ABSTRACT
After thirteen years of tracking by expert statisticians, general consensus among researchers is that online courses are well-established into the education culture and will continue indefinitely. Instead of asking if the courses are relevant, therefore, a better approach would be to investigate if the myths surrounding online education are true. Focusing on students, instructors, academic institutions, and employers this paper seeks to sort misconception (myth) from reality. The greatest of these misconceptions is that online courses are a substitute for traditional classroom courses. This is unrealistic as distance learning is only one answer to the changing needs of those desiring an education. Students desiring flexibility or a foreign education benefit greatly, and academic institutions and employers are supporting the online agenda students have of receiving a quality education. Instructors, as well as students, are taking the bulk of the responsibility in ensuring the success of the courses. Hence, if delivered well, distance learning can provide a quality education.
Keywords
online education, myths of online education, realities of online education, sources less than eight years old regarding online education