The 10 biggest online learning myths, debunked by parents

If you’re considering online learning, you’ve likely heard misconceptions about socialisation, screen time, and more. But what do families who’ve actually made the switch have to say?

Here’s the reality of the online learning experience, in the words of parents here at King’s InterHigh.

Myth: “Online learning is isolated”

The idea that learning online involves sitting alone at a computer screen, disconnected from teachers and classmates, couldn’t be further from the truth.

At King’s InterHigh, our online lessons are taught live and interactive, with discussion and collaboration that gets everyone involved. Even young people who feel anxious about speaking up can get involved, with various chat boxes, quizzes, and polls to participate with. “Reyan loves the interactive, engaging format of the lessons,” say his parents. “He enjoys being able to participate in live classes and work at his own pace.”

Alongside learning directly with their classmates, online students also form genuine connections with their teachers. “We really appreciate how all his teachers approach the children, helping each one to shine in their own unique way,” share Jacob’s parents, while Iona (mum to Ben, Robyn, and Lily) says, “The relationships our children have developed with their teachers are better than what they had at their previous school.”

Myth: “Online students don’t socialise”

The same goes for interaction outside the classroom. Contrary to popular belief, students can get plenty of socialisation opportunities at online school.

In fact, many parents find that the friendships their children have made at online school were truly deep and authentic. Mum Emma, for example, was delighted to watch her son Maxwell find his community at King’s InterHigh. Since joining us, he’s made friends in his tutor group and through our teacher-monitored social platform Viva Engage, even joining a Roblox gaming group with fellow students.

From a social standpoint, online learning can actually be particularly beneficial for neurodivergent children like Maxwell. As Emma explains, it gives him “easier access into things that would normally be quite intimidating.” That includes online activities (like his Dungeons and Dragons and drama clubs at King’s InterHigh) and offline meetups, like the school trip Maxwell took to London Zoo.

Mirko’s mum, Emanuela, has been similarly impressed. “Just seeing him with his classmates,” she says, “how they formed a little group and now have a group chat — that isn’t the old Mirko.”

Iona, meanwhile, loves that online school has given her children the opportunity to make a diverse range of friends all over the world. “Despite being situated in various parts of the country, or in some instances, the world,” she says, “they can still get a real sense of who their peers are and have developed some really lovely friendships along the way.”

Myth: “Online school isn’t as good”

Many parents who’ve experienced both traditional and online education have become the strongest advocates for the power of virtual learning. Corina and Dante’s mum, Sharmila, says “I’m actually happier with the curriculum and what they’re learning now than what they were learning at their previous school.”

As Rio’s mum, Juli, explains, online schools are uniquely placed to use innovative learning approaches that truly engage children. In her son’s previous schools, education was “focused on rote learning and quite inflexible when it comes to creativity.” In contrast, says mum of two Mrs. Kanagasabai, “King’s InterHigh offers a holistic education. [For example], they learn about computer science, and how to code. They can then apply this to their STEM and arts courses.” We bring together the best of traditional methods (like class discussions and small group work) with cutting-edge tools like virtual reality (VR) and simulations to create an online learning experience that’s just as enjoyable as it is effective.

Caitlin’s mum, Heather, is a teacher herself, and she loves how King’s InterHigh is ahead of the curve when it comes to learning mastery, particularly for students who may be at risk of falling behind due to illness. “As a teacher, I’m aware I don’t want Catie to have gaps in her learning and I found that it can happen in bricks-and-mortar schools very easily,” she explains. “That’s an area that King’s InterHigh is way ahead of. It’s just all there and available.”

Myth: “Online students get too much screen-time”

Screen time is a worry that tops many parents’ lists, but there’s no reason why students can’t get a healthy balance with online learning.

At our online school, live virtual lessons are just one part of the experience. Alongside their classes, students create art, work on hands-on projects, get physically active, and more, all away from the screen. For many of our younger students, these projects can become an activity for everyone to enjoy. Parents of primary learners Gabriel and Catarina, for example, say “We especially appreciate how our whole family can participate in big projects—helping our kids research, experiment, and complete assignments to the best of their abilities.”

Since online schools often have a more focused timetable, most students also have more free time than they would at a traditional school. This means there are plenty of opportunities throughout the day to go outside, get moving, spend time with family, or engage in non-technical hobbies. William’s dad David, for example, says, “Me and William now spend more time together than when he was in physical school. When he’s got his lunch break, he’ll come over to me and say, ‘Have you got some time?’”

Myth: “Parents have to teach their children”

Unlike homeschooling, online school doesn’t require parents to become teachers. “I’m not a great teacher for my kids, so I’m very happy they have actual teachers providing them the instruction and grading them,” says Sharmila. At King’s InterHigh, our teachers are UK and internationally qualified (just as they would be in a physical school), with years of education experience and strong expertise in their subjects.

As a result, online learning is a great choice for parents who want the benefits of studying from home with a more hands-off approach. Amelia‘s mum, Jay, says, “I feel like I don’t have to be as involved anymore. I trust that the learning is all there and it’s all getting done—and it is.” Fellow mum Heather also agrees, noting, “I don’t have to perform the role of home tutor. There are teachers who guide her on everything she needs to do. I’m in the role of a supportive parent.”

Myth: “Online students don’t learn life skills”

While some mistakenly believe that virtual learning doesn’t prepare students for “real life,” parents who’ve witnessed their children’s growth at King’s InterHigh disagree entirely. Self-confidence, for example, blooms in supportive online environments. “Jake really enjoys being able to express his thoughts and ideas in class, and he especially appreciates the positive feedback he receives from his teachers,” shares his dad, David. “That encouragement has really helped build his confidence.” Kalinka agrees, proudly sharing that her young daughter will now “come to me and say, ‘Mum, I completed this myself.’”

With the guidance of their teachers, online school students are also equipped to become independent, driven learners. Gabriel and Catarina’s parents say, “The best aspect of online education is how it fosters self-learning. Our children now explore topics independently, use tools confidently, and think critically.” Mrs. Kanagasabai saw the same transformation in her sons, stating, “Since joining King’s InterHigh, my children have become independent learners. They can research by themselves and present what they’ve learned directly to their teachers.”

In Sharmila’s view, her children are building skills that will take them beyond the norm: “King’s InterHigh is preparing them more to be successful, to become business owners, to have a better future than what they were learning.”

Myth: “Online students lack motivation”

Unlike many of the students who struggled with inadequate remote learning during the pandemic, today’s learners stay highly motivated. In fact, the transformation many children experience when joining an online school often amazes their parents. Describing Maxwell’s morning routine, his mum Emma says, “The difference in him is just amazing. I wake him up in the morning, and before I even ask, he’s logged on and ready. He knows his schedule and is very in tune with that. There’s never any ‘I don’t want to do this.’”

Karla, Berik’s mum, had a similar experience, despite her son previously feigning illness just to avoid the mainstream school day. Even when she’s away travelling, “he gets himself up, he does his work himself; he has never complained, never whined.”

For many students, the key is the engaging design of online lessons. “Ava is not good at being left to her own devices,” her mother Tamie explains. “Just giving her coursework and deadlines and not holding her accountable doesn’t work.” At King’s InterHigh, since lessons are interactive, students can stay engaged and focused with their teachers in each class. Many young people also become more motivated in subjects they previously disliked. “Reyan has discovered that he enjoys making art in his Creative Media class,” his parents share as an example, “whereas he didn’t particularly feel so before.”

Myth: “Online platforms are too complicated”

Don’t let the fear of new technology keep you from considering online school. Modern virtual learning platforms are designed with parents and students in mind.

At King’s InterHigh, for example, Reyan’s parents say, “The platform is user-friendly once you get the hang of it.” From our welcoming induction on day one, families get helpful walkthroughs to show them everything they need to know about navigating their Student and Parent Hubs. With technical support teams on standby, help is also available whenever questions arise.

Timo’s dad, Michael, says “King’s InterHigh has taken advantage of technology by creating a user-friendly online platform that kids like to use,” but it’s not just students who love our platforms. Parents also find themselves enjoying the vast range of features available. “With the Parent Portal, I can see my son’s progress at a quick glance,” says Rio’s mum, Juli. Mary, mum to Ellie-Mae and Jake, also enjoys “keeping an eye on things through the Parent Hub”: “I know when they turn up or if they’re five minutes late. If they haven’t done their homework, I can pop in and see.”

Myth: “Online school doesn’t work for SEN”

Despite the initial worries many parents have, online school can actually be a far more ideal learning environment for young people with special educational needs. It’s all down to the inclusive, flexible learning approach and personalised support on offer.

Iona’s daughter Robyn, for example, has dyslexia. “Being dyslexic means that Robyn sometimes needs extra time so that she can go at her own pace,” explains Iona. “The flexible nature of lessons has helped with this and has also meant she is able to focus more on her strengths.”

For Emanuela, meanwhile, King’s InterHigh has been “a godsend” thanks to the Enhanced Support Services we offer. In her own words, our social skills and anxiety management workshops “have changed my son, for sure! He’s just become such a sweet boy, a calmer young man, and more understanding.”

Myth: “Online students aren’t prepared for the future”

Ultimately, while the journey itself is important, one of the most crucial factors in choosing a school is how well it will prepare for your child for the future. For online school parents, the results speak for themselves.

“When they get to those ages where they’re getting closer to preparing for college and all of that, I think it’s a great advantage,” says mum Sharmila. Last year, 80% of King’s InterHigh’s IB students achieved their first-choice university offers, with 18% of sixth form students going to Russell Group universities and many more heading to top schools abroad.

Beyond academic results, online learning develops crucial 21st-century skills. Students become comfortable with all the abilities employers are looking for, like digital collaboration, independent research, and self-directed learning. “I am so impressed and think that he’s really getting a competitive advantage in life, not just an education,” says Karla about her son Berik.

From university application support to virtual work experience, our online students get everything they need to succeed on their dream path. Mrs. Kanagasabai sums it up: “All of us are preparing our children to succeed in life. Enrolling our children with King’s InterHigh has helped with that tremendously. It’s been the wisest decision for us.”

Real families, real experiences

In contrast to the myths surrounding virtual learning, today’s top online schools offer a rich, connected learning experience that prepares students for bright futures. Trust the parents who’ve made the journey: they’re your best guide to the true potential of joining an online school.