Online Schooling
What is Online Schooling?
Online school programs (also known as virtual school or cyber school) vary widely, but a broad definition is that students enrolled in online schools attend class primarily through computer-based curriculum delivery. The courses can have live meetings (also known as synchronous), can be entirely non-live (asynchronous), or a combination of the two. Students work toward their diploma the way they would at a traditional school, but in the convenient, safe and comfortable environment of their home or other location, and in some cases on a more personalized learning program and schedule. In high quality programs, the student has a strong support system of teachers, advisors, tutors and parents who regularly check in and interact with the student to ensure pace and understanding of the material. High quality programs also supplement learning with a wide variety of enrichment and socialization activities.
Quality
It is important to recognize that online programs vary widely in both structure and quality. If comparing programs, the following
are some important questions to ask:
- Is the curriculum and learning program individualized to my student's needs?
- Is the curriculum just static content delivered online or does it cater to multiple learning styles with a range of
enriching activities and engaging media such as flash videos, podcasts, and interactive activities?
- Are opportunities provided for socialization and extended learning?
- Are all teachers certified? Do they have special training in online teaching techniques?
- What tools are provided for communication between students, teachers, advisors and families?
- Are these tools
comprehensive, clear and easy to use?
- What type of accountability and testing can you expect? How does the school insure that your student is staying on track?
- How long will it take for the school to recognize a problem? How and when will you be notified if your student is
falling behind?
Some Key Benefits of Online Schools
Equal or better: According to an analysis by the North Central Regional Educational Library of hundreds of online education
studies, "On average, students seem to perform equally well or better in online learning" when compared to face to face methods.
(Synthesis of New Research on K-12 Online Learning, NCREL, 2005)
Online schools can provide easy access to standards-based,
state-of-the-art lesson content, highly qualified instructors, and a wide variety of rigorous course work, regardless of physical
location or other limitations.
Lessons and pacing can be individualized to meet a student's specific learning needs.
Students learn vital skills needed to be competitive in the technology-centered 21st century work place.
Is Online right for my student?
The following are some of the qualities that are usually associated with successful online students. If your student struggles in
some of these areas, we can support skill development.
- Self motivated
- Works well independently
- Stays on task
- Asks for help when it is needed
- Engaged by computer-based media
- Enjoys taking charge of their own schedule both inside and outside of school
- Turns assignments in on time
- Follows through on requests from teachers and parents
- Good basic computer skills (email, web navigation, word processing)
Additional Resources
International Council for K-12 Online Learning.
http://www.inacol.org
A comprehensive guide to schools on the net.
www.onlinehighschool.org
Directory of accredited and district authorized online high schools.
www.bestonlinehighschools.com
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