How Online School Helps Balance Academics and Extracurricular Activities
by Christopher E. Nelson
Time-Management Personality Quiz for Students
byElizabeth Preston
5 min to read
Time management is the ability to use one’s time efficiently and effectively, and it is critical for being successful in managing responsibilities, schoolwork, and personal relationships. Time-management skills ultimately help people to find and achieve balance in life—something that is critical for online students with busy schedules. Good time-management skills can also help people to improve self-discipline, improve academic performance, relieve stress, feel more fulfilled, and practice critical thinking and decision-making.
There are different time-management personality types including: The Early Bird, The Multitasker, The Helper, and The Deliberator. Each of these personalities has their own benefits and drawbacks, and knowing your time-management personality can help you choose the best strategies that work for you. It can also alert you to some of the possible challenges that you may face while learning how to manage time better.
Take this quiz to find your time-management personality type as well as some strategies that can help you learn how to improve your time-management skills.
Time Management Personality Quiz For Students
Take this quiz to find your time-management personality type as well as some strategies that can help you learn how to improve your time-management skills.
1. When I have a task:
a. I add the task to my to-do list.
b. I do other things while completing the task.
c. I ask my friends if they need any help with their tasks.
d. I consider what I should be learning from the task.
2. When I receive a new assignment:
a. I immediately identify all of the tasks involved in completing the assignment and plan my time accordingly.
b. I switch between working on the new assignment and my other projects and assignments.
c. I ask my friends if they need anyhelp with their tasks.
d. I consider what I should be learning from the task.
3. When planning or working on projects or portfolios:
a. I prefer working on one subject or project at a time.
b. I often under-estimate how long it takes to complete the task.
c. I try to plan for the project or portfolio, but sometimes I fall behind because someone needs my help with something else.
d. I see the whole picture and the small parts, so I break down large projects into individual tasks according to their priorities.
4. When I am late or in a rush:
a. I am stressed. I don’t like it when I’m late or if other people are late.
b. I feel OK. I usually wait until the last minute to get things done anyway.
c. I feel bad, but I’m usually latebecause I was doing something for my family or friends.
d. I am extremely stressed, especially if I’m late on a deadline that is imposed upon me by someone else.
5. When there is a social event:
a. I’m usually one of the first people to arrive.
b. I’m usually running late because I was doing something else and lost track of time.
c. I’m usually there before the event starts because I’m helping to set it up.
d. I’m there before the event starts because I’m usually in charge of the event. If I’m not in charge, then I typically show up on time.
If your answers were mostly A, you are the early bird.
Early Birds like to focus on one task at a time.
- They excel at identifying all of the tasks necessary to complete a project, and they are great at scheduling reasonable time for completing each task.
- They are usually among the first people to arrive for class or social events, and they become stressed when they are late for an event or late on an assignment.
- Early Birds should identify when they are the most alert during the day and complete their tasks at that time, thereby creating an optimal “flowtime” for themselves and their work.
- They should also learn to integrate flexibility and cushion time (i.e., extra time) into their time-management strategies to accommodate any unexpected surprises.
Famous Early Birds include: George Washington, Queen Victoria, and Richard Branson.
If your answers were mostly B, you are the multitasker.
Multitaskers get a lot done, but they may have trouble getting everything done on time and may experience additional stress.
- Meeting deadlines can be difficult, so they should keep a time log of how long a task actually takes versus how long they originally thought the task would take.
- This will train them to have more accurate time estimates and incorporate time-management strategies that will reduce their stress and help them to meet deadlines more consistently.
- They may also consider trying the Eisenhower Matrix to help them prioritize their tasks.
Famous Multitaskers include Lucille Ball, Amelia Earhart, John F. Kennedy, and Daymond John.
If your answers were mostly C, you are the helper.
Helpers are dependable and loyal.
- They have a difficult time saying “no” to anyone who asks for help.
- Their kindness and empathy are admirable, but sometimes putting others’ needs in front of their own can backfire and put them behind in their tasks and responsibilities.
- Helpers should consider using block scheduling (that is, setting aside a specific chunk of time each week or each day) as a time-management tool to ensure that they give themselves enough time to complete their own work.
Famous helpers include Oprah Winfrey, Mozart, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Mother Teresa.
If your answers were mostly D, you are the deliberator.
Deliberators excel at breaking up large projects into individual tasks.
- They can see the big picture as well as all of the small parts that need to be addressed make that big picture happen.
- They are doers, and they enjoy making lists and checking tasks off one-by-one.
- However, sometimes Deliberators are so focused on completing tasks that they forget to pause and rest.
- Breaks are integral to efficiency and to avoiding burnout, so Deliberators should incorporate the use of breaks into their schedules as one of their time-management techniques.
Famous Deliberators include Quincy Jones, Eleanor Roosevelt, Moses, and Dwight D. Eisenhower.
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9 Skills That Make Great Online School Teachers
by Christopher E. Nelson
Now that millions of K–12 students are engaged in some form of online schooling, educators everywhere are wondering how to be a great online teacher. What works in a traditional brick-and-mortar school doesn’t always translate when becoming a virtual teacher.
Today’s online teachers know the role of teacher in a virtual classroom is essential to student success, and it requires a slightly different skill set than in-person learning. The best teachers know that the common qualities of a successful online teacher are creativity, specialized training, knowledge of the curriculum, and lots of preparation.
Download the infographic to see how Connections Academy’s teachers are uniquely suited to deliver a world class online education.
Instead of setting up a physical classroom, online teachers prepare by learning new technologies, developing lesson plans designed for remote instruction, and coming up with new ways to keep students engaged.
If you are an educator exploring how to become an online teacher or a parent wondering what to expect from your child’s online teacher, read on. We’ve explained nine online teaching primary skills and overall qualities that help the best online teachers keep students learning all year long.
What Makes a Good Online Instructor: Teaching Expertise
1. Online Teachers Have Certification & Curriculum ExpertiseAll teachers, whether they’re in an online or in-person environment, should have state certification, which indicates they’re qualified to teach. While state requirements vary, getting a professional teaching certification requires at least a bachelor’s degree and a certificate in the grade and subject areas the individual plans to teach. Many teachers at Connections Academy® hold master’s degrees and are experts in their subject areas. Whether online teaching primary school or calculus, Connections Academy teachers are exceptionally knowledgeable and ready to deliver an excellent education.
2. Online Teachers Have Tech Skills
Because classes are taught using the internet, online teachers need to be tech savvy and comfortable with the latest online tools and technology. Teachers may need to help students and parents learn new tools, especially at the beginning of the school year. Using technology regularly in their day-to-day lives helps teachers stay up to date with the latest innovations.
The main piece of technology online teachers need to understand is their school’s learning management system, or LMS. There are various online tools and education technology platforms that schools use to deliver lessons and communicate with families throughout the year.
Many teachers also use data visualization and analysis programs (e.g., spreadsheets and pivot tables) to track student progress and create data-based personalized learning plans. What makes a good online instructor is not only mastering the basics but being ready to keep learning as needs change and technology evolves to meet them.
3. Online Teachers Teach Creatively
In a digital learning environment, teachers who think outside of the box and prioritize creative thinking are well suited to help students succeed. Online learning creates opportunities for teachers to innovate and create engaging learning experiences for their students. It takes creativity, but every type of lesson or class, from science to social studies and physical education, can be taught in a virtual environment with an online curriculum.
Creative uses of online learning technology can even help students retain information more effectively. An online school environment allows for a mix of live virtual instruction, individual assignments, and project-based activities, so students have regular opportunities to try new things.
What Makes a Good Online Instructor: Strong Communication Skills
4. Online Teachers Are WelcomingOnline learning may feel new to many students and parents, so building trust and community is key. Teachers who have a knack for friendly, clear communication help students feel supported to succeed. Connections Academy teachers let every student know they belong by building personal connections and a supportive learning environment, starting on the first day of school.
5. Online Teachers Make Themselves Available
A big part of an online teacher’s job is to be available when students have questions or need help. Since classes aren’t held in person, responding quickly to provide assistance whenever someone reaches out is how to be a great online teacher.
Teachers should provide multiple ways to contact them, such as via email, texting, video conferencing, and phone calls. Some Connections Academy teachers even hold regular office hours for students who need one-on-one help or just want an additional challenge.
6. Online Teachers Provide Proactive Feedback
Regular and consistent feedback becomes even more important when children are being educated in a virtual classroom. While there may not be tests or quizzes every day, there are many ways for online teachers to evaluate student performance and step in before they get behind. Connections Academy teachers check in with students and Learning Coaches regularly to measure progress, anticipate problems, and offer suggestions.
What Makes a Good Online Instructor: Supportive Personal Qualities
7. Online Teachers Are EncouragingThe best online teachers make every interaction a positive experience, even from a distance. When students know they have a dedicated and supportive teacher, they’re empowered to try new things, inspired to ask questions, and comfortable seeking help when they need it. At Connections Academy, our teachers get to know every student personally, and they partner with parents to ensure students get the attention and assistance they need. Especially if a student is struggling or falling behind, our teachers are there to provide extra support and encouragement to help them stay motivated.
8. Online Teachers Are Adaptable
Online teachers need to think fast when things don’t go as planned. When the unexpected occurs, like a tech issue or interruption, resourceful teachers quickly adjust their lesson plans and instruction methods
,without missing a beat. If a presentation is loading slowly or a video conferencing glitch occurs, online teachers need to have a backup and troubleshooting plan that’s ready to go.Being flexible and personalizing instruction when needed ensures every student can grasp fundamental concepts. Guiding a student through a challenging concept sometimes takes a few tries and different approaches. Teachers can work with students over the phone or use online tools or video conferencing software to ensure every question gets answered.
9. Online Teachers Teach with Passion
In virtual school, students can feel their teachers’ enthusiasm for the subject matter through every live online lesson and interaction. Excellent online teachers show their enthusiasm by coming up with exciting ways to keep students engaged with the curriculum. At Connections Academy, our teachers are fueled by their passion for teaching, and they go above and beyond to support every student’s unique needs.
Connections Academy is a unique, tuition-free, online K-12 public school with 20 years of expertise in online learning. We pride ourselves on knowing what makes a good online instructor and selecting teachers who exhibit these skills and qualities every day. Let us help you with your child’s education, whether you’re enrolling in one of our accredited online schools this year or simply looking for resources to help students succeed with online learning.
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Military-Friendly Online Schools Address Needs of Service Families
by Christopher E. Nelson
How does Connections Academy® offer some of the best online schools for military families? By offering school choice through a flexible online platform with a variety of core courses, electives, and clubs, so that military families can meet their commitments knowing their children are enrolled in a school that is a safe, caring, and delivers an impactful and engaging education.
Could a Connections Academy school be the best online school for your military family?
We think so! Whether you're based in the US or deployed overseas, Connections Academy's online school curriculum comes with you when/if your orders change.
How Changing Schools Can Impact Learning
Moving from one home to another and changing schools is a known stressor for students that can negatively impact grades. A MacArthur Foundation study(opens in a new tab) found that, “Home and school moves each had unique effects on children, but school moves had slightly stronger effects on their cognitive scores and emotional problems, above and beyond the effects of residential moves.”
The Department of Defense Educational Partnership Branch says the average child in a military family will move six to nine times during their school career. That’s an average of three times more frequently than non-military families.
Military families can avoid the impact of school changes on their children if they are enrolled in Connections Academy’s military-friendly online schools. When enrolled in a Connections Academy online school, moving does not have to cause a loss of academic achievement or regression in socialization.
Military family parent and Learning Coach Christi Baron says that “without the help of Connections Academy, our children would have been struggling with the changes that moving presents.”
Military-Friendly Online Schools Help Kids Settle in Faster
“Connections Academy not only adapted to our many moves, but helped us with school while settling into our new home,” Christi said. “Being the new kids in a small town was hard enough, but being military kids in a civilian community didn’t make sense for our kids or the other students. At Connections Academy, they are able to learn while not being outsiders.”
Lea Ann Lockard was the principal at Texas Connections Academy for 12 years and grew up with a parent who was active duty in the Navy. She wrote that military students who move during the school year find that curriculum differs across the country, leaving them either unprepared for tougher courses or bored because they have already covered the material. High school students who transfer can find themselves missing credits and scrambling to graduate.
A February 2019 Pearson study(opens in a new tab) of the efficacy of Connections Academy compared the performance of similar populations of students in traditional brick-and-mortar schools and online schools who have moved during their academic careers.
“We found that Connections Academy schools serve highly mobile students with complex needs known to (negatively) impact academic performance,” the study authors said. Students’ needs included trying to catch up and flexible scheduling, among several others. “These characteristics create a unique student population that differs from traditional brick-and-mortar schools.”
The Pearson study found that “Connections Academy students can receive the same quality of education as that offered at their local public school, while simultaneously taking advantage of the benefits offered to them by virtual schools (and) may perform better than students in other virtual schools.”
And while Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) has provided a full-time virtual learning option for K–12 students since early in the COVID-19 pandemic, current enrollment is limited to 1,000 students systemwide. There’s no such limit in Connections Academy schools.
Online School Teachers Help Military Kids Transition
Connections Academy courses are led by teachers who are either state-certified or credentialed. They help students by giving them individual attention as needed, leading LiveLesson® sessions and working with Learning Coaches to support students as they achieve their goals.
“Connections Academy has the perfect balance of interaction between teachers and parent input through being a Learning Coach,” said parent and Learning Coach Angela Litteral. “The curriculum is engaging, challenging, and relevant. It is especially helpful and flexible for military families. Connections Academy is a very portable education that you can take with you and do just about anywhere.”
Lea Ann, the online educator from Texas, wrote that online schools can give military students continuity, help students maintain grades, and help families stay connected. “Another benefit is that online school allows the deployed parent to check grades online, communicate with teachers, and review coursework,” she wrote.
What Makes Connections Academy a Military-Friendly Online School?
Connections Academy has tuition-free schools across the country to meet state-specific requirements, including those for curriculum, attendance, and graduation. Your military child’s academic curriculum doesn’t have to change when you move.
You can start your online schooling journey by finding a CA school in your state, registering for a virtual event introducing Connections Academy, and following Connections Academy on Facebook(opens in a new tab) or Instagram(opens in a new tab).
You can also read about Connection Academy’s K–12 curriculum, which is specifically designed for online learning, and learn more about our military family support offerings.
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