Top FAQs about online education

By: James M. Tobin, Edited by: Joey Morris

Published: June 18, 2025

Frequently asked questions about online education

Answers to the online education FAQs listed below include insights from Melissa A. Venable, Ph.D. Melissa has 20 years of online education experience, which she earned through roles as an instructional designer, curriculum manager, adjunct professor, and career coach.

Some answers also contain crowdsourced observations from Reddit, a popular community-based social media platform where users discuss shared interests and issues. User comments have been paraphrased and edited for readability and grammar.

"Is an online degree as respected as an in-person degree?"

Many schools no longer identify courses or degrees as "online" in transcripts or official documents like diplomas. In this sense, the former distinction between online and traditional learning effectively no longer exists.

"Employer perceptions of online learning and training have changed over the years," Venable adds. "Employers not only hire applicants who have graduated from online programs, but they also partner with colleges and universities to provide online learning opportunities to their employees."

However, the university's reputation can play a role in how others view your degree. "It's generally perceived as easier to cheat when everything is online," writes Reddit user PhDapper, who self-identifies as a professor. "There are good online programs out there, but they need to be appropriately designed to ensure that learning is actually happening."

"Do professors notice if students have cameras on in Zoom lectures?"

"Professors may or may not be concerned about students having their cameras on during Zoom lectures," says Venable. "It can depend on the format of the class and the subject being covered. Students who are unsure about using their cameras should ask their professors for guidance."

Reddit user 97xray, who teaches higher education classes, adds: "It makes a big difference to me to see that students have their cameras on. I prefer to see the students as it encourages me to pose more questions to them."

"What does it mean when a class is posted as asynchronous, with no class time for the in-person portion?"

It typically means that the course is exclusively available in an asynchronous format, with no actual face-to-face or online class meetings.

Asynchronous courses typically feature pre-recorded lectures, which you can watch at any time. Engagement generally includes online forums or message boards where students can post questions and discuss class material.

"What qualifies as a 'good college'?"

Venable offers several tips that can help you identify a good online school. "First, check for current accreditation, which ensures a basic level of quality," she says. "Then, contact professors in programs that interest you, look for student testimonials and reviews, attend information sessions for prospective students, and ask about the things that are most important to you."

Venable also adds another important observation: "A 'good college' will provide the information you need to make the best decision you can before enrolling." If you get a sense that a school is hiding information that might impact your enrollment decision, consider looking elsewhere.

"What do you do to be focused in online classes?"

Reddit user Dream_7_lands posed this question in the platform's GetStudying community. Some of the top answers include:

• "Taking notes on everything that's being said usually keeps me engaged, because I make sure I don't miss anything."
• "When I get distracted, I focus on my breathing for a couple seconds, then go back to what I was supposed to be listening to. Little bit of a mindfulness trick."
• "Just keep your phone in another room."
• "Find somewhere that's not your house to study."

Ultimately, you may need to try several of these strategies — or something different and unique to you — before you find one that works.

"How do [professors] offer online office hours?"

Responding to this question in Reddit's Professors community, user Coffeechaos67 wrote, "We're required to offer Zoom hours if we teach online classes. I set a normal time and have Zoom up on my computer. I activate the wait room and the entry notification sound, so it'll tell me when a student comes in."

While specifics may vary among schools and instructors, you can reasonably expect a similar system for most online programs.

"How does credit transfer work?"

It depends on the receiving school's transfer credit system and policies. In general, you must submit academic transcripts for the courses for which you want credit. A university official will review your transcripts, plus applicable course descriptions, to determine their eligibility.

Some online schools have generous and inclusive transfer credit policies, which they may leverage to attract students to the program. Others have more restrictive systems. If you have credits to transfer, look into the school's policies and evaluation system before you apply.

"How can I tell if an online program is accredited?"

Search the university's website for its accreditation page, then visit the page to learn about the school's accreditation status. Some individual courses of study also hold programmatic accreditation. If these apply, you may find them mentioned on the school's general accreditation page or on the specific program's page.

Next, confirm the information you found. For institutional accreditation, use the Council for Higher Education Accreditation's institution finder or the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

For programmatic accreditations, visit the accrediting agency's website and verify the school's claim.

"I would like to join a class that has already started... How does it work?"

Reddit user MoMoBoy124 wanted to join an edX class that had already started, and they received this response from Redditor dagaetch:

"I work at MITx. The deadline to purchase a certificate in this course is today, and there are some assignments restricted to learners who upgrade. That said, if you did join the course and upgrade today, you should still be able to pass the course — we try not to allow learners to purchase a certificate unless they can still get a passing grade."

User subsetsum added, "You have to earn a passing grade in order to get a certificate. You've already missed several assignments and potentially exams so may not be able to catch up on time to pass the rest of the course. I think you should sign up in audit mode and try to learn as much as you can."

What's the best way to take an online, self-paced course?

Responding to this question in Reddit's Back to College community, user PracticeBurrito said, "My opinion isn't the easiest way, but you can register as a non-degree student at most schools. I've had non-degree student status at two community colleges and two four-year schools, and there were online and distance education options at some of them."

Notably, edX offers self-paced courses in dozens of subject areas. Explore areas that interest you to learn more.

"Is it normal to feel scared to go back to college?"

At age 33 and with a family to care for, Reddit user Tunaburn wanted to improve their employment prospects by upgrading their education, but said, "I'm scared to go and be told there's no way, and that it's too late for me."

Fellow thirty-something Reddit user Rcvvchase responded with these encouraging words: "It's extremely common [to feel scared], as is the fear at this age. You will quickly figure out that you aren't alone. Many go back to school at this age."

You are never too old to learn, and it is never too late to go back to college.

"How can I get my degree online with my complicated life?"

Venable shares her insights. "Time management skills are critical," she says. "Be ready and willing to sacrifice something while you are in school to allow yourself to be engaged in your courses and the learning experience."

Venable also speaks about the importance of forthrightness. "Have open conversations with your friends, family, and employers about your educational goals and the support you need as a student. You may be surprised at how supportive they can be."

Find answers to more online education questions on edX

For more information about online learning and the opportunities available on edX, explore courses by topic or browse undergraduate and graduate degree programs.