7 Common Questions About Online Learning

July 28, 2022 byConnections Academy

4 min to read

8 Questions Parents Can Ask Their Online Teachers

When considering online school, it’s reasonable to have a lot of questions. Reevaluating your child’s schooling options is an important part of ensuring they are receiving the best possible education to set them up for success in life. With the emergence of more online learning options in the wake of the pandemic, taking a closer assessment of the various online schools and building a list of online learning research questions to aid you in your evaluation is key.

Between remote learning, hybrid learning, and more, it’s hard to know what the best fit might be for your child without having all the facts. As a tuition-free online public school, here are the common questions we are asked at Connections Academy® and the best questions to ask teachers about online learning in your reevaluation process.

1. What is online school and how does it work?

K–12 online public schools like Connections Academy provide families with the opportunity to connect to their online classroom entirely from home or anywhere with an Internet connection and learn the same, state-approved curriculum as brick-and-mortar students. Students learn from highly skilled teachers who are specially trained to engage students in the online classroom and make learning fun. Whether your student is in elementary school or high school, online school can provide a safe and supportive learning environment that meets students where they are. From tailored learning plans to one-on-one instruction from teachers, students’ strengths are nurtured, and they feel supported in overcoming challenges.

2. What does the online school learning process actually look like?

Most online school teachers foster a love of learning in students by meeting regularly in the online classroom for live instruction. Known as LiveLesson® sessions at Connections Academy, the purpose of these live sessions is to provide students with direct instruction, differentiated and targeted support, peer-to-peer interaction, and practice opportunities.

These virtual classroom sessions foster collaboration and bring the curriculum to life while allowing teachers to build positive relationships with students and gather information from them about lesson comprehension. The most effective online schools implement four key elements that make up the online learning experience.

3. How do students socialize in online school?

Building social opportunities for online students is critical in supporting their development. Many online schools offer clubs and activities that allow students to make friends, build on skills they’re learning, and gain confidence. At many Connections Academy schools, there are partnerships with local school districts that allow online students to join local sports teams and compete in contests at the local, state, and national levels.

Connections Academy students playing baseball during their extracurricular time.

4. What role do parents play in online school?

As is the case at many online schools, each Connections Academy student is supported by a parent or other trusted adult that we call a Learning Coach. This enables teachers to do the teaching and parents to become involved in their student’s education. Learning Coaches work closely with teachers and other parents to form a powerful community that helps keep students on track. They are responsible for structuring their child’s school day, monitoring attendance, staying in touch with teachers by phone or email, and being there to provide one-on-one support with learning activities. However, the specifics of your role will shift depending on your family’s structure and as your child grows older and gains more independence. Discover the responsibilities and educational tasks that Learning Coaches complete each day to support their online school student.

5. Do online schools have teachers?

Online schools like Connections Academy hire and train highly skilled, experienced teaching professionals who are certified in their subject areas and at every grade level they teach; many even have master’s or other advanced degrees. These exceptional teachers are specially trained in online instruction and tailor the learning experience for each and every student based on their challenges, needs, abilities, and passions. Teachers build meaningful relationships with students and make connections on a personal level that creates a positive, online learning experience.

6. Is online school curriculum high-quality?

At Connections Academy, meeting state standards is just the starting point. Designed by experts in online learning, our curriculum ignites curiosity and expands our students’ understanding of the world and their place in it. From learning about core concepts to using their new knowledge to fuel their creativity, our students build the essential skills and adaptability they need to go further in the classroom and wherever life takes them. Learn more about the impact of an online school curriculum.

7. What kinds of support services are offered in online school?

Connections Academy schools provide dedicated and credentialed support staff to provide individualized programs for students with special needs. For students with IEPs, Connections Academy provides a range of special education services, including consultation, curriculum accommodation, collaboration with Learning Coaches and teachers, and direct instruction. Note: specific services vary between schools.

Tuition-free online public schools like Connections Academy deliver a holistic and impactful learning experience that renews a love of learning in students. Find out if Connections Academy is right for your child by taking our online quiz or learning more about how to overcome common challenges when switching to online school.