Do you have what it takes to go to high school online? It is not for the faint of heart or the weak of spirit. It will be just as demanding, actually more demanding, than traditional high schools.
Not that you should be easily scared off, but it is well worth thinking through several of the important issues before jumping in with both feet. Here are six points that will help you decide if being an online high school student is right for you:
1. Difficulty: Being an online high school student is at least as difficult as being a traditional student and some find it more difficult. There are a number of reasons for this including keeping up the motivation to get the work done (as opposed to the teacher).
2. Fit. Find a school that has the right model for you. If you know that you will need extra time to complete courses, do not choose a program that is semester-based. If you know that you need set deadlines in order to complete work, do not choose a program that has open-ended or far in the future deadlines.
3. Level of Independence: Choose a collaborative arrangement that works for you. If you work best in isolation, do not choose a program that requires group work. If you need the support of other students, do not choose a program that is primarily independent study.
4. Media/Online Learning Curriculum: Choose a program that uses the type of media which works for you. If you need audio and video files, find the programs that offer those resources.
5. Learning Level: If you are an adult and want to be in a program that focuses on adults, choose one. If you are a teen and do not want to be “in class” with adults, select a program that only allows the under-18 crowd.
6. Commitment: Commit to doing the work. The #1 reason for students failing to complete a program is a lack of commitment. You can do it. You need to decide that you will do it.
Online learning provides many advantages for students at the high school level, but you it is important to go in with eyes wide open. Understand limitations, understand the limitations of learning online, and understand the limitations of the specific program.
Don Posson is the Superintendent of International Virtual Learning Academy, a private, accredited online school that serves students in grades 3-12 from throughout the world. IVLA uses Global Student Network’s online curriculum and learning management system as the backbone of their virtual school.