Top 5 Myths About Online Learning
As a child, did you ever play the game telephone? It starts when one person whispers something into another person’s ear and then the message is passed down from person to person. At the end, the message is completely different from what was first whispered. We see this a lot in real life. Unless a person experiences something for themselves, they really don’t know what their message will be!
Online learning has been around for more than 20 years now, but there are still some messages that have been passed down throughout the years that aren’t exactly the “real” message.
Bottom line: It’s a great idea to try something for yourself before you judge what it may be like! Have you tried online courses yet? Will you be the next?
Misconceptions About Online Learning
1. Courses are super easy!
Florida Virtual School (FLVS) provides public school curriculum. That means that FLVS follows the same standards as any other school in Florida. Just like classes in a traditional school, our courses are rigorous and require a lot of hard work! Most students find that online courses can actually be more challenging as learning online requires a different skill set of learning. Online learning is much more independent, and it is up to the student to be proactive, stay organized and on track, and reach out when they need help.
2. College/Universities do not like when students take online course!
Have you noticed that many college/universities are now offering many online courses as well? Learning online is a skill that needs to be mastered! Therefore, colleges/universities love to see students who have taken online courses. Successful online learners demonstrate to colleges that they have mastered soft skills like time management and organization before they even head off to college!
3. You are on your own!
With FLVS courses, you will have a teacher for every course; you are never alone! By calling, texting, or emailing your teacher, you can get the answer that you need to understand the material and move on! FLVS offers many live lessons within the courses where a live teacher is teaching the material in real time.
4. Everyone cheats in online courses!
There is no clear data that shows that students who take online courses cheat more than students in a face-to-face classroom. FLVS takes academic integrity very seriously. We have built-in safe guards to make sure a student’s work is original. FLVS prides itself on getting to know our students and completing DBAs (Discussion-based Assessments) with each student to make sure they truly understand the material.
5. There are no deadlines!
While FLVS courses allow some flexibility in pace, you must maintain a set pace in every course by working each and every week. While you are welcome to work at an accelerated pace in your courses, you must maintain at minimum the traditional pace, typically completing three to four assignments per course per week. This ensures that a student is retaining the material and building on their knowledge!
So, forget those whispers about what online learning is and check it out for yourself! FLVS Flex courses are offered year-round and open for enrollment today.
Anne Flenner, School Counselor, has worked to meet the academic, social, personal, and professional needs of FLVS students since 2011. Previously a school counselor in Alachua County, she has received several awards and serves on multiple state counseling boards and committees. She has a Master's degree in Counselor Education from UF. Anne loves working with student athletes, supporting college and career readiness, and focusing on student mental health and wellness.
View all posts by Anne Flenner
Right place to have you kids. For me it’s a life saver, like a mom you always want the best options for your child. From my experience, I can say your kid will learn. It’s not easy, it challenges them all the time, and everything they learn, is applied in real life.
I can say that none of these are even true. In fact, I know someone who is trying to take a collage online course and stuff like that can be hard work. And online learning does not leave you alone. I call and email my teacher all the time. Thank you for posting this.
About Misconception #1: my grandson like these courses better because 1. they are much more informative than the “regular” school, even though supposedly they cover the same materials, 2. the online classes are more academically challenging, allowing him to really stretch his mind. And 3. Whenever he wants to ask a question, I never make him feel stupid, I just look online for the answer. We explore topics as we please, not just as the testing requires it. Another bonus, which many folks don’t bring up is the absolute lack of bullying. That is a big reason why I have more time to teach, is because I only have 1 student, and 0 bullies. Not everyone else is as well-equipped as I am to deal with a disabled kid without public school resources, but I think it’s well worth it. So does the student.