Online learning seems so free, like your student can do courses when he wants, how often he wants, and without a care in the world.
However, even though online school is freeing, it's not total freedom. It's still a school with classes, homework, due dates, and teachers instructing from a distance. The sense of freedom comes from not having a physical representation of authority (teachers) or having a classroom with peers (both of which act as accountability partners in a traditional school setting).
Keeping an online student accountable can be a challenge, both for parents and online teachers. While some personality types are well-suited to online learning, others need encouragement and help in building self-discipline (a skill needed for adulthood success).
Here are a few parental tips for keeping your online student accountable:
1. Create a class schedule so your student knows what he's supposed to be doing
2. Outline rewards and consequences for behavior and enforce them
3. Be a "learning coach" by helping with questions and reviewing progress regularly
4. Talk to online teachers often about your student
5. Monitor your student's online internet activity
6. Double check homework for academic integrity
7. Make an at-home learning environment conducive to studying
Online school isn't for everyone, so keep discussion open with your student and his teachers about the effectiveness of online learning. Or you may find online school is a good option only for a certain period of time or for certain classes.
How do you try to build accountability in your student? Share with us!