Online Learning Myths

It’s hard to know what to believe when it comes to online education. How can myths about online education be debunked? It starts with knowledge. Learn as much as you can, hear directly from students who have been enrolled in an online program, and don't just listen to the first thing you hear — Do your research to get to the truth. With hundreds of thousands of students graduating from high school online, there are more success stories out there than you think. 

Here are some of the most common myths that we've seen surrounding online education. Keep reading to learn why these are fiction, not fact.

Myth 1: Virtual school is for everyone.

Online high school may not be a good fit for every student. A student should be self-motivated in order to thrive in this type of environment. The way the lessons are delivered also requires the student to have time-management skills and the discipline to juggle the lessons with other interests such as your social life, hobbies, and other personal goals. If you struggle with motivating yourself or managing your time, virtual high school may not be for you.

What are the common challenges of online learning?

Some common challenges include needing to strengthen time-management skills, not having access to technology or the internet, and even lacking face-to-face communication. While there are many opportunities to communicate with your teachers, peers, and support team, some students really do need an in-person connection in order to thrive. 

Myth 2: You need to be tech savvy to do well.

Some say online learning is more about technology than learning. While it is true that you need to be able to do the basics like type, send an email, and navigate a student portal, online learning platforms are pretty clear-cut and uncomplicated. If you know how to read, you’ll be able to navigate most learning platforms with ease. 

What accessibility issues exist in online learning?

One issue that online students may have is accessing either technology or the internet. Some programs may offer program-provided technology and internet access, but many don't, so this could present an accessibility issue for students who can't afford a computer or internet service. Believe it or not, there are also still places that don’t have access to the internet at all. 

Myth 3: You’ll only interact with a computer program.

You’ll have teachers and classmates in online high school — You will just interact with them a little differently. You may participate with classmates through discussion forums, group projects, or video calls, depending on how your school’s curriculum is set up. Teachers will also likely interact with you through feedback on assignments and study or tutoring sessions.

Myth 4: Online school is a “copy-paste”/AI affair.

Online schools require the same effort and integrity as regular schools. With today’s technology, there are mechanisms in place to prevent plagiarism and cheating, either through copying and pasting content or using AI. Additionally, many schools use virtual proctoring services to validate students’ identities for testing and prevent cheating. 

How does technology impact online learning? 

Put simply, without technology, there would not be online learning. Advances in technology impact online learning for the better and have actually helped it become more custom to each student. For example, some platforms are able to tailor review material specifically to students based on areas they need to strengthen. 

Myth 5: You won’t have any opportunities for social interaction.

When you think of online school, you may picture a lonely high schooler cooped up in their room in front of a computer all day long. The myth is that online students study in isolation. This is not the case. 

Online learning requires a certain amount of networking — getting involved in class discussions and study groups, corresponding with teachers, attending tutoring sessions, etc. This allows you to connect with classmates from other parts of the country and may even the world.

Virtual school also makes room for you to build your social network outside of school. You’ll have time to meet people through clubs, civic organizations, or organized sports. 

Myth 6: You won’t have any support.

Here’s a comforting fact: You are not alone! You have your online instructors who are more than willing to answer any questions you might have with regard to your coursework.

Students who are earning their high school diploma online through The American Academy will have a support team that includes teachers, an Academic Coach, and 24/7 virtual tutors. This team helps our students stay on track to graduation and find success.

Myth 7: You don’t have to be actively involved in class discussions.

If you think you can take the back seat and simply surf through the lesson without joining class discussions, you may be surprised. Online high school classes highly encourage interaction between the teachers and students. You can also set up study groups where you can discuss lessons and projects with other classmates. Your level of involvement will depend on the instructor, much like it would in a traditional classroom. 

Myth 8: You can take as long as you want to finish courses.

While there is typically more Flexibility for. Online courses. Students still have deadlines that they need to meet. Most online high school programs use a syllabus that has set time frames. This means that while you have more control over when you complete coursework, you will still need to turn in assignments and projects on time. 

Myth 9: Colleges won’t accept a diploma from an online high school.

Typically, colleges don't care if your diploma was issued by an online or in-person high school. They're looking at the school's accreditation. They're also going to look at your transcript, which includes the classes that you took. Generally, an accredited diploma from an online high school is just as widely accepted as an accredited diploma from a traditional high school. 

Myth 10: You have to have medical issues or not be able to access an in-person school to go to online high school.

Online learning serves all types of students, not just those who have a mobility or medical issue that requires them to stay home. There are learners taking advanced courses or classes that aren't offered by their traditional high school. The American Academy offers individual courses. We are fully accredited, so credits should transfer to your high school, but we recommend checking with your guidance counselor before enrolling in a course. 

There are also families who prefer virtual learning because it gives them flexibility to do things like travel or participate in sports and arts programs. So flexibility is advantageous for all kinds of people, not just those who physically cannot attend an in-person high school.

Myth 11: You don’t learn as much from online courses as you do from face-to-face classes. 

There are diploma mills that churn out high school diplomas without requiring their “students” to do much in terms of coursework. However, for accredited online high schools like The American Academy, there is a need to develop a curriculum that meets the accrediting body’s stringent standards. Accredited online high schools require the same level of academic performance as that of traditional schools.

Myth 12: Your courses won’t take as much time as face-to-face classes. 

You may be surprised. Online high school students will likely spend as much time on the lessons as any other student. However, you will save the time on commuting to and from school, and you don’t have to wait for the bell between classes. 

Myth 13: Online classes are easier than face-to-face classes. 

This is simply untrue. Online high school lessons may be just as demanding or even more rigorous than to face-to-face lessons. The curriculum for online high schools covers similar content and requirements as traditional curricula. Again, online high schools may require more effort since the student has more flexibility (and thus more temptations to procrastinate). This means a student has to be committed and determined in order to complete the courses.

Now that you know the top myths surrounding online high school, let's dig into a few FAQs to help you determine if this type of learning environment is right for you. 

What are the main advantages of online learning? 

Advantages are different for everyone, but some of the main reasons people enroll in an online high school is because of the flexibility and the variety of courses available. 

How does online learning benefit adult learners? 

Online learning is beneficial to adult learners for several reasons. Flexibility is the top one that comes to mind. As you get older, your responsibilities increase and your time for other things decreases. Additionally, online learning may be beneficial for adult learners because there simply aren't many high school completion programs available for adults. It's convenient to be able to work on something online rather than have to drive 20 or 30 minutes to get to class a few times a week. 

It’s hard to know if something is fact or fiction when it comes to online high school. Make sure to do your research, both about virtual school in general as well as the school you’re interested in specifically. 

If you’re interested in The American Academy, our website is a great source of information about our accreditation and courses. You can also hear directly from graduates by watching their testimonials on our YouTube channel!