by Bruce Friend
In the December edition of this newsletter I provided some insights for parents on criteria to consider when selecting an online learning option for your child. The growth of online learning has been accelerating in the past decade. Most estimates are that over one million students of elementary to high school age currently take at least one online course each year. The growth in full-time online programs is also on the rise.
Online courses can be a valuable resource to homeschool families. Online learning, when delivered in a way that maximizes its full potential, allows for students to work at a time and pace that suits their learning style and needs. Online courses are also a way to have your students take courses with expert teachers in subjects that you as the homeschool parent may not feel fully prepared to teach.
Regardless of why a student enrolls in an online course, we do know that there are some work habits and other attributes of a successful online student.
Self-motivation - Students can direct their own learning environment and methods to fulfill course requirements and achieve individual academic success.
Independent learner - The online environment enables students to learn at their own pace, relieving the stress of feeling rushed or pressured and providing enjoyment in the learning process.
Computer literate - Although it is not necessary to have advanced computer skills, students should possess a working knowledge of electronic e-mail, the Internet, as well as basic keyboarding skills.
Time management - Students must be able to organize and plan their own best "time to learn." There is no one best time for everyone, but the key to learning is to make the time to learn.
Effective written communication skills - Students must use electronic e-mail and discussion forums to communicate with their peers as well as the instructors. The ability to write clearly to communicate ideas and assignments is essential. This method provides the learner with rapid feedback as well as a means to inform instructors of any concerns or problems that they may be experiencing.
Personal commitment - Because there are no bells that begin and end classes, students must have a strong desire to learn and achieve knowledge and skills without necessarily having an adult physically in front of them at all times to prompt them to action.
Don't be alarmed if you feel that your child has not master all of the above criteria. While the above attributes will greatly contribute to a student's success in online courses, there is no litmus test as to who will and will not be successful in an online learning environment. In many cases, students' strengths in these areas may emerge and grow by virtue of participating in an online course. Students from all backgrounds, academic levels, and differing degrees of computer experience have proven to be successful in online courses.
Bruce Friend is a pioneer in K12 online learning. As a founding member, teacher, and chief administrator of Florida Virtual School, Bruce has considerable experience in providing online learning opportunities to home school students. In 2003, Bruce was honored with the award of “Most Outstanding Achievement by and Individual” by the U.S. Distance Learning Association. In recent years he has provided consultation to online programs and families throughout the United States.
He is currently the Director of SAS® Curriculum Pathways® ( www.sascurriculumpathways.com ).bruce.friend@sas.com
In the December edition of this newsletter I provided some insights for parents on criteria to consider when selecting an online learning option for your child. The growth of online learning has been accelerating in the past decade. Most estimates are that over one million students of elementary to high school age currently take at least one online course each year. The growth in full-time online programs is also on the rise.
Online courses can be a valuable resource to homeschool families. Online learning, when delivered in a way that maximizes its full potential, allows for students to work at a time and pace that suits their learning style and needs. Online courses are also a way to have your students take courses with expert teachers in subjects that you as the homeschool parent may not feel fully prepared to teach.
Regardless of why a student enrolls in an online course, we do know that there are some work habits and other attributes of a successful online student.
Self-motivation - Students can direct their own learning environment and methods to fulfill course requirements and achieve individual academic success.
Independent learner - The online environment enables students to learn at their own pace, relieving the stress of feeling rushed or pressured and providing enjoyment in the learning process.
Computer literate - Although it is not necessary to have advanced computer skills, students should possess a working knowledge of electronic e-mail, the Internet, as well as basic keyboarding skills.
Time management - Students must be able to organize and plan their own best "time to learn." There is no one best time for everyone, but the key to learning is to make the time to learn.
Effective written communication skills - Students must use electronic e-mail and discussion forums to communicate with their peers as well as the instructors. The ability to write clearly to communicate ideas and assignments is essential. This method provides the learner with rapid feedback as well as a means to inform instructors of any concerns or problems that they may be experiencing.
Personal commitment - Because there are no bells that begin and end classes, students must have a strong desire to learn and achieve knowledge and skills without necessarily having an adult physically in front of them at all times to prompt them to action.
Don't be alarmed if you feel that your child has not master all of the above criteria. While the above attributes will greatly contribute to a student's success in online courses, there is no litmus test as to who will and will not be successful in an online learning environment. In many cases, students' strengths in these areas may emerge and grow by virtue of participating in an online course. Students from all backgrounds, academic levels, and differing degrees of computer experience have proven to be successful in online courses.
Bruce Friend is a pioneer in K12 online learning. As a founding member, teacher, and chief administrator of Florida Virtual School, Bruce has considerable experience in providing online learning opportunities to home school students. In 2003, Bruce was honored with the award of “Most Outstanding Achievement by and Individual” by the U.S. Distance Learning Association. In recent years he has provided consultation to online programs and families throughout the United States.
He is currently the Director of SAS® Curriculum Pathways® ( www.sascurriculumpathways.com ).bruce.friend@sas.com
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