About Online Learning
Are you ready to start an online program with SIDES using a computer?
Please take a moment to answer the following questions.
About Your Learning (Flash version)
- Do you enjoy reading?
Yes / No - Are you comfortable communicating in writing, such as via email?
Yes / No - Do you enjoy contributing to discussions in class?
Yes / No - Are you self-motivated?
Yes / No - Can you get things done by yourself?
Yes / No - Do you like to come up with new ideas and explore them on your own?
Yes / No - Do you find it hard to work by yourself?
Yes / No - Are you comfortable asking for help when you get stuck?
Yes / No - Are you ready to help others when they find assignments difficult?
Yes / No
When you are an online student most of your communications will be via email and through our online system. This means that, rather than listening to your teachers talk, you will be reading their words on a screen. You will also read the comments and assignments of other students, so an interest in reading can be a big help!
The same is true for writing: you will often communicate by email with teachers and other SIDES staff, including counsellors. You will be expected to speak to them in much the same way as if you were in school. Online means checking your spelling and grammar! It might mean asking another person to read your message before you hit 'send', to make sure that your meaning is clear.
Independence is an important quality for distance and online learners. Those who are naturally curious and enjoy exploring new topics on their own, will also enjoy the academic freedom offered by the SIDES program. Students who are socially responsible also thrive in this program as there are many opportunities to lead and help other students, working in teams and bringing out the best in each other.
Self-discipline and Time-management (Flash version)
- Do you usually hand assignments in on time?
Yes / No - Do you find it difficult to break larger tasks down and complete them steadily?
Yes / No - Do you usually do all of your work at the last minute?
Yes / No - Could you set up a daily and weekly timetable for yourself? Would you keep to your timetable?
Yes / No - Are you prepared to work with a computer for two to six hours per day?
Yes / No - Do you find it easy to stay focused?
Yes / No - Are you easily distracted by other activities, such as computer games or other hobbies?
Yes / No
Being an online student is both challenging and rewarding. You have the freedom to pursue extra-curricular activities such as music and sports, without having to miss school. However, since you aren't required to attend school every day, you’ll need to be responsible when it comes to setting goals and meeting them.
When the school bell doesn’t ring, it can be easy to fall behind! It’s important to write daily to-do lists and draw up a weekly schedule so that you can develop a routine for yourself. Your goals need to be realistic, so it might help to ask a friend or family member if you aren't sure how to do this.
It also helps to establish two or three long-term goals for the end of the school year. When do you plan to finish this grade level? What other commitments do you have? Being a distance learner is a great opportunity to look at your priorities and become more independent and self-reliant.
Using Computers (Flash version)
- Do you have regular access to a computer at home?
Yes / No - Are you comfortable using email and sending attachments?
Yes / No - Have you taken part in online discussions before, in chat rooms or news groups?
Yes / No - Would you enjoy submitting assignments in different formats, such as slide shows or movies?
Yes / No - When you run into trouble with your computer, do you know where to find help?
Yes / No - Are you comfortable searching the internet for information?
Yes / No
As a student at SIDES Online, you will use the computer for many different tasks: working through lessons, taking part in discussions, talking to your teacher and submitting your homework. You might also use a computer to create slide shows, multimedia presentations and digital artwork or movies. For most assignments, you will have the option of submitting written work as well, but we believe that variety is the spice of life and that you will find these assignments to be a lot of fun!
Many courses include online discussions or real-time tutoring with a teacher. If this kind of program is unfamiliar to you, you might need to spend a few hours finding your way around. Please do not be afraid to ask for help if you get stuck. Everyone starts out as a beginner!
We ask about troubleshooting because like the humans who use them, computers can surprise us! Sometimes things just do not go according to plan. Computers crash or reboot unexpectedly and it really helps if support is close to home. However, if you are a resourceful, independent person, you might be quite happy to solve these problems on your own. If this is the case, you will be ideally suited to online learning.
Your Environment (Flash version)
- Do you have a good place to study at home? Is it quiet, well-lit and set up for private study?
Yes / No - Is there someone at home with whom you can discuss school work? Is there someone who can help you with school matters (e.g. support you when assignments are due or in booking test or counselling appointments)?
Yes / No
Your working environment is every bit as important as the presence or absence of a computer or textbooks. At SIDES, we like to know that you can work comfortably, whatever that means for you. Some of us find it easier to work with music in the background; some of us find it distracting and prefer a library cubicle or similar space. We trust that you will put some time into finding out what works for you!
We ask about home support because studying alone can be tough, and it really helps if someone is keeping an eye out for you! This person can be a parent, guardian, family member, or older friend. It could be a relative in another country, if he or she is in regular contact with you.
