What is it like to have online instruction compared to going to a public school?

At a traditional school, parental involvement is often limited to things like reviewing homework, attending parent-teacher conferences, or chaperoning field trips. Many parents are also out of the loop on academic performance until the end-of-term report card comes home, leaving parents and students little chance to course-correct.

With online school, parents have many options for being involved in their children’s education. As Learning Coaches, parents (or other trusted adults) may choose to support learning by structuring the online school student’s daily routine or reviewing lessons and grades as often as they wish. They can consult with online school teachers in regular meetings and, when needed, play an active role by helping to monitor attendance, progress, and comprehension. While every family does online learning a bit differently, online educators agree that it’s a good idea to assist with organization and time management, encourage students, and praise them for their hard work.