As the parent of an online student, you can take pride in your student’s initiative and commitment to academic success. Your support and encouragement will contribute to your student’s success.
How to Help
Your student will need your support and encouragement. Online courses require students to work independently, and family members can help them stay focused and motivated by checking in regularly. Make sure they understand the course content, are completing assignments, and are preparing adequately for quizzes and exams. Also make sure your student has sufficient access to an Internet-connected computer. The school should reserve a daily class period with computer access for your student. Your student may also need extra computer time after school in the computer lab, library, or elsewhere.
What Help and Support Will Students Need?
- Before the course starts:
In order to participate in on-line courses, students need adequate keyboard skills and experience using email and a web browser. Facility with these skills will enable your student to more easily accomplish the work in the course. If your student is not comfortable with keyboard skills, practicing keyboarding before the course begins would be beneficial. Your student will need to have sufficient access to an Internet-connected computer throughout this course. Setting up a schedule for assuring this access will be a critical component in helping the student to keep up with the work.
- After the course has started:
Students need to login daily to keep up with what's going on in class. Falling behind in an on-line course makes it very difficult to succeed. Students will need to stay on task, meet deadlines and pursue assistance for any technical problems that may occur. Your student will need your support by helping him/her stay focused and motivated by checking on his/her progress in the course regularly. There is an online grade book that you can check.
What Help and Support Will Students Receive?
In order to participate in on-line courses, students need adequate keyboard skills and good written communication skills. Experience using email and a web browser is highly recommended. Students also need to be self-motivated. Falling behind in an on-line course makes it very difficult to succeed. Students will need to stay on task, meet deadlines and pursue assistance for any technical problems that may occur. Students need to login several times a week to keep up with what's going on in class. Please refer to the FAQ section for additional tips.
Students will not be completely “on their own”. Each MVLO student will be enrolled in the program through their local high school. Students will be assigned a mentor, but will need to maintain contact with educators at their local school if they feel that they need additional help. Students should maintain contact with other students within the same on-line course to become part of a virtual learning community and to be a more fully engaged learner. For specific problems with technology or an on-line course, there are technical support options available through the vendor or MSDE.
If a student is taking the online course at a local high school, the school will provide access to the hardware and software needed for course. If a student will be accessing the course from home, it is important that both the student and the parent/guardian review the Technical Requirements page to ensure access to the course. Students may also access computers at their school library, public library, and local community college. Community learning centers and local not-for-profit social service agencies may also be places where a student could have access to their course.
How Can I Contact The Online Instructor?
You can email the instructor at any time during the course or call during posted office hours. It is also important to work closely with the Mentor teacher to resolve issues when they arise. For further assistance, please contact MVS. |
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