We’ve talked about motivation and having a growth mindset for learning, but what about having a mindset that is prepared for learning online? Do you have realistic expectations for your upcoming online learning experience? Or are you bringing with you misconceptions about online education? Read on to make sure you are aware of the truths and myths about online learning.

An online course will be easier and take less time.

This is not true. Online courses are built with the same level of rigor in mind as on ground courses. In fact, many students say online courses are more difficult because they can’t simply show up, sit in the back row of the room, and be a passive participant. In online classes, every student is expected to participate.

An online course will be self-paced; I can do it as quickly or slowly as I like.

To some degree this is true -- you’ll have asynchronous work to do in your classes that is generally due each week. Asynchronous means “not in real time” so yes - you can do it anytime… as long as it’s submitted by the due date. But you need to keep up with the deadlines in your course. Having said that, do not plan doing all of your work in one sitting or putting it off (procrastinating) for an extended amount of time. You need to be an active learner throughout the week.
TIPS for being active
- Login to the course on the first day of the module
- Preview the entire module and note activities, assignments, and due dates
- Plan your week and decide when you will work on the course
- Login every day for at least 5 minutes and check for announcements and check the Q&A Discussion Board, if there is one!
- Interact in collaborative activities (such as discussions) on time! The research is clear, students who are more interactive earn higher grades

I won't have to interact with classmates in an online or blended course.

Wrong! A GOOD online course requires all students to engage with each other and with the instructor. A GOOD online course will feel humanized, where you feel like you’ve met real humans (even though maybe you haven’t met them in person). You’ll be engaging with your classmates in live sessions through Zoom, via asynchronous video posts where you can see and hear your peers, in classrooms on campus (for blended discussion) and text-based discussion, and more! There’s no back row in online education! You’re in the front row participating with everyone.

Online courses run themselves; the instructor doesn't have much to do or say and I’ll hardly know them.

You’ll be surprised to find out that many instructors feel like they get to know their online students more than their on-ground students. This is because all students do participate in the discussion, especially in asynchronous discussions. Your instructor will be actively engaged in facilitating your learning process by guiding asynchronous and synchronous discussions (e.g. live video or on ground sessions), providing you with feedback, facilitating your critical thinking and application of course concepts too, and connecting with you as individuals.
You’ll also find many instructors willing to hop on Zoom or talk by phone at a mutually beneficial time just to chat with you about career goals, class questions, etc. That’s nowhere near as intimidating as having to GO TO OFFICE HOURS. Many instructors schedule Zoom meetings as part of the course where you may meet with just your instructor, whole class, or a small group.