During an informal discussion at an educators’ conference, I heard an intriguing statement.  It went something like this: “not every student is successful in an online environment, but the type of student who is successful in an online environment can be successful anywhere.”  It brings up an important point: the successful online student has developed skills that will translate to a variety of life circumstances.  Additionally, the online school environment forces students to either use (put into practice) or learn and develop these skills in order to be successful.  In other school settings, these skills may not be as critical for success.  An online setting requires students to develop and employ certain character traits and work habits for success.  Online school provides an environment where certain skills are requisite, not merely helpful.

What are some of these skills that an online school like NorthStar Academy helps hone and develop?  I’ll let our students speak for themselves.  These quotes are from a list of suggestions and lessons that current students wrote to help the new students entering our program.

“Set up a schedule or timetable for your schoolwork. Try your best to stick to it, organizing your assignments and to-dos. If you fall behind, you can always look back on this and see how much you need to catch up.” Carolyn S.

 “Shut down everything on your computer that will distract you…Set boundaries for yourself and keep yourself accountable for all of the things that could be distracting you.” Morgan R.

“Don’t overwork yourself. Work at your own pace. Take breaks every once and a while…” Alexander T.

“Be good at time management. If you aren’t good at time management, then it will be very easy to get overwhelmed…I would recommend making a schedule and sticking to it.”  Emma S.

“Should you get behind for any reason, know that it will be okay, know that you can get out of the situation, and make a plan! It is hard to overcome, but it is not impossible. Know that you will need help, however. Have an open conversation with your parent(s)/supervisor and try to get to the heart of the problem…You’ll have to really reflect and think about where your priorities are…I would also highly recommend that, in addition to talking to your parent(s)/supervisor about the problem (really, they can help so much), you talk to your teacher about the problem when it arises. Not only are they more than willing to help you out and help you figure out a plan for getting back on track, but also, them being aware of what you have to say about the situation is important…Together, [parent and teacher] help is invaluable.” Shauna C.

“Always make sure you understand all of the directions and material while completing assignments and before taking tests. Your teachers are great resources, so if you don’t understand something, just ask!!” Megan K.

What type of life skills do you see these students talking about? I see these: developing self-control, effective time management, creating a schedule and task list, self-pacing, learning how to balance work and play, understanding and planning for long-term goals, seeing the value of collaboration, self-regulation and knowing how to eliminate distractions, understanding that short-term failures happen and discipline and effort can help remedy the situation, learning the value of asking for help, evaluating priorities, understanding the value of authority figures, etc.  There are certainly others, and I could include additional quotes, but I think the point has been made.

I cannot think of a life situation where these skills would not prove useful.  They show a skill set that would be valuable in a variety of life circumstances: high school, university, marriage, work, parenting, etc.  What employer would view these character traits and not hire this type of person?  What university would view these qualities and deny admission as a result?  How many of us still struggle in these areas and wish that we had more chance to develop and refine these skills in middle school or high school?

As was stated earlier, the successful online student can be successful anywhere.  They have the opportunity to develop and practice life skills that translate to a variety of situations.  At NorthStar Academy, we provide an environment where students can find success, and are supported along the way by a host of teachers and educators.   We understand that the skills they are learning now will be with them the rest of their lives.

Scott Berggren

Dean of Students