This spring, high schools across the country had to stop playing sports, cancel balls, and convert classes to online format because social distancing policies were designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We know that the students involved probably did not imagine their high school experience that way.
While COVID-19 forced some students to take online learning for one semester, others attended high schools online for years.
The most important concept in online education is programming, planning, and organizing said Anni, an 18-year-old student enrolled in the Online Gifted and Talented Academy at Laurel Springs Online School.
As a veteran of online learning, we asked Anni to share his experience of going face to face enrolling in an online high school to help other students cope with accommodation.
Why enroll in an online school?
Anni was enrolled in a traditional school until the age of two. Her decision to switch to online learning was based on her desire to continue taking advanced courses that were not available at her school.
When I study online, in addition to my normal curriculum, I can also take college-level courses. My online school does not limit the number of Honors and AP courses I can take. I can also focus more on my research [neuroscience and psychology] and my civic activities because I can work on these things at any time of the day, “said Anni.
With an interest in neuroscience research and a passion for training colleagues on this subject, Anni devotes part of his spare time to an online school that allows him to create content for his blog “Neuroscience for Adolescence.
My favorite aspect of online school is definitely the freedom I have. I am planning my own day so that I can further help my community and organize awareness programs for teens. I couldn’t do that in a normal school. “
In addition to the flexibility associated with online courses, students may have more time for social, family, or community activities. Students can browse the course materials at their own pace and tailor their program to their interests.
Adaptation to online courses
Participating in an online course requires strong organizational and time management skills. Students must play a proactive role in their education and learn to face challenges, including a sense of isolation and a lack of immediate access to teachers. We asked Anni to share some of the hurdles encountered as an online student.
The most difficult task when switching to online learning is to set a schedule, fight the delay, and take responsibility for your work. I don’t have a bell to signal the start of my class. Instead, I have to create my own schedule and really learn to do the work during the day. Without a physically present teacher who answers questions, Anni is sometimes responsible for supplementing his learning with additional reading or watching videos to explain the course content in more detail.
Learning math online is not always the easiest thing. In a normal school, there are real lessons and the teachers are there to help. I have teachers, but if I stick to it is not always easy to explain a concept by Understanding email, so I watch videos or communicate with my tutors.
Tips for New Students in Online Learning