Trumball News

Four Misconceptions About Online Education

In March of 2020, many schools found themselves facing the same problem: how to provide education in a global pandemic. Some institutions closed their doors. Others adapted to the technology they had and moved classes online. Those who transitioned to these newer methods faced misconceptions and myths of the legitimacy of an online education. However, this is where American National University thrived through our innovative High Tech, High Touch approach to education. Many misgivings about online education are proven wrong in our approach.

Misconception 1: Your Education is Easier if it’s Online.

One of the most common misconceptions that people have about online education is that the courses are easier than an in-person environment. At American National University, we are accredited by Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and follow strict quality standards just like any other accredited institution. Whether ANU students attend online, or a hybrid mix with in-person classes, the quality, syllabi, and course materials will remain the same. Moreover, attending classes online provides more accountability to students to keep up with their classes from attending to making sure their assignments and discussion posts are turned in.

Misconception 2: Online Classes Quality is Lower Than In-Person

Much like people believe online classes are easier, many believe that the quality is lower than an in-person institution. ANU’s accrediting bodies ensure that our education is the same quality as other institutions. ANU provide students with the skills, tools, and knowledge they need to succeed after they graduate. American National University’s professors challenge that myth in how they teach every student. Our instructors are career professionals who bring their experience to their teachings. Students learn from real world examples that will affect their careers from those who lived them. Many degree programs require externships so that students can put their education into practice. For example, our health sciences programs, like pharmacy technician and medical assisting require these external practicing.

Misconception 3: You Don’t Connect with Others During Your Courses

A harmful narrative that comes in online education discussions is many people think students do not get to connect with their peers or instructors during their courses. While students do not meet face-to-face physically in a school building at ANU, they do meet within Zoom conferencing. The synchronous class meetings bring students together with their instructor to promote discussion about assignments and course topics. Instructors also make themselves accessible outside of the classroom through email, text, and video conferencing. Class meetings are interactive and engaging. There are assignments and projects that students collaborate together in some classes. There is ample opportunity to network and interact with your instructor and classmates. ANU courses are just like being in a real classroom. Read about how many of our students and graduates have not only been able to create meaningful bonds with their fellow students, but also feel supported by our instructors.

Misconception 4: Employers Do Not Accept Online Degrees

Many people assume that employers will not hire them due to their online education experience. There is no difference in the appearance of your transcript or your diploma, regardless of the modality you earned your degree. Along with that, many employers encourage an online degree to their workforce to develop their skills without having to leave the job. We offer flexible, in-demand distance education programs that meet the needs of employers in a changing global marketplace. With today’s new and adaptive technologies, many corporations are moving to a remote environment. Earning your education will give you soft skills an in-person classroom cannot give you.

As mentioned previously, ANU has a High Tech, High Touch approach to student education to make online education easier for students. What does High Tech, High Touch Mean?

High Tech Classes

ANU’s eLearning environment utilizes advanced technology for a highly interactive experience so that you can access your classes anywhere you have an internet connection. ANU has online classes you can touch – meaning our online classes don’t forego the in-person learning experiences and quality. When you join one of our programs, you get the materials you may need to succeed included in your tuition. This can include textbooks or lab kits to ensure you get the most out of your education. You will also have access to your instructors online and  all of our academic services that we offer you. Connect with career services, student services, financial aid planning, and more, all without leaving your home! We commit to bringing students all the services a university provides you from the comfort of your home. You can experience the modern classroom from your own home.

High Touch Instruction

With our High Tech Classes, we promise you High Touch Instruction. Our all-inclusive tuition means we provide you with the materials you will need to succeed. With our health sciences programs, like medical assisting and pharmacy technician, we will ship you an at-home lab kit, which materials can include a large human skeleton model, a blood pressure cuff, a virtual microscope software, a dissection kit, and more! When you interact with these kits, you will be taught under live instruction from your instructors to ensure you’re getting the most out of your eLearning experience. Our faculty are selected from experienced professionals through our national and global networks – meaning you will get instructors that are experienced in their fields to teach you.

It’s simple: with American National University, you can be live, in class, from anywhere. You have the flexibility of an online class without the loss of in-person experience. Learn more about our High Tech, High Touch education – and dispel these four common misconceptions people have about online college education.

Original source can be found here.