Michigan Virtual High School Classes

Part One of Three

(All three parts must be completed)

1. Read the "What You Need to Know About Taking Courses Online". Please review both parts one and two of the information provided. These readings can be found at the end of the three-step process.

2. Write a Short Learning Style Assessment: After reading, write a brief assessment that addresses four points you feel are most relevant to your learning style. Focus on areas you may need to work on, aspects of virtual learning that will be easy for you, or things you're excited about. Your assessment can be in list form, covering the following:

   • The issue or point you are addressing
   • How it relates to your learning style and study habits
     
     Example:
     "The emphasis on being able to work independently could be a challenge for me. I typically need someone to help me track my progress and keep me focused."

3. Create a Google Doc for Your Self-Assessment
   Be sure to include your name in the document. This will be the document you will continue to work on for Steps Two and Three.

Part Two of Three

(All three parts must be completed)

1. Complete the Online Learning Readiness Questionnaire

   • Take the self-evaluation quiz titled Online Learning Readiness Questionnaire.
   • After completing the quiz, make sure to record your results. When you click on the “IS IT FOR ME” button, a window will open showing your score.

2. Include Your Quiz Results in the Google Doc

   • Copy and paste your quiz results into the Google Doc you created in Part One. Be sure to update the document with the necessary information.

3. Continue Working on the Document for Step Three

   • Once you finish Step Three of the prerequisites, you’ll share the entire document electronically with Mrs. Cummings or Mrs. Lopez.

Part Three of Three

(All three parts must be completed)

1. School Class(es)
   • Find the course description for the Michigan Virtual High School class(es) you are interested in.
   • Copy and paste the course description into the Google Doc you have been working on.
2. View the Full Course Syllabus (Optional but Encouraged)
   • You can view the full course syllabus by clicking on the arrow next to the course name.
   • It is strongly recommended that you review the course syllabus before making your final course enrollment decision.
3. Parent Signature
   • Have your parent sign and date your course choice electronically within your Google Doc.
4. Final Step
   • Once all three steps are complete, share your final Google Doc with Mrs. Cummings or Mrs. Lopez.
   • Don’t forget to include your first and last name in the document.

Important Points About Online Courses:

1. Virtual Classes are Not Easier
   • Virtual classes can be just as challenging as face-to-face classes.
   • These courses are not self-paced; they follow a pacing guide with deadlines that must be met.
   • It is your responsibility to stay on track. Don’t expect constant reminders from teachers.
2. Course Expectations and Deadlines
   • Virtual courses often include individual assignments, group tasks, discussions, quizzes, and tests.
   • Participating in discussions is mandatory and often part of your grade.
   • Always adhere to deadlines. If you're behind, don't expect your teacher to chase you.
3. Organizational Skills are Crucial
   • Online courses require focus, strong organizational skills, and the ability to follow directions carefully.
   • You'll be navigating different parts of the virtual classroom. Take your time to learn the system and its resources.
   • Communication is key, let your teacher or support staff know immediately if you’re struggling.
4. Be Self-Motivated and Disciplined
   • Expect to log in daily, stay on top of assignments, and stay engaged with the material.
   • Be prepared for longer screen times and be sure you have a dedicated space to work.
5. Attention to Detail
   • Following your teacher’s guidelines for assignments, email subject lines, file types, etc., is critical. Failure to follow these rules could lead to missing credit for work.
6. Tech Troubles and Proactive Communication
   • Teachers will work with you if you anticipate any issues. Don’t wait for problems to occur, reach out early.
   • Always keep copies of communication and save your work in multiple locations. In case of tech issues, having backups could save you from losing important assignments.
7. Course Pacing and Calendar
   • Check your pacing guide and mark important dates on your calendar.
   • Print out the pacing guide to help stay on track throughout the semester.
8. Technical Troubleshooting
   • Save copies of all assignments (including test answers) to avoid losing work due to technical glitches.
   • In case of issues during testing, always print your answers before submitting.

Important Tips for Success:

• Explore your online classroom thoroughly: Learn where everything is, from reading materials to assignments and grades.
• Proactive communication: Always inform your teacher ahead of time if you foresee any conflicts or difficulties with the course.
• Documentation: Always save copies of your work and communication. This helps prevent misunderstandings or disputes.
• Avoid procrastination: Plan ahead and leave enough time to troubleshoot if necessary.

It’s clear that online learning can be a great option if you're prepared and ready to manage your time and tasks well. But as this guide makes clear, success in virtual courses requires good organization, self-discipline, and the ability to adapt. Keep this information in mind as you prepare for the course and stay focused on the tasks ahead.

What Former Michigan Virtual High School Students Have to Say about Virtual Instruction

Key Tips from Former Students:

1. Start Early and Stay Ahead
   • Begin your work as soon as possible to avoid stress later on.
   • It’s better to be ahead than to fall behind. Try to complete tasks early so that if you need extra time later, you have some flexibility.
2. Stay Focused
   • Virtual learning requires self-discipline. Stay on task and don't get distracted.
   • Avoid waiting until the last minute. Spread out your work over the course of the semester, and don't cram everything into the final weeks.
3. Use Your Pacing Guide
   • Make sure you follow the pacing guide or calendar, and set weekly goals to stay on track.
   • Stick to your schedule and adjust as needed. A pacing guide is crucial to ensure you're keeping up with assignments and deadlines.
4. Don’t Procrastinate
   • Procrastination leads to stress and makes the workload feel overwhelming. Handle assignments as they come instead of pushing them off.
   • If you wait too long, it’s hard to catch up, and the work will pile up.
5. Ask for Help
   • Don’t hesitate to reach out to your instructors if you're stuck. Teachers are there to help, but you need to ask.
   • Proactive communication with instructors can make a huge difference.
6. Be Ready to Work Hard
   • Virtual classes are not “easy.” It takes commitment and time, just like in-person classes.
   • Stay involved and motivated, even on days when it feels difficult. You chose the course for a reason, stay committed to completing it successfully.
7. Take Advantage of Extra Credit
   • Many virtual classes offer ways to earn extra credit. Participate in any check-ins or bonus assignments as they can be a lifesaver at the end of the course.
   • Set Realistic Goals and Stick to Them
   • Set small, manageable goals for each day or week and track your progress. It helps keep you motivated and organized.
   • Breaking the work down into smaller tasks makes it feel less overwhelming.
8. The Importance of Time Management
   • Make a to-do list and stick to it. Being organized and managing your time properly is key to success in an online class.
   • Regularly check your grades and assignments to make sure you’re on track.
9. Stay Consistent
   • Doing a little each day goes a long way. Consistency is key to avoiding the stress of last-minute work.

Final Thoughts

• Stay ahead, stay organized, and don’t procrastinate are the most common pieces of advice from former students.
• Make use of the pacing guide, set goals, and ask for help when needed.
• This advice underscores the importance of treating virtual classes with the same seriousness and commitment as in-person learning.
• By following these guidelines, students will have a much higher chance of succeeding and completing their online courses with a positive experience.