Technology has and continues to impact education drastically. As large, complex organizations, most traditional public school districts lag the digital leaps and get caught in the undertow, online private schools have emerged as effective avenues for personalized, accessible, and flexible learning. However, choosing an online private school can be a daunting task, but knowing what to look for can make the process much smoother.
This article shines a light on Global Town School(GTS), an online private school that takes a pioneering approach to education through its personalized curriculum, comprehensive coaching, unprecedented flexibility, and integration of revolutionary VR and AI technologies.
Personalized Learning
A key aspect to consider when choosing an online private school is the level of personalization in the learning process. This involves identifying an academic path based on each student’s strengths, interests, and goals.
Traditional schools have somewhat of a prescribed path for students. They require students to take a certain number of courses in each discipline. A fully-personalized school like GTS allows students to determine their own academic path without any restrictions.
GTS offers a course-based model
Additionally, a personalized learning experience would allow students to study at their pace. Students do not need to wait for a semester or school year as in traditional school systems to move on to another class. We call this “seat time.” GTS is a course based program. Students can start and finish a course anytime. They do not need to complete seat time to finish a course.
With a robust personalized curriculum, whether high school or middle school, students receive individualized attention and tailored learning experiences that would be hard to match in a traditional classroom setting. This kind of personalization allows students to learn at their own pace, fostering a love for learning and promoting higher academic achievement.
Student Support
Another decisive factor in choosing an online private school is what kinds of student support systems are available to support your child’s educational journey. Most students who choose online schools are motivated, self-conscious, and independent learners. However, it does not mean they will never need support.
A quality online private school will have significant support available to its students. GTS has a second-to-none, comprehensive coaching program to support students academic and personal growth. Each student is matched with a success coach to work closely towards accomplishing their goals.
Additionally, students have access to content experts at GTS. As they study asynchronous courses at their pace, when needed, they can request support. A relevant content expert would meet with the student and provide one-on-one content support to ensure the student masters what they study.
Technological Advancements
Technological advancements are another key aspect in the selection process. The online school’s technology should be cutting-edge, easy-to-use, and designed to enhance students’ learning experiences.
At GTS, we utilize Virtual Reality (VR) and AI technologies to provide our students with robust, engaging, and immersive learning experiences. VR is an innovative teaching tool that promotes interactive and immersive learning.
With VR, students can engage in experiences that take them far beyond the textbook, offering a more profound understanding of complex concepts. From walking through ancient Rome to exploring the outer layers of the solar system, VR technology transforms the way students learn and perceive the world.
We also utilize VR to create social interaction opportunities for our students. Students from different cities and even countries come together at our VR campus, MetaGlobal, to collaborate, interact, and socialize around content-based and fun activities. Under the supervision of their teachers and coaches, GTS students present to each other, join labs, share stories around a campfire, or have a blast at the music hall at MetaGlobal.
Additionally, we utilize AI to identify and fill any learning gap that occurs as students take the self-pace, asynchronous courses. This feature alone makes a big difference in our students’ learning experiences at GTS. Many students go through middle and high school in traditional school not even knowing what learning gaps they accumulate over the years.
Quality of Teachers
The quality of teachers is an important factor to consider in your selection. Teachers should not only be well-qualified and experienced, but also have the skills to engage with students in a virtual environment.
At GTS, although classes are asynchronous and self-paced, we have teachers to assess student work, give feedback, and provide content support when needed. GTS teachers are selected not just for their credentials and strong content knowledge, but also for their passion and aptitude for online teaching.
They are trained to connect with students on a personal level, despite the physical distance, through effective online communication and engagement strategies.
Curriculum Rigor and Accreditation
Ensure that the school’s curriculum is rigorous and that the institution is accredited by a recognized body. A robust curriculum fosters intellectual curiosity and prepares students for future academic and professional endeavors.
GTS offers a rigorous curriculum that aligns with globally recognized standards. The school is also fully accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), a prestigious accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Accreditation by WASC ensures students receive a high-quality education that is recognized by universities and employers worldwide.
Flexibility
One of the significant advantages of online schooling is flexibility. Online private schools should offer flexible learning hours and the ability to learn from anywhere, anytime, accommodating students in different time zones and with varying schedules.
Global Town School, with its flexible scheduling and the ability to learn from anywhere in the world, is designed to meet the diverse needs of its students. GTS students can determine not only their daily, weekly schedule, but also their calendar to meet their unique needs and goals.
Such flexibility allows students to pursue their dreams and passions such as sports, music, art, entrepreneurship, travel, and service, without sacrificing the quality of their education.
Conclusion
When choosing an online private school, it’s crucial to consider aspects such as personalization, student support, technological advancement, quality of teachers, curriculum rigor, and flexibility.
With its innovative one-on-one coaching, personalized curriculum, advanced VR technology, top-notch teachers, rigorous curriculum, and flexible scheduling, Global Town School sets the bar high in all these areas, making it a standout choice for your child’s online education.