The truth about online school 

There are many myths out there around online learning that, if you pick the right school, don’t have to be true at all. Online school can be an extremely viable solution for many learners and families out there – and it especially holds benefits for those who live in rural areas, or travel often. 

It doesn’t have to mean sacrificing social connection or quality learning. For many, it actually means access to better quality education, and even more social engagement than in a physical school.

Making an educated choice

The most important part of choosing a school for your child is to ensure you’re making the most informed decision, and picking the right school format that will suit your family.

But you can’t do that without fully understanding your options. 

That’s why we’re using this post to dive into what myths or misconceptions you may have around online schooling so we can clear the air: 

Six common myths around online schooling

Myth #1:  "Technology in schools means less human interaction – with both teachers and peers."

Smart technology actually frees teachers to spend more quality time with each learner – and smart schools strategically implement in-person opportunities to ensure in-person connection is a priority.

Some learners at Teneo have even reported seeing friends and connecting with them more than they did in previous traditional in-person schools. 

While face-to-face interaction doesn’t happen every day during learning hours in an online setting, a smart schooling format encourages extramurals and other in-person meetups to ensure your child still has social opportunities outside of the classroom.

Learn more about Teneo School’s extramural activities here.

Myth #2: "One-on-one attention is only possible in small classes."

Good online school models use data-driven insights to ensure personalised support from teachers can be offered at a larger scale so that every learner gets a front-row seat to a quality education. Teachers engage directly with each learner, ensuring their questions are answered and their unique learning needs are met.

Myth #3:  "My child needs a special school if they have learning challenges."

The right systems can support every child, regardless of their abilities. For example, at Teneo School, we offer flexibility in school formats and find ways to accommodate every child uniquely. At Teneo alone, 21% of our most improved learners have documented learning barriers, including ADHD, ADD, dyslexia, autism and more. 

We ensure neurodiverse learners feel supported by:

• Giving the choice between one of our three school formats (live, hybrid, or recorded) so they can learn in a way that best fits their needs.

• The ability to pause, rewatch and learn at their own pace so they aren’t left behind at any point in the lesson

• A calm learning environment with fewer distractions to enhance focus

• Predictable routines that reduce anxiety and provide structure

• Qualified teachers who can intervene early, thanks to real-time data 

Learners that have barriers can absolutely thrive in online environments, and in many ways, it can be even more suitable than being in a classroom. 

Myth #4: “You can’t track progress in a remote setting.”

Progress is arguably more effective in remote settings if you have the right tools. While in-person schools often wait for termly progress reports or parent-teacher meetings to evaluate, Smart schools provide real-time insights into your child’s progress–every step of the way. 

At Teneo we incorporate a parent app that is available to check and monitor 24/7, and has alerts and scheduled interventions to ensure every learner’s progress is closely monitored and available for guardians to view. 

Myth #5: “My child won’t have the same quality of education as they would in brick-and-mortar schools.” 

Research is key to ensuring the school you send your child to is up to standard. But a legitimate online institution in South Africa should offer:

• Qualified curriculums under government standards (CAPS) 

• Examinations structured under an accredited institution (IEB, SACAI, etc.)

• SACE-registered teachers

If all of these boxes are checked in an online school, this means the quality of education your child will receive is held up to governmental standards and is equivalent to the learning material you would get in a traditional brick-and-mortar school.

Teneo School is the only school in South Africa to be registered with two South African examination boards (the IEB and SACAI).

At Teneo School, for example, learners can get their National Senior Certificate (NSC), or “the matric certificate in South Africa”, through two accredited examination boards (IEB or SACAI). Your child can even opt to complete their AS-level international certification through Pearson Edexcel, so they have open doors to both local and global opportunities! And there’s been plenty of proof that marks aren’t suffering. In fact, in many online institutions–they’re soaring! We’ve witnessed learners improve their marks on average by 12% in year 1, and up to 25% by year 4! After just two years at Teneo School, learners are 60% more likely to pass. If you want more data that shows the outcomes of online learning, check out our results page.

Myth #6: “There’s no way to ensure learners aren’t cheating on exams if they have access to their computer.”

A fear that your child will cheat on exams shouldn’t be what holds you back from choosing an online institution if all the other factors line up. And we hope this can put your mind at ease – online examinations have been happening for years now. And security tools are advancing quickly. 

All online schools are required to use an application designed to play a similar role to that of a physical invigilator. Teneo uses The Invigilator, a widely recognised, independent, external proctoring tool used by the majority of online schools across South Africa. The Invigilator is specifically stipulated and accredited for use by online schools by the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI), one of South Africa’s three national examination boards. 

The Invigilator flags and alerts the school when it detects potential irregularities, such as: 

• Unauthorised materials present 

• Unauthorised communications 

• Open browsers, tabs, or applications which are not authorised 

• Possible AI-use 

• Possible plagiarism 

Applying the rules consistently safeguards the value of every learner’s qualification. 

If you have any other concerns surrounding online schooling, our team would be glad to help answer any of your questions. Just send us a message! 

The future of schooling 

Remember: choosing an online or hybrid school doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. Legitimate institutions will have the qualifications necessary to give your child a quality education. Learn more about our accreditation here.

Online schooling is just one of the many steps our world is taking towards building a future-ready generation, without sacrificing the positives of an in-person schooling experience. 

While online or even hybrid schooling options aren’t going to be exactly the same experience you probably had growing up in school, it doesn’t mean it’s any less of a fruitful experience. And you don’t even have to take our word for it! Check out some more testimonials from parents and learners just like yourself. 

Picking the right school for you

Whichever school format or schooling model you pick simply depends on preference and unique needs and vision for your child’s future. 

And if you’re still trying to figure it out, read our Smart School Guide to help you choose the right school for your child.

Your child belongs at Teneo 

Teneo is rated the no. 1 online school in South Africa by HelloPeter. With 170+ SACE-registered teachers, we have helped more than 3 500 learners matriculate with a National Senior Certificate (NSC), opening the doors to tertiary education and future career opportunities. Our award-winning Smart School System™combines the best parts of in-person schooling, with the convenience and benefits of online learning for learners across South Africa. If you’re ready to take the next step towards education of the future, start your learning journey with Teneo today.