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Tips On How To Transfer To Online Schooling

TIPS TO TRANSFER TO ONLINE SCHOOL

Not sure where to start? Here are some tips to help with a smooth transfer to online schooling.

It’s not as daunting as you may think because the COVID-19 pandemic has already helped us all to navigate different aspects of our life – whether it was our working lives or going to school, with the help of virtual reality! 

So you could say that you’ve had a taster of what it’s like making the transition to online interaction or maybe you’re now used to it.  Consider the benefits of online schooling:

Benefits:

  • It has flexible timetables
  • You can learn from the comfort of your home environment
  • With smaller classes, so less distraction and more teacher attention
  • You work at your pace, as fast as you would like to go – great for gifted students
  • You can still benefit from a community of classmates and interactive learning and teacher enthusiasm
  • It is a great choice for all children!

But making big changes can still feel like a leap into the unknown.  However, knowing what to expect, will help you to prepare your child for online education.

Here are some tips on how to make a smooth start, at the new online school.

Making the right choice of school

Now there are many schools offering online schooling, and each has its different approach and ethos, just like the physical school.  After all, you would also make choices for those too! Then, just as with a physical school, you will find an online school that will be a best fit for your child. 

Check for schools that are grounded on teaching experience, subject expertise, and are results oriented, both academically and your child’s holistic development.  It’s not about the corporate virtual money market, but look for schools with qualified staff of many years of experience, driven by successful outcomes.  Their experience will help your child adjust and thrive in the online environment.

Online & traditional physical schools have differences

But here’s how to navigate your choice among the many online schools.

  • You need to be sure the teachers are qualified, with all the safeguarding in place.
  • Is the school following the national curriculum or a minimal make-shift one?
  • Are teachers passionate about teaching: As this will drive their support for your child.
  • What about the quality of education, and extra-curricular support, to generate a strong sense of community and belonging?

Subjects & Options

Transferring at the start of the academic year, means that there is a fresh start with new subjects from the beginning.  So there is time to make personal choices and begin with everyone at the same time.

But there are other times when a transfer is made – such as in the middle of the academic school year.  The suggestion is to choose what the student is familiar with, to minimise settling-in anxiety and the inability to cope smoothly.  The key here is to choose familiar subject because there is less time spent trying to grasp new subjects and it means that catching-up with your peers will be a lot easier.   

Make good use of school technological resources

  • One of the many benefits of a great online school is that it is able to offer recorded lessons.
  • This is a great online resource because it enables your child to watch what lessons they’ve missed.
  • These resources are invaluable for exam revision.
  • Those who have joined the school mid-year are then able to catch up and prepare for forthcoming tests/exams.
  • It also gives new students an idea of what has happened before they joined and also get a feel for their new “community.”

Do an advanced test run!

In the same way you would try to become familiar with a method of doing things  or learn a new route to a physical school, you must also do the same for your online school.

    • Try out features such as logging in, joining clubs, talking to teachers, look at a demo of how grades, progress and reports are recorded, where you can have access to this information.
    • This is to make sure that everything goes smoothy from day one.
    • You can read up on school policies
    • Check FAQs to learn more
    • Browse through an Overview of the curriculum that your child will study, as well as your child’s intended timetable.

As a parent there will be documents in the Parents & Student Portals that inform you about certain policies:

  •  E.g. Option subjects for your child to choose and how this will be done
  • Safeguarding
  •  E-Safety
  • Acceptable Use Policy for both you and your child.
  • These will help to inform you both, and maintain excitement from day one.

Ask for help!

Just as you would for a new, traditional, physical school, do ask for help, if there are questions you need answers for, or are unclear about something relating to the transition.  A caring school should show willingness and a readiness to help you.

Likewise, encourage your child to ask questions when they are unsure, especially during the settling down weeks.  An enthusiastic and supportive teacher will ensure a smooth adjustment to the new online school.

Choosing Phoenix

Amongst the multitude of online schools to choose from, if you are looking for a caring, supportive, school; committed to developing excellence in your child, then look no further than Phoenix.  We have had over 14 years of online education delivery, in many forms, as a Tuition School and our Key staff also has a background in full-time physical school teaching for over a decade.  We follow the British National curriculum, working with Accredited Exam boards to deliver interactive teaching to students in the UK and Abroad.  Your child will have access to our 24/7 lesson recordings, as we assure you of our qualified teacher expertise and resources, for a long and happy educational experience for your child.  Get in touch with our Admissions team for more information.

To find out more about learning with Phoenix Community College, or to reserve your place for September, contact us below and one of our admissions team will be in touch.