Today’s students are as likely to learn through virtual instruction as being in a conventional brick and mortar classroom. The resources for online academics continue to expand, offering kids 24/7 access to classes and assistance. Here are a few options to consider to take advantage of the many web-based opportunities for education currently available.
Online schools
Sometimes kids find that the traditional model of attending school doesn’t work for their particular situation. For students that operate at either an accelerated or slower pace, have a demanding athletic travel schedule or simply have not thrived in their current educational setting, an online school can provide the perfect solution. Here a few to consider:
Connections Academy
Hoosier Academies/K12


Indiana Online Academy
https://indianaonlineacademy.org
Indiana University High School
https://iuhighschool.iu.edu


Indiana Virtual Academy


Indiana Virtual School
Online tutoring sites
When a student finds himself stumped on an assignment after the school day has ended, he doesn’t have to wait until the next day to get help. Many quality tutoring resources are available online, such as:
Eduboard
e-Tutor
Growing Stars
InstaEDU
https://instaedu.com
Tutor.com
TutaPoint
Public libraries can also be a source of online tutoring and courses. Beth Jenneman, Communications Manager at Carmel Clay Public Library, says they offer online tutoring 24/7 for K-12 students from tutor.com and online classes in a variety of subjects through Gale Courses, which can be found on their web site at www.carmel.lib.in.us.
The Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute has a Homework Hotline that offers free math and science tutoring for students 6-12 by phone, email or online chat. For more information call 1-877-275-7673 or submit questions at www.AskRose.org.
Online test prep
Practice makes perfect and when it comes to admissions testing, the more practice the better. Many sites offer test prep courses and practice tests for the ACT, SAT, PSAT and and a multitude of other advanced tests. Utilizing these resources can help students gain the skills – and confidence – to be fully prepared to do their best. Options include:
Kaplan Test Prep
Power Score
Revolution Prep
Testmasters
The Princeton Review
With virtual learning becoming an increasingly popular approach to education, many local schools are making sure their students gain proficiency in the skills necessary to learn successfully online.
Guerin Catholic High School Principal James McNeany and Superintendent of Noblesville Public Schools Dr. Beth Niedermeyer have both led their respective schools in adopting “e-days” where teachers develop lessons for students to do at home (or a coffee shop, library – wherever Wi-Fi is available). “The purpose of e-days is to give our students a taste of what an online class looks like, to prepare them for what they may experience in college,” says McNeany. Niedermeyer also shared how an e-day allows faculty to collaborate and plan at school while students are working from home.
As education and technology continue to evolve together, accessing the many academic opportunities available online can only benefit a student’s learning. Whatever your child’s unique needs, it’s likely that somewhere on the web you can find a resource to enhance their experience.
