‘online degree’ – it will be the standard degree that’s awarded by your chosen university for the successful completion of your chosen course. As such, employers will recognise and accept your degree as a qualification when you’re applying for jobs, just as they would if you had studied your course on-campus.
Can I interact with tutors and other students?
One of the unique benefits of online learning when compared to on-campus learning is that both your tutors and your fellow students can be based anywhere in the world.
Being part of a global cohort means you can gain a global perspective through your studies, as well as open yourself up to global networking opportunities. This will not only help to boost your success on the course, but also your personal and professional development.
With online learning, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with your tutors and other students through a variety of engaging online platforms – these can include forums, webinars, virtual classrooms, social media groups, and often a mix of all of these.
How will I access university resources like the library?
Just because you’re an online student, it doesn’t mean you don’t have the same access to university resources as your on-campus counterparts.
While on-campus students will have access to their university’s physical library, for example, as an online student, you’ll have your university’s online library at your disposal. Online libraries are much easier to search, and you can typically download the reading materials you need directly to your device, so you don’t need to carry around bulky physical copies.
In addition, in most cases, you’ll also have access to your university’s on-campus library if you happen to pay a visit.
As an online student, you’ll be able to access your university’s online library and other useful resources through their online learning platform. These platforms are highly-sophisticated, yet easy to use and access – usually via both desktop and mobile.
Can I fit an online course in around a full-time job?
Perhaps the greatest benefit of online learning versus on-campus learning is its flexibility – you don’t need to give up or compromise your full-time job or family commitments to study and gain a qualification.
With online learning, there are no rigid class timetables or locations you need to stick to. You can study on your own terms –anytime, anywhere.
That means you can conveniently and comfortably study alongside your full-time job and other commitments – how you manage your schedule is up to you.
Will I get a degree certificate and will it say I studied online?
When you study online, you’ll get a degree certificate once you successfully complete your course, and the degree certificate you’ll receive will be exactly the same as the one your on-campus counterparts will receive.
There will be no mention on your degree certificate of whether you studied online or on-campus.
Again, it’s important to keep in mind – there is absolutely no difference in either the quality of the course or the degree certificate you’ll receive at the end when you study online versus on-campus.
If you’re interested in studying online, the University of Plymouth offers a range of online courses that can boost your potential and global job opportunities. Find out more about the learning platform and how you'll interact with tutors and other students: