Connections Academy Blog, Virtual Learning Connections

It’s a great time to celebrate education—last week was School Choice Week, and today is Digital Learning Day. School Choice Week encourages parents, students, and organizations to speak out about the importance of offering students different education options, while Digital Learning Day emphasizes the effective use of technology in our classrooms. Both movements have the same goal—to promote dialogue about the progress of education.

This year, over 200 partners collaborated during National School Choice Week and hosted at least 3,600 events across the nation with the goal of highlighting the variety of education options available, including:

• Public schools
• Public charter schools
• Virtual schools (public and private)
• Magnet schools
• Private schools
• Homeschooling

Students who choose virtual schools experience and appreciate digital learning in a unique way. In fact, every day is Digital Learning Day in virtual schools. Each day, students use technology to engage with their online curriculum. They learn lessons at a pace that’s customized to their unique needs, and along the way they make meaningful connections with their teachers through one-on-one interaction. Students also socialize in the virtual classroom and through online clubs and activities. All of these interactions are facilitated by technology, and virtual school students embrace it daily.

Digital learning empowers students to take ownership of their learning. Teachers learn to manage their classrooms a little differently, and students become more active in their own education, which better prepares them for college and career. In virtual schools, students are familiar with this increased ...

This is a guest post by Jane Kummer-Meyer, a Learning Coach from Wisconsin.

Working with multiple children in a virtual school or homeschool setting can at first seem daunting, but with some organization and planning, and a bit of flexibility, it can be quite manageable. For the past three years, I have had four boys enrolled in Wisconsin Connections Academy, and during that time I’ve been the Learning Coach for grades ranging from kindergarten through 12th. I definitely had to find creative ways to simultaneously give all of my children the support and attention they need, ensure success, and maintain my own sanity.

It doesn’t have to be stressful! Here are a few key things I do to help balance my time between each of my boys:

• Having a schedule is imperative. With a schedule, I can plan to work with my youngest son when the older ones are doing an online class session or working independently. A schedule also helps keep the kids focused on their responsibilities as online students. One great feature of online learning is the ability to be flexible, so if we have an appointment or special event, we tweak the schedule. If my students ever get behind, we talk about how or why this happened and what adjustments they need to make to their schedules to get back on track. This is a great way to teach them how to effectively manage their own time and to take ownership of their own learning...

One of the questions parents often ask me is, “Can children attend a virtual school if both parents work outside the home?”

The answer is, It depends on the grade level of your student. The Learning Coach plays a key role in the elementary years, and for kids in elementary school it’s recommended that someone is available for guidance full time. As the student becomes a more autonomous online learner, he or she will need less supervision in middle school—and online high school students are usually able to succeed independently.

However, stay-at-home parents are not the only ones who are capable of serving as Learning Coaches for children attending online schools. There can be more than one designated Learning Coach. Another responsible adult can help facilitate daily lessons and assignments, or you can share Learning Coach responsibilities with your partner who supports your student while you are away from home. Some working parents are on different work schedules and each can spend time with the students—one in the morning, the other in the afternoon.

Even if you cannot arrange for such assistance, depending on your child’s age you can develop an arrangement with some creativity and flexibility on everyone’s part. Below are a few suggestions for how you can potentially make this arrangement work:

• Plan your child’s learning schedule around your work schedule. Make sure the activities that require the most support and input from you are done during the times you’re home. Designate your working hours for independent ...

When you make the decision to send your child to a virtual school, there is a chance people around you may not understand it. They will probably have questions for you, and they may even doubt your judgment or challenge your decision.

Rather than feeling defensive in these situations, you can look at them as opportunities to educate others about the benefits of virtual schools. You can encourage people to see your point of view and politely express that you would appreciate their support.

So how exactly do you go about having these productive conversations? How do you present your point of view and encourage others to accept it?

The key is to remain calm and remember that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. By following these simple steps, you should be able to have a great conversation that will not only reinforce your decision to choose virtual schooling, but also dispel some myths about online learning at the same time.

Five Steps to Having a Productive Conversation about Online Learning

Having a great conversation about virtual schools is much simpler than you may think. Use these tips to make sure you start off on the right foot:

1. Understand that the other person does not understand. This will save you tons of frustration. Not everyone knows what you know about online learning, and as a result they may have some misconceptions that can be corrected. Recognize that they don't understand, and use this opportunity to educate them about the ...

Unfortunately, there is no single miraculous formula for motivating virtual school students to complete their schoolwork. And, of course, not all students are motivated by the same values, needs, desires, or wants. Some of your students will be motivated by the approval of others, while others will be motivated by getting past challenges.

To encourage students to become self-motivated, autonomous learners, try some of the following strategies:

• Create a positive atmosphere and be open to questions.
• Hold high but realistic expectations for your students.
• Give frequent, early, positive feedback that supports students’ beliefs that they can do well.
• Help students find personal meaning and value in the material.
• Help students set achievable goals for themselves. If needed, break assignments into smaller pieces.
• Help students understand the requirements of the assignment.
• Ensure opportunities for students’ success by assigning tasks that are neither too easy nor too difficult.
• Start with the least favorite lesson first. It motivates students to keep studying if they know they are working toward the activities and lessons they most enjoy.
• Students learn by doing, making, writing, designing, creating, solving. Create opportunities for teachable moments, as these allow your child to have fun while learning at the same time.
• If you have multiple students in different grades, create opportunities for students to mentor each other. A team approach can be beneficial for everyone in your home classroom.
• Emphasize mastery and learning rather than using grades as threats.
• Reward success and showcase your student’s best work in ...

According to latest research from Ambient Insight, 17 million pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students in the U.S. will get at least some of their education virtually by 2015. More than 4 million of these students will attend a full-time virtual school.

Despite the growing popularity of online education, there is still some confusion regarding how virtual school works.

So here is a list of five myths about virtual school that helps demystify some of the most common misconceptions about online schooling:

Myth #1: Virtual public school is the same as homeschool

Truth: The two are very different.
Virtual public schools deliver public education in the comfort of the student's home. Like all public schools, they are tuition-free to students. State-certified teachers deliver a rigorous curriculum that correlates to state standards and provide students with a variety of innovative learning materials and top-notch resources.

Myth #2: Virtual schools are all about technology

Truth: Virtual schools are about curriculum and instruction for students.
Many virtual schools have the basic technology to allow students to join a virtual classroom wherever there's Internet access. But the most reputable virtual schools also take the curriculum and instruction very seriously for students—it's not just about technology.

If you think all virtual schools are created equal, it is time to do your homework. Look for a virtual school with a track record of delivering student academic achievement and high levels of parent and student satisfaction. Other key quality benchmarks include: accreditation from AdvancED; full-time, certified, ...

Wondering how to help motivate your student at the start of the new school year? It’s common for all students, whether attending homeschool, virtual school, or traditional school, to lose motivation from time to time—and this can be a source of stress and strain.

Over the years, many experienced homeschool parents and virtual school Learning Coaches have shared with me their own personal strategies for keeping students excited about learning. Now you can also combat difficult academic challenges, waning self-discipline, and slipping enthusiasm with their ideas below (and thanks to all you experts out there!):

1. Use games to make learning fun
   “Each day I post a ‘Brain Teaser’ question on the board that covers anything we’re studying. My son can guess at the answer even before he starts to work on it. It really draws him into the classroom and motivates him to get started on the school day.”
   
   Such questions can act as a review before a quiz, or an introduction to a new concept to see what your student already knows and understands while keeping your student interested and motivated to learn.


2. Use marble jars
   One Learning Coach uses “Marble Jars” as her motivation system. Each student has his own jar filled with as many marbles as he has lessons scheduled that day. As the student finishes a lesson, he takes a marble from the jar and puts it in the family “completed” jar. Each student can keep track of how much more he has ...

The second semester is already underway and now is the perfect time to sit down with your student to discuss academic resolutions for the new semester. Here are a few suggestions to help you make the virtual learning experience as rewarding as possible:

1. Set goals
   

   Your job as a Learning Coach is to help your student(s) set goals appropriate for their growth, confidence, and happiness. Virtual schools provide teachers and school counselors who support your student, so be sure to include them in your plan to reach those goals and measure progress. Keep in mind that kids usually have their own aspirations, so giving them the chance to set their own goals can teach them independence and responsibility. Don’t forget to celebrate successes along the way. You will be amazed at how your children’s confidence grows, too.

2. Be perseverant
   

   Give your kids the power to reach their goals by setting clear expectations and rewarding their achievements, but remember that consequences can be equally important in promoting success. As a Learning Coach, you are responsible for the daily activities of your students. Be aware of their lessons and assignments, and ensure they are using their time effectively. If you notice your student procrastinating, it’s important to address the issue quickly to minimize any problems it may cause. Using a daily assignment schedule and to-do list to break down important tasks can help create structure and keep your student on track.

3. Get organized
   

   Freshen up and declutter your student’s school ...

I recently had the honor of sharing my experience as an online elementary school teacher with the Colorado State Board of Education, having been named 2010 Online Elementary Teacher of the Year by the Colorado Department of Education! My presentation was designed to provide insight into how, as a virtual school educator, I bring my “A Game” for my students every day.

As a veteran teacher with more than 30 years of experience in various educational settings, primarily large school classrooms, I never expected to create such a bond with my “virtual students.” Teaching at a virtual school has actually enabled me to form closer relationships with my students and their parents than at any other school. I have the opportunity to speak with my students one on one, without interruptions. I conduct LiveLesson® online class sessions where I am able to directly connect with my students, enabling me to get to know their individual needs and adapt lessons accordingly. This virtual environment also gives the students a sense of freedom to express themselves without fear of rejection, or exposure to mocking from their fellow students. In short, it’s a terrific learning environment.

So, how do I bring my “A Game” for my students? In the words of one of my favorite authors, Dr. Seuss, “Big A, little A, what begins with A?” Accessibility. Accountability. Adaptability. All begin with A, and all are the cornerstones of Connections Academy’s approach to online learning.

Virtual schools are ACCESSIBLE. At Connections Academy, ...

It's not unusual to see a question like this pop up on the Connections Academy Facebook page. People everywhere are becoming more familiar with online homeschool and virtual public school options as alternatives to the traditional school setting.  According to a recent segment about homeschooling on the TodayShow.com website, virtual schools have become the fastest-growing trend in public and private education.  More and more parents are taking notice that full-time virtual public schools like Connections Academy can fulfill their various educational needs from the comfort of home.  Many of these same parents that are interested in learning more about online learning also want to get more information before they finish enrolling their child into an online school program.

If you are considering enrolling in either a public or private virtual school,  be sure to watch the recent TodayShow.com video feature highlighting the Cooper family of Commonwealth Connections Academy in Pennsylvania.  If you scroll down to read the accompanying article about Lyndsey Fry, a 2010 Arizona Connections Academy graduate who received a full Harvard scholarship, you’ll find some excellent insights that could really shed some light on your decision-making process regarding selecting an online school.

So, how can a parent looking into a virtual school program decide if it's going to be a good fit for the family?  Ask questions, lots and lots of questions!   If you aren't sure what questions to ask, the International Association of K-12 Online Learning has a wonderful downloadable guide, "A Parent's Guide to ...