Benefits and Myths of Online Learning

The benefits of online learning go beyond mere convenience. You may find online learning more conducive to your learning style. If you are motivated, disciplined, and enjoy online interaction through social media sites, Email, and other interactive means, then online learning may be ideal for you.

Attend class anytime, anywhere you have web access

You can fit your coursework around your work and family commitments.

Access course materials 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Log in any time and access lectures, discussions, explanations, and comments.

Benefit from student-centered teaching approaches

Every student has his or her own way of learning that works best for them. Also, students who have disabilities may find learning online fits their needs.

Improve communication skills

Learn to use the current technologies that are critical in today’s global workplace. 

Network with classmates from a wide range of backgrounds and locations

Online students often feel that they can actually listen to the comments made by other students, because everyone gets a chance to contribute.

Access to instructors

Use chat, discussion forums, or course Email without having to wait for office hours.

Improve your grades

A study from the Department of Education found that students taking online courses outperformed their peers in traditional classrooms. Learning at your own pace and taking more time to read, review, and discuss often results in higher grades.

Learn innovative strategies for virtual teamwork

Use electronic communication to interact with a group. Employers highly value this skill.

Benefit from a flexible schedule

Flexible schedules are extremely helpful if you are balancing education with work and family.

Online learning is easier and takes less time.

Online learning requires increased time-management in exchange for the flexibility of completing class work without being in a traditional classroom. Online courses are just as rigorous as on-campus classes. You must still participate and submit assignments by the deadlines.

It's easy to cheat in an online class.

Cheating is no more prevalent in online classes than it is in traditional classes. In addition, the Blackboard utility SafeAssign used by the College to monitor and encourage academic integrity hold our students to a higher standard. Instructors also use special configurations on tests that require you to take tests that may be timed, individualized, and include essay questions. Cheating is not tolerated and it is grounds for dismissal.

Online students are not connected to the campus.

Online courses provide extensive interaction with instructors and other students through discussion forums, chat, and other technologies. The more you participate, the more connected you will be.

There are no real teachers in an online class.

At Tompkins Cortland, you'll learn from the same expert instructors who are professionally trained to teach our on-campus classes. Though you might not see them in person, you will interact with them online through discussion forums, course Email, chat, and online lectures.

Employers won’t accept online degrees or classes.

With millions of online learners in the United States, employers realize that 'online' is simply a new delivery format, not a separate kind of education. Tompkins Cortland is an accredited college and transcripts do not mention whether coursework was completed on campus or online. The learning objectives and requirements are the same.