Are you comfortable using computers?
Students and/or parents/guardians will need to know how to send and receive email, use a browser to visit websites, create new documents, open files, use a word processing program, print and scan documents. You will also need to be able to solve (or get help solving) problems involving your computer hardware and/or software.

Do you feel confident in online interactions?
Classes require video conferencing through Zoom and interactions with your peers and teacher on a daily basis. Students will be considered present only if they participate in class discussions, answer questions when addressed, and have their face clearly visible on camera. If a student fails to do this they will be marked absent for that class period.

Can you effectively and consistently communicate?
Communication is the key to succeeding in the online learning community. The most important thing you can do as you progress through the learning activities is communicate with other students and your teachers. We will work with email, phone, and websites to communicate with our families. It is important for families and students to be comfortable and willing to check their email, the Zoom chats, Google Classroom and PowerSchool to stay up-to-date with their grades and information from the school.

Can you manage your own time and distractions?
Outside of classes, teachers are not present with you to ensure that you remain on-task when completing assignments or studying. Working daily (M-F) on your classes, reviewing material, studying textbooks and other resources, making notes, and completing assignments all take time – and if that time is not scheduled, it will be difficult to find. Set specific times for studying when you avoid non-study related websites and distractions.

Your teachers will not be sending you daily e-mails to remind you to complete your assignments. It is your responsibility to check for deadlines on Google Classroom and ensure that you are completing work on time.

It is crucial that you have space to study and attend class with no distractions. Do not try to work near the TV or where other people might distract you. It is also important to not distract yourself – close other websites, social media, etc. during your class and study time. Make sure you have a seat/desk that is comfortable, without being overly relaxing.

Are you able to persevere through challenges?
Online learning requires independence, motivation, responsibility, and a certain level of maturity. No one can force you to learn. If you do not take the steps necessary for success, online school will be very difficult.

Successful online learners need to deal with and solve technical issues, seek help when necessary, work daily on their classes, and persist through learning challenges.