Seven distance learning myth busters

In this short article, I expose some of the most common and deadly misconceptions about distance learning. And you want to read this. Why? Because if you don't take into account the new trends and possibilities of distance learning, you may be overlooking or ignoring vital opportunities to improve your career skills, earn your degree, or expand your professional relationships. That's right, some of these myths are deadly to you because even though the resources to revive your career are in your home, you've decided to ignore them. Let's change that together

Join me as we explore these 7 Distance Learning Myth Busters and open the doors of opportunity and empowerment that await as close as your laptop, cell phone and iPod.

1. You must be connected at the same time to participate in distance learning. Many people have this idea because they may have participated in workplace webinars: lectures or seminars delivered live over the internet. However, webinars are just one of many ways to provide distance learning. A more popular format is to use non-concurrent delivery (or asynchronous as we call it). This format allows participants to sign up over the Internet to do their work whenever it suits their day. Wouldn't you like to choose the time when you learn? Another great benefit of non-simultaneous learning is that it overcomes time zone conflicts when you create groups worldwide.

2. Distance learning is boring and mostly canned. This statement may be the case if you are just reading a reading test or watching a video, but have not been to a boring lecture? Too much of one mode of instruction can make it hard to hold people's interest. Today, well-designed distance learning courses not only contain video, text, graphics, audio, and graphics, but also user-created materials in all the same formats. A great course not only offers learning in a diverse format that addresses multiple learning styles and learning intelligences, but it will also engage students in active participation! Student podcasts, videos and online role-playing games are just a few examples. Students also post or lead topic-oriented discussion boards and solve group simulations. Distance learning can provide a dimension to make learning meaningful and active.

3. I don't like this "go at your own pace" distance learning thing. Again, distance learning now comes in so many forms that you can take a fully instructor-led course, or one that combines partial independence with direct supervision. In some content areas, participants can also be in private learning sessions, just you and the teacher, or with groups. While usually more expensive, a private versus group lesson can be a real benefit and incentive if private learning or tutoring or a specific time frame suits you best.

4. Distance learning is much easier than traditional lessons. This concern is usually raised in relation to academic degrees and couldn't be more wrong. In fact, students have to work harder, especially in the beginning, with online courses. They need to switch to taking responsibility for their learning and investing more time in self-discipline, planning their studies outside of class (there's no IN class time!), and keeping track of their deadlines. For some people it's a piece of cake to adapt, for others they need to focus on developing strategies for online learning success. But once they put in the effort, students who take responsibility can begin to rise with the opportunities ahead. Doesn't that lesson have a lot of good mutual benefits? Hmmmm.

5. Distance learning increases social isolation. I think most of the people who propagate this myth don't use social media. Otherwise, they would have a better idea of ​​the extended interactions in distance learning. The discussion boards, peer emailing and dialogue, and group projects storm the amount of interaction in a traditional classroom. I always say that face-to-face lessons are necessary to play "Beat the Clock"; therefore, the time for interaction with students is limited. Distance learning, on the other hand, can expand as much as the students are willing to invest in it. isolate? Not in our experience - we sometimes have to hold them back!

6. Teachers don't need new lesson preparation: Remote teaching is just like teaching in traditional classes. This is a very dangerous myth as teachers and students will be disappointed with the results if followed. While distance learning will build on the principles of good educational practice, many specific issues need to be addressed that are different or new. For example, because you are part of a global classroom, cross-cultural communication may be needed more prominently than usual. Also, whether classes are given in the same time or not, a remote audience means a different dynamic. It can be powerful and lively, or full of problems, but don't try to jump into this format without preparation.

7. No student orientation is required. Students use the same skills as a traditional classroom, just plug and play! Many organizations struggle to follow this approach, and so do their participants! From tech support to study skills, time management to record keeping, needs to processes, people need to break through their assumptions and rethink the needs of the distance learner. When addressed, the approach unleashes a vibrant, global classroom.

Next steps. Hopefully, this short article has raised some new questions for you and challenged some of your assumptions or previous opinions. Consider enrolling in a distance learning course that has built up a good reputation. Give virtual learning a try for yourself and consider how this experience could be helpful to you, your family and colleagues in meeting personal and professional learning needs. From earning an academic degree to learning a language in preparation for your next trip to Spain, or strategies for restarting your dream career, the opportunities can be as close as that computer, iPod or mobile phone, if you give it a shot and follow the tips above.