Signs Your Student Would Thrive with Online Learning

A generation ago, students who struggled in traditional classroom settings had few choices outside of private school or homeschooling. Fast forward to today, and online learning has become a better option for many students.  

Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA), Oregon’s first online public charter school, has been at the forefront of virtual learning for twenty years. During this time, we've learned which students benefit most from the type of learning environment we offer. 

However, this isn't always obvious to caregivers. They may watch their students struggle without knowing exactly why. Even if they suspect their student might benefit from an online school, parsing the available options could become overwhelming. Here are a few factors for caregivers to consider as they make these decisions. 

Signs Online Learning May Work Better

School doesn't happen in a vacuum. A student's home life impacts the classroom just like their experience in school carries over to their life at home. As a result, caregivers will often start to see indications that their students may be struggling with their studies. 

1. Behavioral Signs

Anyone who has spent time with young people understands that their behavior is often influenced by complex emotions they can't always express. If a student worries about attending school, experiences social anxiety in group settings, or feels separation anxiety when away from family, online schooling may be a solution. 

It's also unfortunately common for students to experience problems with their peers, either through social challenges or outright bullying. In these instances, attending a brick-and-mortar school is more than just uncomfortable—it's potentially harmful to their health. Online school can provide a safe learning environment free from some of the social pressure.

2. Academic Signs

Problems can also emerge in a student's academic performance. They might begin falling behind in coursework despite putting in effort. A student might also display a lack of engagement or boredom in class if they don't feel challenged by the material. In an online school setting, there are more opportunities for students to take an individualized approach to their education, which can keep them more engaged in their studies. 

Some students work, play sports at a high level, or participate in other activities and need flexibility that only online schools can provide. Without online learning options, these students would struggle to balance all their commitments while getting the education they deserve.

3. Technology Affinity

Kids are surrounded by technology, and many have used these tools for their entire lives. So, many students are more comfortable processing information through digital tools than with books, pens, and paper.

If a student demonstrates independence and self-motivation using technology or shows enhanced focus when using interactive platforms, online learning could better fit their learning style.

Benefits of Online Learning Environments

The experience of attending an online school is different from a traditional classroom. However, these differences provide many advantages for the right group of students. 

Flexibility and Accessibility

One of the most important benefits of online learning is its flexibility. Students can learn from anywhere with an internet connection, making it easy to attend school from home or while traveling. Online schools also often use asynchronous learning, allowing students to work when it's best for them. Students can access recorded lectures and other learning materials remotely, making it easier to balance their education with other commitments. 

This flexibility is particularly valuable for student-athletes, performers, and those with health conditions that make regular attendance at a brick-and-mortar school challenging. 

Personalized Learning Experiences

The flexibility of online learning also brings opportunities to create a more personalized learning experience. Students can use their own approach, which accommodates different learning styles. Teachers also have flexibility, which leaves more time to connect with students one-on-one and the ability to meet students where they are at in their learning—excellent for students who benefit from individualized attention.

Technology Integration and Resources

Online learning environments use technology and digital resources, which benefits students who thrive using digital tools and builds digital literacy. ORCA, for example, provides students with Chromebooks to access the internet, attend synchronous classes, and access learning materials. Digital literacy is an integral part of today’s workforce. 

Online Education Options

Caregivers searching for online education resources have several choices, each with unique benefits. Here are three common options:

1. Online Charter Schools

Online Charter Schools—like ORCA—combine the benefits of public education with the flexibility of a virtual learning environment. These programs are tuition-free and accountable to the same standards as brick-and-mortar schools. Kids in online charter schools also enjoy the benefits of public schools, like participating in team sports and attending in-person events like dances and field trips. 

These schools typically employ certified teachers who provide professional instruction and support while following state-approved curriculum standards. This approach offers students and caregivers a balance between flexibility and educational accountability.

2. Homeschooling with Online Support

Some caregivers homeschool their students while taking advantage of online resources or programs offered through local school districts. While this option gives caregivers more control over how their students learn, it requires a significant time commitment from the adults in the home. 

Caregivers of homeschooled students are also responsible for selecting curriculum materials and ensuring their students are meeting educational standards. While it may take more work, this approach offers maximum flexibility for scheduling and educational philosophy.  

3. Fully Virtual Programs

Caregivers can also find fully virtual programs that offer a comprehensive online experience. Many of these options are entirely asynchronous, leaving students free to complete their coursework however they wish. Often, these programs are offered by for-profit corporations with no connections to local school districts.

Unlike tuition-free charter schools, some of these programs may have associated costs. The level of teacher interaction and support can also vary significantly between programs. These options may be ideal for students who need the most flexibility or have specific learning needs.

How ORCA Addresses Student Needs

For 20 years, ORCA has empowered students to thrive in an online learning environment. By blending the best aspects of various online learning approaches, we’ve created an experience that serves a diverse range of learners.

Digital Tools

All this work unfolds within Canvas, a cutting-edge learning platform that centralizes all the digital tools our students need. This system allows students to attend live classes via Zoom, participate in discussions with their peers, interact with their teachers, complete assignments, and take tests—all in one place.

Flexible Curriculum

We've designed our curriculum to include structured live classes and flexible asynchronous work time. This model allows students to benefit from direct instruction while preserving their freedom to work independently. Our approach combines the accountability and community of a traditional school with the freedom of digital learning, ensuring students get the best of both worlds.

Learning Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

ORCA goes beyond traditional academics to offer unique, real-world learning experiences. Our student-led clubs foster community connection and creativity, while monthly interactive learning sessions with NASA experts bring science and discovery directly to students’ homes. We also offer focused career and technical education through our ASCEND program for students who want an edge when transitioning to college or a career.

These unique offerings, combined with individualized support, make ORCA a better option for students who show signs of needing a different approach to traditional classroom learning. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we're proud to have offered thousands of Oregon students a unique path to achieving academic success.

Join Us for an Information Session

Every student is different. Some need more support, and others want the freedom to explore learning independently with the guidance of professional and experienced online educators. 

If you’re interested in learning more about online education, come to one of our virtual information sessions. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with ORCA staff members, preview our learning platform, and see how easy it is for students across Oregon to get started.