INTERNATIONAL
A plethora of online schools has sprung up , offering everything from recorded to live lessons . But how do you choose one that ’ s right for your child ?
The pros and cons
If you choose an international school , like CGA , bear in mind that their start and end times don ’ t line up with those of South Africa ’ s schools . As an international school , the next CGA classes begin on 5 September 2022 .
How to choose the right online high school
According to fundiconnect . co . za , there are several advantages to studying at home . These include increased safety , affordability and comfort .
The site highlights the fact that research shows that learners who get online lessons retain 25 – 60 % more learning material than the 8 – 10 % they would retain if they were taught in a physical classroom . The reason for this is that online learning often encourages students to learn at their own pace . If videos are recorded , it gives them the added benefit of watching the lesson or rewinding it if they want the material explained again .
There are , of course , downsides to e-learning too . For instance , learners may feel isolated from their peers , they may prefer face-to-face communication , or it could even be a struggle for those who are less computer literate .
Get the right online school
However , if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages and you feel online learning is right for your teen , then there ’ s an abundance of places to choose from .
Top online teaching providers include Curro Online , which provides live lessons with experienced teachers from grades 4 to 12 on MS Teams ; Futures Academy , which offers flexible solutions for grade 7 – 12 learners ; and Crimson Global Academy ( CGA ), to name but a few .
Morris advises parents to consider the following when choosing an online high school :
• Live versus pre-recorded lessons : Live lessons offer more opportunities for classroom-based discussion , which improves student engagement and allows learners to ask questions , make comments and create meaningful personal connections .
• Class size : Smaller class sizes help students feel more comfortable to ask for help and ensure that they receive individualised support . ‘ Small classes foster greater interaction between students and teachers ,’ he says .
• International curriculum : Graduating with globally recognised qualifications improves your child ’ s options when it comes to applying to university or finding work internationally , so consider this if your child wants to travel the world or move abroad .
• Leading technology : Online learning works best when it ’ s facilitated via purpose-built platforms that are designed with learning principles in mind . Morris advises avoiding schools that simply use existing video conferencing technologies for classes .
• Experienced teachers : Teaching staff should be trained to provide instructions virtually and have extensive experience in teaching both onand offline . International online high schools provide access to subject specialists from all around the world .
• Extracurriculars : Teacher-led clubs , group activities and leadership positions are critical to a full high school experience and a well-rounded university application . It will also help with any isolation issues your teen may be dealing with .
‘ The key to choosing an online high school is to think about what you want for your child when it comes to their education . If studying at a top university is one of their goals , then you ’ ll need to find a high-engagement school that offers international curricula and prepares them for the academic rigour of those institutions ,’ says executive principal of Crimson Global Academy ( CGA ), John Morris .
63 E M I G R A T I O N
CGA teaches students from more than 30 countries , including South Africa , and is registered to offer International GCSEs , International A Levels , Advanced Placement ( AP ), Cambridge Assessment , International Examinations ( CIE ), and the United States High School Diploma .
Angelique Ruzicka