Saturday, March 30, 2019

Why Parents Shouldn't Be Afraid of Virtual High School?


Even today, there are many parents who are literally scared of online courses for their kids! One major reason is that most of them are misinformed about online education. Some have false notions related to online learning.

Here are some top reasons why parents are afraid of virtual high school and why should they not be afraid:

Online high school course is easier than a traditional high school course
This is a myth altogether. Most of the genuine and accredited online schools make sure to provide challenging online courses. These online courses are highly engaging. Thus, students take a genuine interest in their studies. This helps them finish off their daily online course work in a short time when compared to that of a traditional school student. The other major reason behind this is that the online learning environment is devoid of distractions. Thus, students benefit here since they get a lot of time to work on their own skills.

Online high school courses are unaccredited
There certainly are some online schools that are not accredited. However, most of the genuine online schools are regionally accredited. You will have to do your own research. Try to know the accreditation status of the online school, first and foremost.

When an online high school course is regionally accredited, it implies that the online high school coursemeets the same high standards as on-ground courses. This is required to remain certified and hold the accreditation status.

Employers and Colleges do not accept online high school diploma

This is completely false. When an online high school diploma is regionally accredited, employers and college admission officers hold it in high regard. They surely do accept online high school diplomas, but only those that are regionally accredited.

In fact, many employers recognize that students gain excellent skills through virtual learning. Some of the vital life-skills gained through online learning are time-management, self-motivation, self-discipline, family values, sense of balance, etc.

No proper teacher-student communication
Since online learning involves no face-to-face communication, many parents are of the opinion that it might be a big challenge for an online student. However, it is not so! Students can easily talk to their certified teachers via email, Skype, or chat. Most of the online high school courses include group projects. Thus, even the shy and reticent students get to speak up in a traditional classroom setting. Thus, they readily take part in online discussions, without the fear of getting laughed at! This type of communication and a healthy exchange of ideas also lead to a strong sense of community. Most of the online schools make sure to create an active online community, with extracurricular activities.

Cheating is common at an online high school
The truth is that cheating can happen at any place, whether online or a physical space. However, in an online school, certified teachers know how to take steps to prevent cheating. Many software programs are developed that help recognizes plagiarism.

Online schools make students socially awkward
This is one big myth related to online schools. It is true that the ways of socialization are different in the virtual learning environment. However, these ways are pretty effective that lead to meaningful socialization, in usual. The good thing is that in an online environment, the student has the liberty to choose his/her friends or the one he/she wishes to socialize with. There is no forced socialization here.

Virtual schools are highly technology-driven

It might be true to some extent. However, it does not mean that an online student is required to be technically expert in order to succeed in his/her online high school course. To speak the truth, virtual schools are about curriculum and instruction for students. Most of the virtual high schools have the basic technology to enable students to join a virtual classroom, especially where there’s proper internet access. However, students will have to take the online curriculum and instruction very seriously. They should know the basics of technology. As such, basic technical skills are required everywhere today. So, it is not too big of a demand!

Virtual school students get addicted to their screens

It is a common concern. Now, online high schools provide a lot of flexibility. With this level of flexibility comes a good deal of responsibilities as well. So, students need to put limits on certain things. Parents must make sure that their kids are making limited use of social networking sites or other entertainment-related sites.

Also, many online students actually use textbooks, pencils, microscopes, and interactive curricula to study. In an online learning environment, a computer is a tool for teachers and parents to manage and track assignments. Also, it enables students to communicate and deliver interactive curricular materials. However, students can also complete some assignments off-screen. They can also spend their free time reading textbooks, using workbooks, reading library books and other things. Thus, students and parents need to work it out this way.

Parents need to teach and take a lot of responsibilities
Any online learning mode calls for some parental intervention. However, it might just be little! Most of the online high schools today come with a full-set of certified and qualified online teachers and other resources. They are sufficient to help your high-school kid learn in the most effective manner. Being parents, you would, at least, be required to monitor your child’s progress and attendance. Surely, you would be required to do the same when your child takes conventional high-school classes.

However, parents must do their homework before choosing an online high school for their kids. Not every online high school is credible! There are many fraudulent schools today. So, parents must be vigilant.

Make sure to look for a virtual school that has a track record of delivering student academic achievement. It must have good levels of parent and student satisfaction. Some of the other vital quality benchmarks include accreditation from AdvancED, highly qualified teachers, cutting-edge technology resources, networking opportunities, community activities, extracurricular activities, field trips for students, volunteering opportunities, early graduation courses, etc.

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