Demystifying Online Education with Oklahoma Connections Academy
Sponsored by Oklahoma Connections Academy
Dear TulsaKids Magazine Readers,
Every child is unique—and so is the way they learn. No two children learn in quite the same way, so a one-size-fits-all traditional education model may create barriers for some learners. We are fortunate to live in a state where school choice options exist to allow families to find an engaging learning environment where their student can learn in a way that works best for them.
Virtual education was a buzz-worthy topic surrounding the 2020 pandemic, however, families nationwide—and right here in our great state of Oklahoma—have been turning to virtual education as a viable school choice option for years.
Oklahoma Connections Academy is an accredited online public school and has been serving students in grades K-12 across Oklahoma—from Boise City to Broken Bow—for over a decade. We provide individualized learning to students through a curriculum and program built intentionally for the virtual environment that families trust. It’s one of the many reasons why 97% of Oklahoma Connections Academy parents say their child is satisfied learning at our school, according to our annual third-party survey.
While virtual education has proven to be a successful education option for many students and families across the state, myths and misconceptions about online education persist. To help demystify common misunderstandings surrounding virtual schools, Oklahoma Connections Academy presents to you the top five myths about online education:
Myth #1: Virtual school is the same as homeschool.
While virtual public school and homeschool take place at home, they are distinct educational approaches. Virtual schools provide public education in the comfort and safety of the student’s home, offering a structured learning environment supported by state-certified teachers and rigorous online curricula. In contrast, homeschooling requires parents to wear many hats, from curriculum development to teaching and grading. Virtual schools foster a collaborative learning community with the support and resources of public education. Learn more about the differences here.
Myth #2: Virtual schools are all about technology.
Virtual schools prioritize curriculum and instruction for students. Technology is a tool, not the focus, of online schools. Reputable online institutions prioritize academic achievement, parent and student satisfaction, and essential quality benchmarks, including accreditation from Cognia (formerly AdvancED), certified teachers, state-of-the-art technology, and community events. Parents should look beyond the use of technology to find a school committed to comprehensive education.
Myth #3: Virtual school is essentially “teacher-less.”
Certified teachers play a crucial role in online education. Certified teachers in virtual schools are actively involved in online courses, tailoring instruction to students’ needs and learning styles. Parent involvement is essential, with a designated Learning Coach assisting the child in day-to-day learning activities as needed. The best virtual schools create individualized learning plans, providing instruction and grading assignments collaboratively with the student and the Learning Coach.
Myth #4: Online school students spend all their time in front of a computer.
Students use various resources beyond the computer. In leading online schools, computers are tools for managing assignments and delivering interactive curricular materials. Students engage with textbooks, pencils, microscopes, and interactive curricula, completing some assignments “unplugged.” This diverse approach mirrors traditional school experiences, fostering a well-rounded education.
Myth #5: Online schooling limits quality social interactions for kids.
Students regularly socialize and interact with peers. Contrary to the misconception that online students lack socialization opportunities, they engage in various social activities such as IM, texting, phone calls, field trips, and interactions with adults in their schools and communities. Online public school flexibility enables students to participate in extracurricular activities, volunteer, and pursue athletic or creative talents.
Discover the advantages of online school with Oklahoma Connections Academy and learn how experienced parents debunk these myths. Your child can benefit from a dynamic and supportive online learning environment. To learn more about our tuition-free K-12 online public school, click here.
