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  • How Many Hours Do I Need To Be On Cyber School?

    Posted by Michele Medek on 12/14/2018 9:00:00 AM

    The biggest question I am asked is how long do I need to be on cyber school?  The program requirement is a minimum of 1.25 hours per course per day.  However, it may be a little longer than that especially if it is a subject you struggle with.  Students are given a calendar and on that calendar it lists all of the lessons and activities you must complete for that day. You must complete all of those lessons for the day even if it takes you longer than the 1.25.  If you do not, you will be marked absent.  It is so important to complete all of work assigned for that day.  It is so easy to fall behind.  Make sure you login every day and complete your assignments.

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  • Staying Motivated While In Cyber School

    Posted by Michele Medek on 2/9/2018 9:00:00 AM

    The notion of starting cyber school can be exciting.  The real challenge is staying motivated to login every day and complete the assignments. Here are some ways that will help you stay engaged.

    Remember why you decided to do cyber school. Whenever you lose the focus or you are frustrated with the program, remember why you decided to enter the program.  What are the reasons that motivated you in the first place? 

    Get dressed and go to school. When we lay around in our pajamas all day how does that make you feel?  You probably feel like you want to lay around all day.  Get yourself dressed and find a spot to go to school every morning.  Make sure it is away from distractions like your bed, your couch and your television. When we get dressed we usually feel more inclined to do work.

    Allow yourself to take breaks. Sometimes we just need to take a break. We need to give our brains and bodies a break. Get up and stretch.  Get yourself a drink a water and take a moment for yourself. 

    Be realistic. Set daily goals for yourself but be realistic about them.  Don't feel you have to get all your work done for the week.  Make a schedule for yourself. Get your planner out and write down the work than needs to be completed for that day. Make sure you check them off as you go. By doing this, you will feel like you are accomplishing something.

    Reward yourself. After you complete a subject, a project or a test, reqard yourself.  Completing a goal is rewarding so take the time to pat yourself on the back. Acknowledge your accomplishments!

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  • How To Be A Successful Cyber School Student

    Posted by Michele Medek on 1/24/2018
    Starting cyber school can be a bit overwhelming if you have been in a brick and mortar school most of your life. You have been conditioned to wake up, eat breakfast, go to school.  You sit in your assigned seat, take notes and the teacher gives you an assignment.  You have a question, you raise your hand and the teacher gives you instant feedback.  Cyber school is much different. You can now eat your breakfast while logging on to do your assignments.  You e-mail or instant message your teacher to ask questions.  Here are some tips to help you become a successful cyber school student. Most of yourSuccessful online students have a few things in common. If you want to ace your assignments, thrive in classroom discussions, and overcome the challenges of virtual learning, give these ten tips a try.

    1. Start the semester right.

    The first week of an online class can set the course for the rest of the semester. Use your first few days wisely by evaluating your course load, making a schedule for yourself, and becoming familiar with course expectations.

    2. Create a safe place for your studies.

    Since all of your work will be done away from a traditional classroom, it’s essential to create a study spot of your own. Whether you have an entire office or just a desk in your living room, make sure it’s organized with the supplies you need and available for use at any time.

    3. Achieve family / school balance.

    When learning at home, it’s often difficult to balance assignments with the needs of your partner or children. Anticipate scheduling problems before they arise, and come up with a solution that works for everyone.

    4. Play off your strengths.

    Flashcards and note reviews can be uninspiring. Instead of relying on old-fashioned study techniques, find out what your “intelligence type” is and use it to excel. Personalizing your study time should make it more enjoyable and more productive.

    5. Become a respected chat room participant.

    Online class chat rooms can be the best place to make connections, share your insights, and stand out in the crowd. But, the seeming informality of the virtual world leads some students to share inappropriate information or be lax with their grammar. Learn how to communicate in chat rooms and take these venues seriously. In return, you’ll gain the respect of your professors and the admiration of your peers.

    6. Know how to ask for help.

    Although you won’t be working with your professor face-to-face, it’s still important to build a relationship and ask for help when necessary. Learn how to communicate effectively with your instructors and avoid the misunderstandings that often arise with electronic discussion.

    7. Stay motivated.

    Online learning is an endurance sport. When you’re feeling burned out and tired of staring a screen, don’t slack. Remember that everyone has good days and bad. The key to online class success: never give up.

    Adapted from: http://distancelearn.about.com/od/distancelearning101/tp/Online-Student-Success.htm
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  • What Is My Responsibility As A Parent Of A Cyber School Student?

    Posted by Michele Medek on 1/2/2018

    A successful cyber school student is one that has structure and involvement of parents/guardians. Your child's success is a combination of effort from you as well as their teachers. Provide structure by establishing a daily routine.  Monitor your child's course work and verify attendance. You should not just take their word that they are turning in assignments.  Ask to see their work.  Login to Skyward weekly to check grades, missing assignments and attendance.  Our teachers encourage you to maintain contact with them either by phone or email.

     

    It is extremely important that you ensure your child comes into school for state mandated testing as dictated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.  Dates are provided well in advance for you to make arrangements to have your child come in on those days.

     

    It is important that you stay involved with your child's education whether it is online or in school.

     

     

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  • Is Cyber School Right For You

    Posted by Michele Medek on 12/1/2017

    Being able to stay home every day and complete school work in your pajamas is appealing at first to many students when they hear about cyber schools. However, a lot of work is still required to make being a cyber school student work.

    Are YOU a good fit for a cyber school? Do you have what it takes to be a pioneer in this exciting field of education? Take this quiz to see if it might be something for you...

     

      Take this quiz to see if cyberschool is right for you.

     

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  • Myth About Cyber School

    Posted by Michele Medek on 9/5/2017
    I will like cyber school because I like being on the computer.  It will be easy. 
     
     
    This statement is not necesaarily true. Cyber schooling takes a very motivated individual. A student with the willingness to learn. A cyber school student meets different challenges in the online learning environment that they haven't encountered in the face-to-face learning environment.  These new challenges may include but are not limited to:
    • time management skills for assignments and for studying;
    • taking control of their own learning
    • meeting pacing requirements of the teacher
    • speaking up for and asking for help
    • requesting remediation from their online teacher as they need;
    • creating and managing a personal learning schedule of at least 6 hours per day
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