Online Learning Myths

MYTH #1: Online Classes are way easier!

FACTS:

  • Online courses have the same workload as in-person courses
  • More reading is required in online courses
  • Assume you will need 9-15 hours per class, per week

MYTH #2: You can finish work early in an online class and be done for the semester.

FACTS:

  • Course formats vary. Some teachers will open the entire course, but others will choose to open one week at a time.
  • The expectations will be the same as in-person classes.
  • You will get out of a course what you put into it. Don’t rush!

MYTH #3: I can hide in an online course.

FACTS:

  • Interaction will still be required.
  • Professors get reports showing the quantity and quality of your participation.
  • You can still build meaningful relationships in an online course, but only if you participate.

MYTH #4: I spend a lot of time talking to friends on social media, and I text often. I don’t need to learn any technical skills to take an online course. Plus, my instructor will help me figure out any technical issues, right?

FACTS:

  • Canvas, our Course Management System, is user-friendly. However, you will need to be sure you have a good grasp of the technology you will need.
  • Do not attempt to take a class on your phone. While Canvas can be accessed on your phone to “check in,” not all functions are available in the online app. Canvas is optimized for computers.
  • You can check out a computer at the East Central College library.

MYTH #5: Email is basically instant, and my teacher checks her email all of the time. So if I have a last-minute question or don’t understand an assignment, I can just email her and she should respond right away. She’s definitely up at 10 PM, and it only takes two minutes to respond with an answer.

FACTS:

  • Instructors will provide a maximum email turnaround time, but 24-48 hours is typical.
  • Plan ahead!
  • Create alternate solutions, just in case your question is not answered in time.
    • Learning Center:
      636-584-6688
      general_tutoring@eastcentral.edu
    • Canvas Support:
      636-234-3350
      onlinehelp@eastcentral.edu
      TEXT: 636-388-8281
    • Connect with other students. Consider forming a discussion group using GroupMe or some similar platform.

Myth #6: If I didn’t finish my assignment on time, I can just say my computer crashed, or I deleted my file or I sent the wrong attachment.

  • Your instructors have heard all of these excuses before!
  • Be sure you fully understand the instructor’s expectations in advance.
  • Create checklists or calendars to track assignments. NOTE: there is a calendar in Canvas that should show your assignments and due dates.