The Truth about Online Schools
Despite the growing popularity of distance learning, many people still hesitate to enroll in an online school. Their knowledge may include misconceptions that keep them from taking online high schools and universities seriously. This is unfortunate, since distance learning has a lot of advantages for working people who wish to continue their education or people who are in situations that make attendance in traditional schools difficult.
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.
Myth number 3 is that the work done in online schools are easier or less challenging than in a traditional school. The truth is the workload is the same; it’s just that student’s schedules are more flexible. They will be scheduling their education around work, family and other obligations. This requires more discipline and motivation than is needed from a regular student.
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 people might sign up with an online academy to finish their schooling. Courses are available for online high school down to elementary school.
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