How to Maximize Success in Florida Virtual School
With over 25 years of experience in fostering student success, Florida Virtual School (FLVS) is transforming education through its comprehensive curriculum and tailored online learning programs.
If you’ve recently chosen to pursue a flexible learning environment, or if your school is temporarily closed and offering online classes, you might have several questions about succeeding at FLVS.
The good thing is, you’re not alone, and there’s help at hand. Join the Score at the Top team as we help you navigate the FLVS learning experience and be the best online student you can be!
Understanding Florida Virtual School (FLVS)
Florida Virtual School (FLVS) was established in 1997 as a pioneer in online education. It started as a small project with a mission to provide high-quality, technology-based education to students all over Florida.
Over the years, FLVS has grown significantly and now serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade, both in Florida and beyond.
The primary mission of FLVS is to offer students the flexibility and support they need to achieve academic success through online learning. You have access to over 190 online courses, each structured with a series of lessons, assignments, and assessments. Teachers can also provide support, answer questions, and offer feedback through email, phone calls, and virtual office hours.
With Florida Virtual School (FLVS), you can:
Progress through the material at your own pace.
Spend more time on challenging subjects.
Quickly move through topics you understand well.
Adjust study times to fit around extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, or family responsibilities.
Choose from a wide range of electives, such as photography, computer programming, and more.
Setting Up for Success: Preparing for FLVS
It’s important to set up a structured learning environment for FLVS academic success. Here’s how to achieve this.
1. Designate a Study Area
Choose a quiet, distraction-free spot in your home, such as a corner of a room or a dedicated office space. The goal is to have a consistent place where you can study without interruptions.
2. Organize Study Materials
Make sure you have all the necessary supplies, including textbooks, notebooks, pens, and a computer. Keep these items organized and easily accessible to reduce stress and save time.
3. Ensure Reliable Internet
A stable internet connection is non-negotiable in online learning. Check your internet speed and make sure it can handle video lessons and other online activities without lag.
4. Set a Consistent Schedule
Create a daily routine that mimics a traditional school day. Include specific times for starting schoolwork, taking breaks, having lunch, and ending the school day. Consistency helps build discipline and makes it easier to manage time effectively.
5. Balance Responsibilities
Remember to allocate time for extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, or family responsibilities. Balancing schoolwork with other activities can prevent burnout and keep you engaged.
6. Review Course Syllabi
At the beginning of each term, review your course syllabi to understand the course structure, key dates, and assessment methods. Familiarize yourself with the FLVS platform and available resources to streamline your studies and reduce unnecessary stress.
7. Browse the FLVS Platform
Spend some time exploring the FLVS platform. Get to know where to find lessons, assignments, and resources.
8. Utilize Available Resources
FLVS offers various tools and resources to aid learning. Make use of these, whether it’s interactive modules, virtual labs, or support from teachers.
Effective Study Habits and Time Management
There’s no success without hard work. You’ll need effective study habits and proper time management to stay on track and make the most of your learning experience.
1. Set Clear, Achievable Goals
Start each study session with a clear goal in mind. It could be finishing a chapter, completing an assignment, or reviewing notes. See that your goals are specific and manageable to keep you focused and motivated.
2. Use Calendars and Planners
Keep track of assignments, deadlines, and important dates using a calendar or planner. Digital tools like Google Calendar or apps like Trello can be very helpful. This way, you can see what's coming up and plan your study time accordingly.
3. Engage with the Material
Make your study sessions more effective by actively engaging with the content. Take detailed notes, summarize key points, and ask yourself questions about the material.
4. Use Interactive Tools
FLVS provides various interactive tools and resources to help you learn. Use these tools to your advantage. Participate in virtual labs, watch educational videos, and take part in online discussions.
5. Stay Motivated and Focused
Procrastination can be a big hurdle in online learning. Stay motivated by reminding yourself of your goals and the benefits of completing your tasks. If needed, break your study sessions into smaller, manageable parts to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Utilizing FLVS Resources and Support
FLVS offers a wide range of support services to help you thrive and excel in your course. Here’s how to use these resources as part of your FLVS success strategy.
1. Connect with Teachers and Tutors
Staying in touch with your teachers regularly helps you understand the material better and keeps you on track with your assignments. Set a schedule to check in with your teachers at least once a week. Use emails, phone calls, or virtual office hours to ask questions about lessons, clarify assignment requirements, and seek feedback on your work.
If you’re unsure about an upcoming assignment, email your teacher with specific questions. For instance, “I’m having trouble understanding the requirements for the essay due next week. Could you explain what you’re looking for in terms of the thesis statement and supporting arguments?”.
2. Use Tutoring Services
Identify the subjects or topics you find challenging and schedule sessions with FLVS tutors. Tutors can offer one-on-one help, additional practice problems, and detailed explanations.
3. Participate in Discussion Boards and Group Activities
Actively participate in online forums and discussion boards. Respond to classmates’ posts, ask questions, and share your own insights.
You can also join group projects when they are available. Communicate regularly with your group members via video calls or group chats, delegate tasks, and set deadlines to ensure everyone stays on track.
4. Accessing Supplemental Materials
Explore the additional resources linked within your courses, including practice quizzes, reading materials, or interactive simulations.
Furthermore, look for reputable educational websites, watch instructional videos on YouTube, and read books related to your subjects. Websites like Khan Academy and Coursera offer free courses and tutorials on a wide range of topics.
Staying Motivated and Managing Stress
According to research, stress in students can lead to several mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Hence, it’s essential to manage the pressures of schoolwork to ensure you stay motivated and productive.
1. Set Personal Milestones and Rewards
Recognizing your achievements, no matter how small, can keep you motivated and boost your confidence.
Set small, achievable goals for each study session or week. When you reach these goals, take a moment to celebrate. For example, if you finish a difficult assignment, reward yourself with a short break, a favorite snack, or some leisure time.
2. Balance Screen Time
Limit your screen time by balancing it with offline activities like reading, exercising, or hobbies. After a couple of hours of studying, spend some time outdoors, play a sport, or engage in a hobby that doesn’t involve screens.
3. Developing a Support Network
Share your goals and progress with your family and friends. Let them know how they can support you, whether it's providing a quiet study environment or offering words of encouragement.
You can ask a family member or friend to hold you accountable. Having someone you trust to remind you to stay focused and keep working can be very helpful if you find yourself easily distracted.
4. Seek Emotional Support
Don’t hesitate to talk to someone you trust about your feelings and challenges. Sometimes, just talking about your stress can help alleviate it.
Overcoming Common Challenges in FLVS
Studying at FLVS can offer some incredible perks, but it also comes with its own set of challenges.
1. Resolve Common Technical Problems
Technical issues can disrupt your learning process and cause frustration. Familiarize yourself with basic troubleshooting steps, such as restarting your computer, checking your internet connection, and clearing your browser cache. Make sure your software is up-to-date, and that your computer meets FLVS’s technical requirements.
2. Seek Technical Support
If you encounter a persistent technical issue, contact FLVS technical support. Have relevant information ready, such as your course details, the specific problem, and any error messages.
3. Deal with Isolation and Lack of Interaction
FLVS has over 60 online student clubs open to all grades, including Speech and Debate, Junior Gaming, Art, and Photography, among others. Use these to explore new interests and passions, like-minded students, and create a sense of belonging.
The Bottom Line
Being an online student at FLVS can be incredibly fulfilling. There's so much you can achieve if you put your mind to it. Remember, every resource you need is just a click away, so take initiative, stay motivated, and reach for success in your virtual schooling journey.
Score At The Top offers expert support for students enrolled in FLVS and other distance education programs. Contact us today to get the help you need!
