Title: Six commonly held myths about online coursework v2

Myth #1: Easier

"I've heard that an online course is way easier than taking the same course on campus. You don't have to go to class, you just have to hand in assignments and you're done."

Student checking course syllabus inside of O'Neill Library

Myth #2: Self-Paced

"When I'm taking a online course, I can turn in assignments whenever I want, right? I'll just get all of the assignments from the instructor and blast through it in two weeks rather than wasting a whole quarter."

Students stretch before a long journey

Myth #3: Participation

"Professors randomly call on students for answers in a lecture, but in an online class I can fly under the radar."

"I like online courses because I can work alone, I don't have to participate in group projects."

Students work in class

Myth #4: Tech Skills

"I spend a lot of time on social media and I text my friends more than I talk to them. I don't need to learn any technical skills in order to take an online class."

"I don't really know my way around a computer, but clearly my instructor does. I'll just rely on him or her to help me figure it out during the course of the semester. My online course will teach me any of the technical skills I need to figure it out, right?"

Student types on laptop outside of O'Neill Library

Myth #5: Communication Skills

"Email is basically instant, and I know my teacher checks her email all of the time. So if I don't understand something or have a last-minute question about an assignment, I can email her and she should respond right away. She's definitely up at 10 PM, and it would only take her 2 minutes to write back with the answer."

Professor and student discuss computer work

Myth #6: Study Anywhere

"I can take my classes anywhere. I'll easily be able to complete assignments on my bus ride to work."

"I don't need to worry about completing my distance learning course during my travels around China."

Stokes Hall from above