If you are an online student or considering enrolling in an online degree program you should not hesitate, but keep in mind some of the mistakes that are found among online students so that you don’t make the same mistakes. Take a look at the 8 worst mistakes of online students listed below.
1. Choosing an Online Institution that is not Accredited
It is important to seek out an online college or university that has an accreditation from a reputable organization. Look for institutions that have been accredited by a regionally or nationally-recognized accrediting agency that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
2. Believing that Employers do not Accept Online Degrees
Most employers understand the need for busy professionals who want to continue working while attending a distance learning program at the same time. Employers are more concerned that the educational institution is accredited and has a good reputation rather than the method you use to obtain your degree, but this varies from one employer to the next.
3. Thinking that Online Education is Easier
Most, if not all, of the accredited online degree programs are the same as on-campus programs. You will receive the same subjects, assignments, projects and class work that on-site students receive. You will also get the same high quality education online that is found in the traditional degree programs. Studies show that distance learning is just as effective as traditional on-campus learning.
4. Online Attendance is more time Consuming than Traditional Courses
Online learning is ideal for people who would like to continue their education but do not have the time to attend the traditional classroom setting. Distance learning makes education more convenient especially for adults with families and full-time jobs. Many people choose distance learning simply out of necessity. Not everyone can enroll in traditional higher education due to work and other commitments and obligations so distance learning provides the flexibility to continue working at a current job while pursuing your educational and career goals at the same time.
5. Thinking online learning is not right for everyone and may not be for me
It really depends on your learning style. Online learning is very different from traditional, on-site learning I have to agree. However, anyone can adapt to online learning, all it takes is a little adjustment and a bit of getting used to.
6. Procrastinating
Procrastinating can be a major problem and can play a big role in the outcome of your experience, online or in-class. If you are a procrastinator, you will have to work extra hard. Set weekly goals and deadlines and try your best to stick to them.
7. Failing to use all the Online Resources and Mentoring
Educators are the best resource an online student can utilize. Getting the help from a mentor can be of great benefit. So stay connected via online discussions forums, chat rooms and e-mail.
8. Paying more than you have to
- Most online institutions offer financial aid, grants, scholarships, loans and other ways for you to pay for your education, so take advantage of every opportunity. Don’t borrow more than you need and find different ways to save money, like buying used text books instead of new books and so on.
Would you like to launch a new and exciting career in digital and media arts? Many artist and aspiring artist are taking online digital and media arts courses online to help develop their creative talents. Digital and media arts careers have taken off and many accredited online schools are now offering online courses and degree programs in digital and media arts to accommodate the rise in demand.
What is Digital and Media Arts?
Digital and Media Arts is an umbrella term for a range of artistic work and practices that utilize digital technology. Digital and media arts are used to describe an artist who makes use of digital technologies in the production of art. With the arrival of the digital age, digital technology has made a huge impact on art careers, which has transformed our regular activities such as drawing, painting and sculpture, replacing it with installation art, virtual reality and net art as the new artistic practices.
What Will I Learn as a Digital and Media Arts Student?
As a digital and media arts student, you will develop important job skills like creating storyboards and utilizing advanced 3D animation, web design, computer modeling programs and other digital applications.
Will I Increase my Business Network When I Take Classes Online?
Distance education schools provide the necessary skills and training that is essential in increasing your network in the business world. Many distance learning colleges have connections to businesses in the digital and media arts industries that look to them for input on where to find new employees.
Are Online Degrees Accepted by Employers?
Employers is not too picky about the method you use to obtain your degree, rather they hire and reward employees who receive degrees from a reputable online college or university that is accredited by a nationally or regionally accredited agency. Most employers encourage their employees to obtain online courses and additional job skills training that will help them perform better on the job.
What Can I do With an Online Education in Digital and Media Arts?
An online education in digital and media arts can land you jobs in television, movies, video games, Web site development, commercials, marketing and more. Competition for most of these jobs is fierce, so an education from a reputable online college or university will put you ahead of your competition and improve your chances of getting the job.
What are some of the Educational Requirements for digital and media arts Courses Online?
The educational requirements for digital and media arts courses online differ based on the online degree program and the distance learning school. Some accredited online universities require a high school diploma or its equivalent to gain entrance into classes; whereas other degree programs may require that you have some higher education in order to apply for classes.
Can I Transfer My Credits From a Traditional School to a Distance Learning School?
Credits earned from traditional schools for art courses taken are usually transferrable to most accredited online institutions. Check with the school of interest to find out more about what credits you can use toward obtaining your online degree.
I’m sure you have heard them all before – don’t take classes online because it is not recognized by employers or don’t take online classes because it is not the same as traditional classroom programs. Well, I want to put your mind at ease; these ideas are simply not true. Do not believe everything you hear. If you are considering enrolling in an online degree program you should not hesitate. The following is a list of the top 10 online education myths:
Myth #1 Online Education is Easy
The fact is, most online degree programs are identical to on-campus programs because they have to meet certain standards to be approved for accreditation. You will receive the same subjects, assignments, projects and class work that on-site students receive. You will also get the same high quality education online that is found in the traditional degree programs. Studies show that distance learning is at least as effective as traditional on-campus learning.
Myth #2 Online Attendance is too Time Consuming
Most online degree programs are flexible, which means you can work at your own pace from anywhere and at a time that is most convenient to you.
Myth #3 Employers do not Accept Online Degrees
This used to vary from one employer to another but now employers see the benefits of online degrees. Most employers understand the need for busy professionals to attend a distance learning degree program to improve their qualifications and ability to move up the career ladder. Most employers’ main concern is that the educational institution is accredited and has a good reputation rather than the method you use to obtain your degree.
Myth #4 On Campus Attendance is Mandatory
Online learning methods vary from one institution to the next. Some institutions offer 100% online degree program with no on-campus attendance. Other institutions may offer courses as a combination of online and on-campus attendance requirement. So before completing the application process, make sure you know how your program is being delivered and if it will it be a problem if you have to attend class on-campus.
Myth #5 The Instructors are not Qualified
In order to teach at a reputable accredited university faculty members are required to have advanced degrees in addition to some online training programs in online instruction. Online instructors are very qualified and experts in their chosen field.
Myth #6 The Traditional Classroom is Better than Online Learning
This is a case of “to each his own”. Online learning is designed for people who want to continue their education but do not have the time to attend the traditional classroom setting. Distance learning makes education more convenient, especially for adults with families and full-time jobs. Many people choose distance learning simply out of necessity. Not everyone can enroll in traditional higher education due to work, commitments and obligations so distance learning provides the flexibility to continue working at a current job while pursuing your educational and career goals at the same time.
Myth #7 It is Quicker to Complete your Degree On-Campus
The time needed to complete a degree varies but it is possible to earn an online degree much faster with accelerated programs and the amount of time and dedication you put towards your online studies. A bachelor degree usually takes four years to earn on-site, but online students can complete the same degree in less than three years.
Myth #8 Credit Transfers are not accepted at Online Schools
Most online universities will accept credit transfers from regionally and nationally accredited institutions of higher learning, as long as the credits are eligible for credit transfer and can be applied to your degree program.
Myth #9 Online Learning is not Right for Everyone
It really depends on your learning style; online learning is very different than the traditional on-site learning, I have to agree. Anyone can adapt to online learning, all it takes is a bit of getting used to.
Myths #10 Online Degree Programs are Limited
Many degree programs are now available online. Online institutions offer Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees in addition to a variety of non-credit and certificate programs.
