Orientation is a great opportunity for parents and students to learn about their new school. Because cyber school has a different format and a greater emphasis on technology than traditional schooling, extra support can make the transition more comfortable for students and parents.
If you’re considering enrolling your child in cyber school, the school you choose will probably have a virtual orientation. Orientation offers students and parents a peek into what’s to come and shows them what to expect when learning online at a cyber charter school.
What Is Cyber School Orientation?
Orientation in cyber school is an onboarding procedure that helps introduce students and families to cyber school before the student’s first day. Orientation walks students and parents through what to expect at cyber school and helps them get familiar with the technology and procedures they’ll need to use. Cyber school orientation aims to instill confidence in students and parents and help them become more familiar with their educational environment.
Traditional school orientations generally take place in the school building where students will be learning — you’ll likely visit spaces like classrooms and extracurricular areas to familiarize yourself with the physical environment. Since cyber school occurs online, students and their parents can attend orientation virtually. The cyber school’s certified teachers guide parents and students through each orientation section, walking them through their virtual education program.
CCA offers a range of in-person and virtual information sessions for parents and students who’d like to get to know teachers and school staff, including:
- On-demand info sessions
- In-person open houses
- Virtual Q&As
- The Contact-a-Parent program
- Coffee with teachers sessions
Why Is Cyber School Orientation Important?
Any new school orientation is critical to setting your student up for success. Orientation provides a soft introduction to the school and lets students know what to expect in their new learning environment. Instead of reading a pamphlet and trying to picture themselves in the lessons, students get a firsthand taste of what to expect at orientation.
Cyber school orientation also allows students to test out their new school instead of diving headfirst into an unfamiliar setting. It helps boost their confidence and excitement before they begin classes and gives students the time to get their questions answered. Additionally, orientation familiarizes students and parents with the new procedures they’ll experience at cyber school.
What Happens at Cyber School Orientation?
Switching from traditional, in-person schooling to cyber school can be stressful without the proper guidance. Cyber school orientation walks students and parents through their program just like traditional school orientations, with a few differences:
- Technology overview: Students and parents attending a cyber school orientation will get a guided tour of the different platforms and online tools students will use while attending cyber school. Although some technology might seem intuitive, most people need some help getting the hang of the different platforms used by a cyber school. Cyber school orientation typically begins with a guide to logging into the student’s different accounts and the school’s educational software.
- Communication channels: Students and parents will get a guided walkthrough on how to communicate with teachers, where to submit assignments, how to check class resources, and where to see grades.
- Skills and resources: Online students often face greater challenges when it comes to time management and work submission — orientation will cover strategies for managing these skills and where additional resources are available for students and parents.
- Grade-level information: Orientations usually start with general virtual classroom sessions to go over all the onboarding information, and then slowly taper off into smaller groups as students break off to meet their teachers and review their grade-level information. Students and parents will get to go over their learning programs with their teachers and discuss expectations for the course.
- Questions: Students and parents will also get an opportunity to ask questions so they feel prepared for the coming school session.
How to Prepare for Cyber School Orientation
Get ready for cyber school orientation and gather everything you and your student need ahead of time. Each cyber school will have provided you with a list of equipment and materials your student needs to learn virtually successfully. Additionally, they’ll give you the login information and supplemental materials necessary for academic success.
1. Prepare Questions
When getting set up for orientation, make a list of all the questions you and your student have for school staff and teachers. If you have any questions about virtual platforms, time management, and more, orientation is the time to ask them. The cyber school staff want your student to succeed with their programs, and reaching out to them with any questions during orientation will help you and your student get acclimated to the new environment.
2. Gather Supplies
You’ll also want to arrange your child’s pens, paper, pencils, notebooks, and other school supplies ahead of orientation. They’ll feel more in control of their education if they have their own equipment to take notes and write down important information. Parents should also take notes, as you’ll be receiving tons of information within a short amount of time. Keep these notes handy so you can review them if any questions come up later in the year.
3. Assemble the Necessary Equipment
Finally, set all necessary equipment up beforehand. Any laptops, headsets, or other equipment students need should be charged, updated, and on before orientation begins. Get everything plugged in, connected to the Wi-Fi, and ready to go the night before. When everything is set up, you and your child can immediately log into the school system without any delay. You’ll also be able to troubleshoot any connection issues before the first day of classes.
Contact CCA to Learn More About Our Cyber School Orientation
The personalized learning programs offered by CCA are here to help set your child up for success. We know how overwhelming starting cyber classes can be, which is why we offer a variety of virtual and in-person orientations for all our new students.
The administrators and teachers at CCA will work with you and your student to ensure they have everything they need to succeed from the first day of school. We’ll walk you through our learning platforms, expectations, and available resources so your student is prepared before school starts. You can also review our blog for more information about our programs and other cyber school tips.
With the right tools, guidance, and preparation, your child will have the foundation and support they need to succeed in their education and beyond. Our field trips, clubs, and school programs help build essential skills in children that will help them grow into well-rounded, community-focused adults. If you’re interested in learning more about our virtual personalized learning programs or want to enroll, contact us online today.
