5 Crazy Myths About Online School for Elementary Through High School Students- The Truth About E-Learning

Have you considered online class or virtual school but concerned about myths about online school? We’ve been there. Let’s clear up a few misconceptions.

The truth about online school….

Myth: Online School / Virtual School is easier than brick and mortar school.

I can see the reasoning behind this myth, and in some cases, it is true. Curriculum does exist out there to help struggling students graduate or to fulfill required courses that the student really has no interest or future use for. However, the truth about online school is that a well-organized online curriculum is just as (and potentially) more challenging than traditional school. With online classes, the options are endless and students can enroll in advanced classes beyond their grade level, dual enroll in college courses, and literally take classes from worldwide experts.

Myth: Online students spend their day in front of a computer.

Nope. In our case, my 9th and 10th grader both have one 90 minute online, live session of each course each week. The rest of the time is spent reading books, completing assigned worksheets, creating projects, taking quizzes and tests, and exploring areas of interest to them. Although some of their coursework is done on the computer, much of it is not.

Myth: Online students have no opportunity for interaction or socialization.

Again- a big, fat NOOOOO to this one. My kids participate in their live, online sessions and chat with other students and their teacher (in chat boxes or via microphone). In the courses we have opted for, they can even see the other students and their teacher on the computer.

My daughter just completed a lab assignment in which she was assigned to a group and they had to talk throughout the week and work together to finalize their report. Online education offers them the opportunity to meet and develop friendships from around the world. In fact, some social clubs and classes exist to link students up with those who have similar interests.

Myth: Online education is not going to prepare students for college.

I beg to differ here. Just like traditional school options, this one is going to depend on what curriculum you select. Options exist out there in the online world that will challenge even the most academically advanced child. AP classes, dual enrollment to college, entrepreneurship classes and honors courses exist for pretty much every subject you can imagine.

What WILL prepare students for college is the accountability and self-motivation it takes to excel in online school- those life lessons will serve students well in college. That’s the truth about online school.

Myth: Students can cheat on work in online school.

I suppose, but they can cheat in ‘regular’ school too. Just like the four reasons above, I think this depends on the curriculum you choose. I think there is a time and a place for memorizing, and there is also a time when we have to consider if all the memorizing is really paying off in the long term.

Shouldn’t we be focusing on teaching our children to learn HOW to learn? If online school can encourage that, I think it’s going to matter more in the long-run than if they can memorize a date in history. Students in online school write essays, take tests and quizzes, and have semester projects just like regular school.

What other myths have you heard related to online school? Make sure to join our private Facebook group to share with others interested in online school and e-learning!