Although online education has been around for over a decade, there are still several myths or misconceptions about it.  Many strides have been made to dispel some misinformation but there is still work to do.

Many schools find themselves struggling to help students overcome inaccurate feelings of what distance learning is and what it entails.  Listed below are the top seven myths of online education published in a recent post on DistanceEducation.org from Jennifer Williamson.  Can you think of more to add to this list?

1. You don't get as much peer and teacher interaction online.
2. Online education isn't as good as traditional school.
3. Online education is a scam.
4. Online education is easy.
5. You can't transfer distance learning credits to other universities.
6. Traditional colleges look down on online education.
7. Employers don't accept online degrees.

A must watch for all educators.  For the next nine minutes, watch, listen, believe, and commit to make a difference.

In a recent article, published in Ventura County Star, serviceman Wallace Larson earned his MBA from California Lutheran University taking online classes while serving in Germany and Iraq.  Technology allowed him access and with flexible assignments and instructors, Larson was able to obtain a degree in finance that gave him a new career path after retiring from the military.

In a similar story, The University of Wisconsin-Stout, reports their military students as a whole seem to have a higher level of commitment to complete their online classes.  Targeting these students could be a good move for retention in online programs. 

With new government funds from the GI bill to support soldiers in their quest to further educational goals, it is becoming a viable option for military personnel. Some analysts report having soldiers engaged in schoolwork, can help them stay connected to their lives they left behind.  Also, continuing to pursue one's life goals in the midst of chaos, can increase morale and limit discontentment.  Success stories are unlimited of opportunities soldiers have to complete or continue their education even though they've been deployed out of the country.

Most of the time a new year is accompanied by a fresh perspective.  It allows everyone to take a look back and plan for a better future.  Maybe to change your ways, add new skills, improve relationships or decide to "make things happen"!  In 2010, eLearningToolBox is determined to make things happen!  We are planning great things and can't wait to share with you what is on the horizon. 

While the political power hangs in the balance, as the economy see-saws and the housing market flip flops, when education budgets are being slashed, as unemployment stabilizes, one thing remains...if you keep doing what you've always done, then you'll keep getting what you've always gotten.  It's time to look at things differently in 2010. 

As we work hard in 2010, to close out this decade, it is time to ramp up our efforts to increase product awareness, establish closer relationships with clients, and find more meaning in the services that we provide.  We are ready to make 2010, look different...are you?

The week of November 9th-13th is National Distance Learning Week!  Check out our daily posts that will include interesting tidbits about what's going on in online learning! For more information go to http://www.ndlw.org/.