Online education has become more commonplace over the past few years. Scholars and their families enjoy the many benefits of online learning like flexible scheduling, attending a variety of field trips and having closer working relationships with their teachers. Despite the increasing popularity and demand for online classes, numerous myths and misconceptions still exist.
It’s time to separate fact from fiction. Here are eight common myths about online learning – and the truth behind them:
Myth 1: Online Classes Are Not High Quality
Fact: Many schools that offer online programs are regionally accredited by the same associations as brick-and-mortar schools, and they are held to same set of high standards. Compass Charter Schools (CCS) is a WASC-accredited public charter school that is required to abide by a rigorous set of academic standards to ensure the highest quality of education for its scholars. CCS classes are also taught by properly credentialed academic staff.
Myth 2: Scholars Don’t Have Assignment Deadlines
Fact: Scholars who choose online classes have deadlines and due dates just like scholars who attend brick-and-mortar schools. Online classes have a definite academic schedule that includes deadlines for reading assignments, class projects, group discussions and much more. Scholars in online classes have the flexibility to create their own daily learning schedule, however they must follow a set schedule of due dates, and submit their work accordingly. CCS uses StrongMind, a rigorous online curriculum provider, to help scholars stay on schedule, submit their assignments on time, and track their grades.
Myth 3: Attendance Doesn’t Matter
Fact: Scholars in online programs are required to attend their classes and participate just like scholars in brick-and-mortar schools. Attendance records for online classes can determine a scholar’s grade and even contribute to graduation eligibility. Those who choose not to consistently attend class are considered to be “chronically absent,” which occurs when a scholar misses at least five assignments within a 10-day span. Chronic absence can lead to academic struggles and even possible dropout. September is Attendance Awareness Month, so CCS is raising awareness about chronic absence and sharing the importance of attendance with scholars and their families.
Myth 4: Scholars Are Anonymous
Fact: There’s no hiding in the back of the room or flying under the radar in an online class. Every scholar is accounted for and expected to participate. Teachers care about each scholar and require them to participate to measure their academic growth and development. Teachers at CCS hold weekly Learning Labs, which are live, online class sessions. During these sessions the teachers engage with their scholars through video chat, through a system called Adobe Connect, and present their lessons. The scholars have the opportunity to participate by asking questions and engaging with their peers. During the Learning Labs, CCS teachers get to know each of their scholars, and build a caring, professional relationship with them. This is also accomplished during their weekly Q&A sessions, along resource meant to support scholars in their learning.
Myth 5: You Have to be a Technology Expert
Fact: You don’t need to be a technology expert to succeed at online learning, but it’s helpful to have a basic knowledge of computers and the Internet. Many online programs will teach their scholars how to use specific software programs for class. CCS provides detailed training sessions to ensure that all of the scholars and learning coaches understand how to use specific online tools like StrongMind and Adobe Connect.
Myth 6: The Teachers Are Difficult to Contact
Fact: Scholars in online learning programs often have more access to their teachers than scholars in a brick-and-mortar school. Teachers of online classes are able to engage with their scholars through chat, emails, phone calls and more. They are used to interacting with their scholars in a digital environment and are often able to quickly respond to their scholars’ messages throughout most of the day. Teachers at CCS make themselves easily available during their live Learning Labs and their weekly Q&A sessions. They spend time each week meeting with their scholars to discuss course content, assignments, healthy study habits, projects and much more.
Myth 7: Online Classes Are Boring
Fact: The style of online classes continues to break the mold and is setting new trends in education. Quality online education is carefully designed to engage scholars in the content, spark discussions and encourage scholar involvement. Online classes often find creative ways to help scholars get excited about their classwork. For example, at CCS, scholars are encouraged to conduct science experiments at home and present their projects during their Learning Labs.
Myth 8: There’s Not Enough Social Interaction
Fact: Scholars in an online program have various opportunities for social engagement throughout their school day. Scholars have the flexibility to study in the location of their choice, which creates unique opportunities for social interactions that other children may not be able to experience. Scholars in an online program have the ability to meet new people while they study, which can help develop key social skills, confidence and much more. CCS even has scholar clubs like a chess club, school newspaper, a photography club, and several more to enhance scholars’ learning experience and to create a sense of community. CCS also schedules several field trips each month to strengthen scholars’ academic experiences and create more opportunities for social interaction. The field trips give scholars the chance to meet their peers and the academic staff in person, and provides a hands-on learning experience.
Online education is an educational delivery model that has evolved greatly over time. The digital resources and tools that are now available help scholars overcome previous barriers to their learning. While not for everyone, an online education is a model that can help a scholar meet their unique educational needs. And at Compass Charter Schools, the results speak for themselves.
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Compass Charter Schools (CCS) is a WASC-accredited virtual charter school that serves families throughout California. Interested in learning more about CCS’ flexible academic programs and engagement activities for scholars? Visit our website, or contact our enrollment team at enrollment@compasscharters.org or (877) 506-8631.