In 2020, online learning is no longer ‘new’, and the benefits of learning online are now widely recognised and accepted.
However, there are a few myths about online learning still circulating, and it’s time to bust them once and for all! Today, we’ll see how five common myths about online learning stack up.
1. Online classes aren’t formally recognized and won’t be respected by employers
Considering digital learning is the quickest growing market in the education industry, with a whopping 900% global growth since 2000, it’s amazing that this myth is still doing the rounds!
In actual fact, all study completed through eCampus NZ is industry recognised, NZQA accredited and internationally accepted. The qualifications completed through eCampus NZ are awarded by one of New Zealand’s leading institute of technology and polytechnics – you’ll get the same qualification as students who learn on campus.
Another misconception about online schooling is that employers don’t respect online qualifications. In 2020, learning in a classroom is no longer seen as the only way to get qualified.
Employers themselves are embracing online education in record numbers. In fact, 28% of organizations conduct all of their compliance training online!
2. Online students don’t get to interact with their course facilitator
This is not true! At eCampus NZ, you may be learning online, but you are certainly not learning alone. The eCampus NZ portal has been specifically designed to be a supportive learning environment, making sure that there a plenty of ways for you to interact and collaborate with your facilitator through video calls, forum posts and emails. Our facilitators will send you regular messages about assignments and course content, and to support you through your learning journey.
Here’s a real example of one of our wonderful facilitators inviting her learners to lunch!
3. Online courses offer no interaction with fellow students.
This is also a myth! In the eCampus NZ portal, you can send personal messages to classmates and discuss your learning journey through online forums. Many of our courses require group work, and some of our learners even set up study groups – online or in-person!
By studying through eCampus NZ you will meet like-minded learners and these interactions are a great way to boost your enthusiasm for studying as you encourage each other through your learning journey.
4. You need to be a computer whizz to learn online.
While it’s true you will need some computer skills to learn online, you’ll have plenty of support. At eCampus NZ, you’ll be invited to complete our Getting Started course before your course officially begins, and we’ll show you around the eCampus NZ portal.
We also offer our learners access to LinkedIn Learning, which has a huge number of online video courses to help boost your digital skills. There are multiple videos available on a number of topics, and you will be able to find an easy–to–follow resource to suit you – whether you’re an absolute beginner or an expert! And remember, your facilitator and our IT team will be available to answer any questions and help you if you run into any problems accessing your course.
5. You learn more in an on-campus course
When we’re talking eCampus NZ, this is simply not true! You don’t learn ‘less’ in an online qualification; you’ll learn the same knowledge and skills as an on-campus learner; you’ll just have more control over when and where you learn.
All eCampus NZ qualifications and courses are designed and delivered by eLearning and subject matter experts who work hard to ensure learners are provided with the best quality education.
For example, eCampus NZ scooped a Gold award at this year’s international LearnX awards for the development of the New Zealand Certificate in Business Accounting Support Services (Level 4) with the Eastern Institute of Technology. This qualification was designed using a range of forward-thinking techniques, including those borrowed from video game design, to place learners in a workplace context and ensure they develop industry-relevant skills. Online learning really is the future!
We hope we’ve managed to clear up some common misconceptions about online learning. Are you looking to update your skills, further your career or master a new subject? Now is your time! Enrol today!