Usually, when you hear the word "school," you envision a classroom with a desk, chalkboard and books. But, the Covid-19 pandemic has completely turned the concept of traditional classrooms upside down. Strangely enough, the classrooms of today are all about Zoom meetings, online resources and breakout rooms. 

Given the circumstances, we understand why you may be feeling like a cat on hot bricks right about now. Online education is most definitely a novelty for your child and you’re probably worried about how they might cope with it. 

Now you’ve probably heard a lot about online learning. Some of it good, and some of it bad. But is any of it true? We’re here to help you find out.  

In this article, we will be debunking four common myths about online learning.

Myth or not, it’s time to find out!

1. Online Learning is a Tough Nut to Crack

Online education gets quite a bit of bad press for being complicated. But that's not true at all. Yes, your child might have to learn the basics of video-conferencing platforms, but such applications will usually provide them with a step-by-step guide that is easy to follow. In fact, their super simple interfaces will surely get your children zooming in no time.

2. Social Interactions Are Few & Far Between

Are online classes conducive to social interaction? This question haunts most parents who grapple with the dilemma of online learning. We agree that there are instances where children feel isolated and lonely in virtual classrooms. But this is usually because of how the course is structured. There are many courses that prioritize social interaction in online learning. These classes generally feature discussion forums, online collaborative projects, group webinars and breakout rooms. As a parent, you really need to dig deep and find such courses, so that your child can interact and collaborate with their peers. 

3. Lectures, Lectures & More Lectures

Most people feel like online education is all about long and winding lectures that never seem to stop. Nothing could be further from the truth. Granted, there are a bunch of recorded lectures that children need to watch. But at the same time, there are a host of fun activities planned as well. Many online classes provide children with the opportunity to join breakout rooms for  discussions, watch interactive videos about the concepts they’re learning and voice their opinions on various subjects. 

4. Self-Paced Classes Are a No Go

A good majority of online classes provide children with the option of learning at their own pace. They are able to do this with recorded lectures and pre-uploaded assignments. However, there is a misconception that this flexible nature of online learning renders it ineffective. Contrarily, self-paced learning can actually help your child learn better. This is because each child has their own unique learning style. By learning at their own pace, children can maximise their time to meet their learning objectives, without having to worry about the progress of their peers. In traditional classrooms, fast learners quickly get bored, while slow learners get confused. The self-paced structure of online learning helps them learn in the way that is best suited for them. 

So, there you have it - a few common myths laid to rest. We hope that this article has given you a little more clarity on whether you should consider online education for your child. If you’ve still got some reservations, our team of experts is always happy to help with a no-obligation consultation.