With all the recent hype about advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is but natural for us to wonder about the involvement of technology in our lives. As we get more and more technologically advanced, it is more likely that every field we know of will be revolutionized by technology in some way. Why should education be any different?
While distance learning and homeschooling programs have been around for a number of years, online learning platforms have slowly been making headway in terms of delivering similar programs in a much more interactive manner at very affordable costs. However, making the transition has not been smooth, and several people still remain skeptical of the benefits of enrolling with online schools.
Here, we explore five common myths about K-12 online schools and how debunking these common misconceptions can open up a world full of new opportunities for you and your family.
Myth #1: Online classes are easier than traditional classes
It is easy to understand why someone would think this. However, the truth is that online classes are indeed just as challenging as traditional ones, if not more. While the stress of having to cope with peers in a classroom has been mitigated through the use of virtual learning environments, it doesn’t necessarily imply that completing your coursework would get any easier just because you’re now using an online platform. In fact, the course curriculums can be just as challenging as the ones used in traditional schools, while expectations from students remain the same.
Studying in an online environment requires a high degree of self-motivation. In a traditional classroom, the teacher ensures that students pay attention to the subject matter being taught. They also ensure that timetables are adhered to, which in turn ensures that students complete their coursework on time. At home, it is up to the students (and their parents) to ensure that coursework assignments are completed on time while keeping distractions down to a minimum.
Myth #2: The quality of education is lower in online schools
This is another myth associated with the perception that online classes are easier than traditional ones (Myth #1). The reality however, is that reputable K-12 online schools like The Ogburn Online School are accredited schools, which means the quality of education imparted by such schools is regulated by federal and state agencies. The quality of education imparted by such online schools is on par with that of traditional schools, and in most cases better, since they provide students with a holistic learning environment centered on the safety and comfort of their own homes.
High school diplomas awarded by accredited online schools are perfectly valid and are treated on par with those earned from traditional schools. These diplomas and degrees are accepted by universities and colleges across the country and can be used to apply for higher education opportunities, employment opportunities as well as military service.
Myth #3: Online courses cannot be transferred
This is one common myth that typically prevent students from enrolling with online schools. Not only is this not true, but it is also one of the major factors that prevent students from exploring their true potential. Online courses offer students a wide array of options to choose from. For example, schools like The Ogburn Online School offer online high school students a number of options in terms of Honors courses as well as Elective courses, in addition to their regular course curriculum.
One important aspect to remember in this case is to make sure you enroll with an accredited online school. Accreditation ensures that the school adheres to federal and state regulations, and all the necessary requirements are met when it comes to delivering a high-quality education. Although there may be certain nuances that you need to be aware of, online courses can definitely be transferred depending on the respective school requirements.
Myth #4: Employers do not value online diplomas and degrees
This is another myth that doesn’t hold true. As more and more employers embrace technology, it is very evident that they understand the value of online courses and their potential. In fact, a new trend has emerged in corporate America where companies are now adopting the use of online training modules that are similar to the ones being used by online schools.
As long as your high school diploma or degree has been awarded by an accredited, online high school, employers will treat it on par with diplomas and degrees earned via traditional schools. This is because accreditation ensures that the educational quality standards meet the requirements laid down by federal and state agencies. To understand why accreditation is important and to know more about regional and national accreditation agencies, click here.
Myth #5: You have to be tech-savvy to enroll for online courses
While it’s true that you need to have some basic knowledge of how to use computers and the internet, it is not true that you need to be very tech-savvy to be able to use an online learning platform. These platforms have been designed keeping in mind the different needs of different students. Online schools make use of different technologies to make their course content more engaging and interactive. This includes the use of audio and visual content, multimedia resources, and other interactive tools that make learning more fun and engaging for students of all ages.
If you’re looking to enroll with a K-12 online school such as The Ogburn Online School, we encourage you to move beyond these common misconceptions. Don’t let such myths stop you from exploring your true potential. To help you get started, you can begin by understanding just how online schools really work by clicking here.
