Like times infinity. It definitely goes both ways. My kids brick and mortar school sucks. Thus online courses help them stay motivated to learn, not bored to tears with the educational process.The outcomes at many brick-and-mortar schools is exceedingly poor as well. Clearly, you don't sit an 8 year old in front of a computer and let them have at it -- you find a good curriculum, with a good instructor or a well planned syllabus with guidelines that you can execute. You work with your child, help them, monitor them and seek assistance if needed. We've had some amazing experiences and outcomes with virtual classes -- it just depends on the class, the provider and your approach to it....pretty much just like a regular school.