You don’t necessarily grow up faster in a virtual high school, but for some students it is a structure that develops confidence, assertiveness, and other skills that will serve them in the workforce.
The day-to-day experience is largely created by students, who are responsible for completing assignments–on their own time. Many find that they have more time for extracurriculars, volunteer work, and other enriching activities. The experience is largely what you create while allowing one to:
Move at your speed. Classroom learning can be frustrating for everyone–but students working ahead of the curve can be bored by the pace, while others who need more time to grasp the material can feel pressured, sacrificing questions to keep up with the class. Neither are productive for true learning. It’s a more personal process, one that is captured effectively in a virtual high school where the student sets the pace.
Work creatively. You won’t merely study lessons and take tests in a virtual high school. You’ll be challenged in other ways, like creating presentations or marketing materials.
Get audio and visual support. Many people learn visually, so graphs, charts, and other pictorial depictions are often used in lessons, along with video and audio clips for those who learn by hearing.
Access teachers. Despite the physical distance, teachers are actually more accessible. Students may have the option to ask for help during a lesson (via help prompts), text, email or call outside of regularly scheduled check-ins.
Collaborate. A virtual environment doesn’t have to be isolating, plenty of assignments involve group or partnered projects. And you won’t have to sacrifice school-related activities, like opportunities to join the yearbook or newspaper staff. Many schools maintain these clubs online.
Flexibility. Most students choose a virtual high school for its flexibility, giving students greater control over when and how they pursue their studies. They get more than a high school education through the experience; students gain life skills like time management, prioritization, and critical thinking–soft skills that are highly desired in the work world but aren’t classically engaged in a traditional classroom setting. They are also introduced to office software like PowerPoint and Word.
The flexibility also helps students make time for passions, which strengthen creativity, empowerment, and confidence–whatever the activity may be.
Virtual high schools involve a high degree of accountability, but it can be ideal for a broad range of students. Interested in talking to one of Achieve Virtual Academy’s counselors about the experience? Contact us today!
