Shedding Light on More Myths on Online Learning

We have already covered some of the common misconceptions regarding online high schools. Alas, there are still more! We would hate for you to miss out on the advantages that an online high school can offer just because of unfounded misconceptions. We believe that the best way to fight misinformation is with information. So here are some more myths we will throw some light on.

Myth 1: You need a whole load of tech skills to make the most of your online high school courses.

Some say that online learning is more about the technology rather than the learning. While it is true that you need the basic skills such as sending e-mails, opening videos and joining forums, the software involved is pretty clear-cut and uncomplicated. If you know how to read, you can navigate your way through the learning system with ease. But since you’re into learning, you might as well upgrade and add to your lineup of technical skills. This is actually one of the benefits of an online school – it encourages familiarity and the use of technology. A good lineup of tech skills will look good on your resume and will also prepare you for college. However, it is still important to note that the high school lessons require more thinking and writing skills rather than technical skills.

Myth 2: Online high school does not require you 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 online teachers and students. You can also set up study groups where you can discuss lessons and projects with other classmates. Actually, your level of involvement in classes will depend on the online instructor, much like it would in traditional classes.

Myth 3: Online high school students can take as long as he wants to finish a course.

Yes, there is much flexibility in a virtual high school but it also does not give the online student carte blanche to take as long as he wants to finish a course. Most online high school programs work on a syllabus that has set time frames. This means that although you can take your lessons anytime of the day and week, you will still need to turn in assignments and projects on time.

Myth 4: You will need to go at it alone as you finish your online lessons.

Here’s the comforting fact: you are not alone! You have your online instructors who are more than willing to answer any questions you might have with regards to the lesson. As for technical issues, there is also a technical helpline when you have problems with your software or connection. And no, trying to finish all the coursework in one sitting won’t work. The curriculum requires a deeper commitment, as much as or even more than the effort required in traditional courses. That is why online learning works best with people who are self-motivated and self-directed.

Myth 5: Colleges don’t accept a high school diploma from an online school.

It depends on the college, as well as on the online school issuing the diploma. Colleges will prefer accredited online high schools that provide a college preparatory program, rather than vocational training. Colleges will also want to check the content of the curriculum. Generally, a diploma from an accredited online high school is as suitable as a diploma from a traditional school.

Myth 6: Online schools don’t provide social interaction.

The picture that runs in one’s mind is of a lonely high schooler that is cooped up in his room and sitting in front of the computer all day long. The myth is that student studies in isolation. This is not the case. Online learning requires a certain amount of networking by getting involved in online class discussions and study groups. This allows students to connect with classmates from various parts of the country, and even the world. Also, online learning actually provides the flexibility to enable the student to connect socially in pursuing his own interests by ways of joining clubs and civic organizations.

Myth 7: Online school is a “copy-paste” affair.

With today’s technology, there are mechanisms that prevent the act of plagiarism or having someone else sit an exam for you. There are tools that help check any usage of online source and that validate the student’s identity. The bottom line is that online schools require the same effort, as well as levels of integrity, as traditional schools.