The Virtual Voice

Communication

The Benefits of 1:1 Teacher-Student Communication

By on July 20th, 2020

One concern parents express about moving their child from the traditional brick-and-mortar school into online education is a potential lack of student-teacher connection. Some worry the inability to physically approach a teacher’s desk leads to a more impersonal relationship, less help, or limited attention.  I’m here to tell you, it’s quite the opposite! 

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Email Etiquette: Point, Click, Send

By on September 5th, 2018

Have you ever received an email that looks like this?

From: coolestcataround@notreal.com   Subject: I have a question.

That’s it! No real subject, no real question, and no name.

As part of the FLVS family, you know that email is not only a part of your daily life, but it’s an integral part of your education. Our teachers, principals, counselors, and family members communicate by email every single day. Are your emails professional, clear, and concise?  Continue reading

Start Your Middle School Experience Off Right

By on August 28th, 2018

For students in middle school who have never taken an online course before, understanding expectations and how to navigate new material and assignments can take some time. Whether your child is taking their first course or their fifth, here are a few tips to help him or her succeed at FLVS.   Continue reading

To Program or Not to Program?

By on August 31st, 2017

To program, or not to program? That is the question. If you’re like most people, you probably haven’t learned to program yet – but if you’re like most people, you probably should.

Many people don’t learn about programming because they think it doesn’t relate to their personal or career interests. After all, not everyone wants to be a professional programmer, right? However, should a person take a finance class only if he/she is going to be an accountant? Continue reading

Military Crossroads with Career and Technical Education (CTE)

By on May 26th, 2017

Michael Francis

Michael Francis, U.S. Army Sergeant

From 2000 to 2004, I was an active duty Soldier in the United States Army and have been in the Florida Army National Guard since 2005.

There are many parts of my military career that stand out in my memory. Basic training, my drill sergeant during the hot summer at Fort Jackson, being in my promotion board during the September 11 attacks, being deployed during multiple state emergencies, and so much more. Most recently, and regardless of political platform, I was honored to play a role in our democracy by providing security support for the 2017 Presidential Inauguration in D.C.

However, these memories and events are not what changed me the most.

Instead, it is the military’s connection with CTE that has been the most valuable. That connection positively affected my personal life, my educational pursuits, and my civilian career.

Although military life is not for everyone, the skills and knowledge that are integrated within CTE are for everyone, whether an Army future is in the cards or not.

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FLVS Discussion-Based Assessments (DBAs): Options and Alternatives

By on March 31st, 2017

If you missed our quick-start video about discussion-based assessments (DBAs), don’t worry! In this post, we’re sharing a great recap that covers everything you need to know.

At FLVS, we want students to be successful and completely comfortable when learning online. This includes discussion-based assessments.  Even though some students may get nervous or anxious, just remember that DBAs are simply a verbal conversation between you and your teacher.

DBAs are one of the ways we ensure academic integrity (and make sure that it’s actually you doing the work). This is why teachers need to hear directly from you! They will be referencing the work you have done and speaking to students and parents multiple times throughout the course, so there is a common thread of communication that helps teachers connect a face (or voice) to the same student they see in live lessons and through submitted work. DBAs are also there for teachers to help you! Continue reading

Back to School: Virtual Style

By on August 15th, 2016

Heading Back to School Virtual StyleIt’s August and that means it is back to school!

For much of Florida Virtual School, our teachers and students have been hard at work – even through the summer months.

Of course, the new school year always brings with it anticipation and excitement for the year to come. In traditional schools, there are some eagerly anticipated back-to-school traditions.

So how do we do these in our virtual world?

Let’s walk through a few back-to-school basics!
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The FLVS Minions

By on May 17th, 2016

Minions in the ClassroomYoung adolescents require drastically different and unique approaches to education.

Middle school educators have always understood that the biological events of puberty fundamentally disrupt the somewhat smooth development of elementary school years and has a profound impact upon the cognitive, social, and emotional lives of young teens.

In line with this important insight, educators see the need for the delivery of special instructional and administrative changes in the way that education takes place for kids in early adolescence.
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