Table of Contents
- Online Learning Myths
- Myth #1: Online Schools are not “Real” Schools.
- Myth #2: Students in Virtual schools are Taught by a Computer, not a Teacher.
- Myth #3: Students are Isolated and Lonely.
- Myth #4: Online courses are easier than face-to-face courses.
- Myth #5: Cheating is more prevalent in online courses.
- Resources and References:
Online Learning Myths
There are many myths or misconceptions about virtual or online learning and online high schools. In this blog article, we work to debunk some of the more common myths.
Myth #1: Online Schools are not “Real” Schools.
Truth: There are many reliable and accredited online public high schools across the United States. Our students work through a rigorous, standards-based curriculum in a wide variety of courses. We offer all the main courses and several other options for electives that a learner needs to graduate. As a virtual student at the High School of America, you can receive your High School Diploma without ever setting foot inside a traditional school building.
Myth #2: Students in Virtual schools are Taught by a Computer, not a Teacher.
Truth: Our High School of America teachers are a very vital part of our school. Every class has a devoted teacher working one-on-one with the students. As a matter of fact, our virtual class sizes are often smaller than typical face-to-face class sizes. While a teacher’s role is different in a virtual school than in a traditional school model, they are very much a lively part of each student’s educational experience. Teachers will instruct, encourage, coach, organize, and assist the learners throughout the entire semester.
Myth #3: Students are Isolated and Lonely.
Truth: One thing that sets the High School of America apart from many other online high school options is our commitment to building a lively community within our school and each class. Not only do our learners regularly interact with real teachers, but they also enjoy lots of peer interaction as well.
Our school’s virtual learning environment is set up to make it easier for students to work collaboratively with each other and mingle with their peers. Taking classes at the High School of America is far from an isolated experience.
Myth #4: Online courses are easier than face-to-face courses.
Truth: Because we are a state-accredited online public high school, our classes meet the same standards that a student would find in any conventional school. We run the same testing, have the same attendance, and mastery expectations. What makes virtual school a better option for some learners is the ability to move at one’s own pace.
Students can take their time on lessons and topics that are more challenging for them and move quickly through the content of which they have a strong understanding. The same standards are met, but without the limitations of the student’s pace and with more flexibility in the time of day that students complete the work.
Myth #5: Cheating is more prevalent in online courses.
Truth: In actuality, studies show that cheating is not more common or frequent in virtual courses than in face-to-face classes. As a matter of fact, George Watson and James Sottile (2010) of Marshall University found that cheating was happening with more frequency in traditional classes than in virtual programs.
Our teachers get to know each student and their writing on a personal level. As our teachers design content, they also look for opportunities for authentic, engaging assessment that prevents cheating from taking place.
