Correcting Misconceptions about Online Schools
Most people’s reservations about attending an online school come from some negative ideas that they have heard or read about. The bad news is, these misconceptions are holding them back from taking advantage of the opportunities to be had with an online education
Myth number 1 is that an online education is expensive. Fact is, tuition costs vary from one school to another, and this is applies not just to traditional schools, but online schools as well. Many offer reasonable rates, and in the case of online high schools, there are state-sponsored charter schools that offer distance learning for free.
One of the good things about online schools is that they allow students to get credit for courses they have taken in another school, so that they do not need to pay tuition for all the courses in the curriculum. This has the added advantage of lessening the amount of course work needed to earn a degree. Credit can also be obtained for relevant life experiences.
Myth number 2 is that it is impossible to get good quality education from online institutions. Again, as in traditional schools, online schools are not made equal. It is always a good idea to make sure that the school has the proper accreditation.
Work done in online schools is easier and less challenging. Truth: The workload is the same as in traditional schools, but the added challenge for the student to be responsible for the schedule and pace of his learning. This is not as easy as most people think, since there are many things that could distract a student from his or her tasks.
Myth number 4 is that distance learners are isolated and lacking in socialization. While it is true that communication with other students and teachers are limited to chat or email, there is nothing to stop distance learners from interacting with people in their neighborhood or meeting other people outside their studies through community organizations.
Online schools are not respectable. Truth: Respectability is assured by proper accreditation. This is why would-be students are advised to stay away from institutions that are not accredited or still in the process of accreditation.
Credits or degrees earned in an online school cannot be transferred or will not be accepted by employers. Truth: Again, this is not an issue with properly accredited institutions, especially those associated with established colleges and universities offering online degree programs.
There are a variety of reasons why a person would sign up with an online academy to finish their schooling. Classes are available for online high school down to elementary school.
