Your experience watching your child try to adapt to online learning during the pandemic may have left you wondering if an online school would ever be a good fit. But rest assured, these virtual schools have evolved far beyond those often haphazard and makeshift setups.
Many online schools offer a dynamic and interactive personalized environment, where all students – including those with a diagnosed learning disability – can thrive.
This alternative approach to education caters to various learning styles and preferences – and this is where online schools truly shine. These options allow your child to learn and develop in a way that might not be possible in a traditional classroom.
“It’s so important that students find a school that meets their needs and unlocks their potential,” says Nicole Jordan, Head of Academics at Rundle College Society, which offers three distinct schools to support a variety of learners. “Searching for the right school can feel like trying to open 100 doors with one key; each lock is promising, but ultimately the wrong fit. But when you find the right school, that door should open effortlessly and unlock a world of learning designed just for them.”
To help you and your child find the right key for their learning needs, here are six factors to consider when choosing an online school:
Technology. Learning over Zoom was many families’ first taste of online learning, but it never gave the full picture of what a great online school can do. The learning software should be well-organized, interactive, and easy for students and parents to use. The platform should also be able to seamlessly integrate audio, video, and immersive readers to assist with learning. The online experience should help – not hinder – students who need additional support to develop skills like time management and organization. And when students get to use different technologies, including virtual reality headsets and the Metaverse for immersive experiences, it can make learning more exciting and more memorable.
Beyond the classroom. School has always been about more than academics, and that still rings true online. Great schools offer clubs, sports, and character development programs to keep your child well-rounded. Look for activities outside of class that match your child's interests and passions. If your child wants to play a sport, see if the school has connections that allow them to play recreationally or competitively. A character education program embedded in the learning experience should allow your child to develop as a leader in the school and their greater community.
Small class sizes. There are endless benefits for students when class sizes are small, giving teachers the time and space to provide individual attention to each child. Smaller classes mean each teacher-student connection can flourish. Your child can be consistently supported and their progress better tracked, leaving no room for anonymity or falling through the cracks. With fewer students to manage, teachers have more time to focus on what really matters: teaching your child and ensuring they understand the work.
Making friends. It’s important that students have time to build emotional and cognitive connections together before and after school, and during lunch and recess breaks. These can often take place in video calls or in the Metaverse where students can talk, joke, socialize, and forge lasting friendships. Online environments can allow students to be more comfortable and openly be themselves, leading to more authentic connections. Some schools even organize optional in-person meet-ups, so they can bond outside the digital world.
Experienced teachers. Just as learning styles vary from student to student, teaching styles vary from teacher to teacher. Teachers who work in an online school must know how to adapt their teaching to support all students in this non-traditional environment. Your child’s teachers should have education and understanding to work with students with different learning needs so that they can personalize their teaching to equip each student with the tools and skills to thrive.
Made for all learners. Moving a traditional classroom directly into a virtual space doesn’t work well for all students, especially those with a learning disability or students who need additional support. The environment should be built for all students and centre around supporting their individual needs. Your child’s personalized education will allow them to not only reach their full potential, but also see and know that their learning needs should never limit what they can achieve at school and beyond.
“There are so many great alternative schools for families these days. As we keep discovering more about how students learn, we’re able to better design programs, experiences, and complete schools that set up each student for success,” Nicole says. “This means parents can find the perfect online environment that unlocks their child’s potential and opens the door to a bright and fulfilling future.”
Kyle Slavin is a marketing and communications coordinator for Rundle College Society. Rundle Studio is a fully online school community for students who have a diagnosed learning disability. The school is based on the well-established Rundle Academy teaching model; thoughtfully and intentionally adapted for students who would benefit from an online education. Learn more at rundle.ab.ca/studio.
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