What are the Common Myths About Learning from Home?
When you think about the traditional schooling model, what comes to mind? Pencils and paper, classrooms with rows of desks, a teacher at the front of the room instructing students.
For many people, this is the only image that comes to mind when they think about learning. But what if there was another way? What if you could learn from home? Believe it or not, online homeschooling is becoming an increasingly popular choice for students and their families.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common myths and truths about learning from home. So read on to find out more!
Top 18 Myths About Online Homeschooling
Some of the top myths about learning from home include:
1. Myth: Online homeschooling is not as good as traditional schooling
Many people believe that online homeschooling is not as good as traditional schooling, but this is simply not true. In fact, online homeschooling can be just as effective as traditional schooling, if not more so.
The truth is, online homeschooling can be just as good as traditional schooling, if not better. With online homeschooling, you have the flexibility to tailor your child’s education to their specific needs and interests.
You also have the ability to choose from a wide range of online courses and materials, so you can find the perfect fit for your child. Additionally, online homeschooling allows you to connect with other families and educators from around the world, which can provide your child with truly global education.
2. Myth: Online homeschooling is easier than traditional schooling
This myth is perpetuated by the idea that online homeschooling must be easier than traditional schooling because you are not physically in a classroom. But the truth is, online homeschooling can be just as challenging as traditional schooling, depending on the curriculum and program you choose. The key is to find an online homeschooling program that is right for you and your family.
3. Myth: You have to be a computer whiz to homeschool online
Another common myth about online homeschooling is that you have to be a computer whiz to do it. But the truth is, anyone can homeschool online, as long as they are willing to learn.
There are plenty of resources available to help you get started, including online tutorials, how-to guides, and even live support from some online schools.
4. Myth: Online homeschooling is isolating
Some people believe that online homeschooling is isolating, but this is not the case.
In fact, online homeschooling can be quite social. Many online homeschooling programs offer opportunities for students to interact with their peers through forums, chat rooms, and video conferencing.
Additionally, many online homeschooling programs offer field trips and other extracurricular activities that allow students to socialize and learn outside of the virtual classroom.
5. Myth: Online homeschooling is not affordable
Another myth about learning from home is that it is not affordable. While the cost of homeschooling online can vary depending on the program you choose, many free and low-cost options are available.
Additionally, many families find that homeschooling online is actually more affordable than traditional schooling since they no longer have to pay for things like transportation, uniforms, and school supplies.
6. Myth: Online homeschooling is not flexible
Many people believe that online homeschooling is not flexible, but this is not the case. In fact, online homeschooling can be quite flexible, depending on the program you choose.
Some programs offer synchronous learning, which means that students and teachers meet online at a set time, while other programs offer asynchronous learning, which means that students can access the material at any time.
7. Myth: Online homeschooling is not accredited
Another myth about online homeschooling is that it is not accredited. But the truth is that many online homeschooling programs are accredited by well-respected organizations, such as the National Association of Private Schools.
In addition, many online schools are accredited by the state in which they are located. Therefore, it is important to check with the program you are interested in to make sure they are accredited by a reputable organization.
8. Myth: Online homeschooling is not rigorous
The other common concern is that online homeschooling is not as rigorous as traditional schooling because there is no face-to-face interaction between teachers and students.
But the truth is, online homeschooling can be just as rigorous as traditional schooling, if not more so. The key is to find an online homeschooling program that offers a challenging curriculum.
Furthermore, many online homeschooling programs offer advanced courses for students looking for a more challenging education.
9. Myth: Online homeschooling does not prepare students for college
Another myth about online homeschooling is that it does not prepare students for college.
But the truth is, many online homeschooling programs offer courses that are equivalent to those offered at traditional schools, so homeschooled students are already familiar with the format. Additionally, many colleges and universities accept credits from online homeschooling programs.
Additionally, homeschooled children have the same opportunities to prepare for college as any other child. They can take standardized tests, such as the SAT or ACT, and they can also participate in college prep courses, such as AP courses.
10. Myth: Cheating is acceptable in online homeschooling
Students learning from home might get the idea that cheating is more acceptable because they are not in a classroom setting.
But the truth is that cheating is never acceptable, and online homeschooling programs have policies in place to prevent it. If you are caught cheating, you will likely be expelled from the program and will not be able to receive credit for the course.
There are many ways to prevent cheating, such as proctoring exams and requiring students to submit their work through plagiarism checkers.
11. Myth: Employers don’t value online education
This is one of the most common myths about online education. Some people believe that employers don’t value online high school diplomas.
However, many employers value online education as much as traditional education because they know that students who take online high school programs are self-motivated and disciplined.
Additionally, employers are often more interested in your skills than the school you attended. If you have the skills and experience that an employer is looking for, it is unlikely that they will care whether or not your education was completed online.
In fact, many employers are now specifically looking for candidates who have experience with online learning because they know that these candidates are comfortable with technology and are used to working independently.
12. Myth: Specially-abled students are the most disadvantaged in online learning
This is one of the most popular myths about online schooling. People think that specially-abled children are at a greater disadvantage when learning online as they cannot get the required level of attention.
While it is true that some disabled students may need more assistance than others, many online homeschooling programs offer services specifically for disabled students. These programs provide the same level of attention and care that would be given to any other student.
In addition, many online homeschooling programs offer courses that are specifically designed for disabled students. So, if you have a child with special needs, it is important to check with the program you are interested in to see if they offer services specifically for disabled students.
13. Myth: Online learning only works for theory-based subjects
This is another popular myth about online schooling. People think that online learning only works for theory-based subjects, such as history or English.
But the truth is, there are many online homeschooling programs that offer courses in a variety of subjects, including practical ones like science and math. So, if you are interested in a particular subject, it is important to check with the program you are interested in to see if they offer courses in that subject.
14. Myth: Personal attention by teachers towards their students is lost online
This is probably the most common concern about online schooling. People think that because there is no face-to-face interaction between teachers and students, the personal attention that is so important for a child’s education is lost.
But the truth is, many online homeschooling programs offer a variety of ways for teachers to interact with their students, including through video conferencing, chat rooms, and email.
If you are concerned about the personal attention your child will receive, it is important to check with the program you are interested in to see how they handle communication between teachers and students.
15. Myth: All online schooling programs are the same
This is another common myth about online schooling. People think that all online homeschooling programs are the same, but this is simply not true. Each program is different, and it is important to find one that best meets your child’s needs.
When looking for an online homeschooling program, it is important to consider the curriculum, the services offered, the cost, and the program’s accreditation. These are all important factors to consider when you are choosing an online homeschooling program.
16. Myth: Online schooling is not for everyone
This is another common myth about online schooling. People think that online schooling is not for everyone, but this is simply not true. While there are some children who learn better in a traditional classroom setting, there are many others who thrive in an online learning environment.
It is important to consider your child’s learning style when you are choosing an online homeschooling program. If your child is a visual learner, you might want to consider a program that offers courses taught through videos. If your child is a kinesthetic learner, you might want to consider a program that offers courses taught through hands-on activities.
17. Myth: Homeschooling is illegal in some states
This is another common myth about homeschooling. People think that homeschooling is illegal in some states, but this is simply not true.
Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, and there are a variety of homeschooling options available in each state. If you are interested in homeschooling your child, it is important to check with your state’s department of education to find out what the homeschooling laws are in your state.
18. Myth: Homeschooled children are not well-rounded
This is another common myth about learning from home. People think that homeschooled children are not well-rounded, but this is simply not true. Homeschooled teenagers have the same opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities as any other student.
Many homeschooling families take advantage of the flexibility of the homeschooling schedule to make sure their children are involved in various activities, including sports, music, and other extracurricular activities.
Conclusion
While homeschooling has become an increasingly popular option in recent years, it’s important to remember that there are a number of myths associated with it.
Before making the decision to educate your child from home, be sure to do your research and contact a reputable institution like High School of America for more information.
Our experienced educators can help you navigate the process and answer any questions you may have about homeschooling your teen.