Six Common Misconceptions About Online Business Courses

When considering further education, many prospective students are of the mistaken opinion that online business degree pale in comparison to their traditional counterparts. To set the record straight, we debunk some of the most common myths surrounding online diplomas:

Table of Contents

1. Myth: Online courses are “easier” than their traditional counterparts
2. Myth: Studying online is an isolated experience
3. Myth: Online business courses are one-dimensional, with no opportunity for practical learning
4. Myth: Online business courses don’t prepare you for the real world
5. Myth: Learning online means that you miss out on forming friendships with your peers
6. Myth: Employers favour applicants who’ve studied via a traditional educational institution

1) Myth: Online courses are “easier” than their traditional counterparts

Reality: Online diplomas are just as rigorous as their campus-based equivalents. Courses today are specifically designed to challenge and facilitate the flexing of your cerebral muscles, just as any other traditional diploma would.

2) Myth: Studying online is an isolated experience

Reality: Being able to study wherever, whenever doesn’t mean you have to go it alone when you opt for an educational provider who offers supported learning. Choose an online learning provider who understands the value of student support, and provides this in the form of access to a course mentor, career advisor and wellness coach.

3) Myth: Online business courses are one-dimensional, with no opportunity for practical learning

Elearning has evolved to encompass practical exercises to ensure students can try out their newfound skills. Online business courses today are interactive, and incorporate various tasks that are structured to disseminate theoretical learnings into the practical application thereof.

4) Myth: Online business courses don’t prepare you for the real world

Reality: A superior online course is built around the core competencies valued in today’s workplace. In fact, they’re built to teach students the skills that employers value most, as opposed to presenting you with theory that has little to no relevance to today’s corporate climate.  

5) Myth: Learning online means that you miss out on forming friendships with your peers

Reality: The only thing that elearners ‘miss out on’ is a daily commute and the inconvenience of having to lug around a stack of textbooks. Other than those two elements, an online learning environment is intentionally structured to connect you and encourage interaction with your fellow students, faculty members and career advisors.

6) Myth: Employers favour applicants who’ve studied via a traditional educational institution

Reality: In a 2010 study performed by the (US) Society for Human Resource Management in 2010, 79% of the participating companies indicated that they had hired staff members whose diplomas were earned online in the past year. And as online learning continues to evolve and gain traction, this statistic is only set to increase.

As the above information demonstrates, an online course is a smart way to conquer your career goals. To learn more about what is online business course and how can help you succeed, download our ebook, ‘Fast Track Your Career with Online Learning’.