DL School Choices

 

*The above image was found while looking through the sites and I believe this is exactly why people choose online. Very cool!

My Experience:

            I have some experience with E-schooling. My high school set up for me to do online because I was insanely bullied to the point my house was egged and vandalized, there was phone calls to the house of people with hateful words and even Facebook pages set up as “petitions for the fat girls death”. To say the least I needed out and would not continue to go to school. My high school worked with me to pull me out and take the test to do AP classes through online and in person CSCC classes. It was tricky and I almost did not get in but I by a miracle did.

            Back then ECOT and such was not as famous and because I was smart this is kind of how I got around it. it was the best decision I ever made. I instantly felt relief. I never had to face any of them again and I had time to work on me and myself. 

Exploring Online School Options:

Ohio Virtual Academy

·         I think visually this site was the least appealing, it looks outdated and does not give a fun fresh feeling. Yes, I am looking for an online schooling but as a parent I need to know the school I am enrolling into is fun, educationally sound, and offers a family like connection because my kid if about to invest their lives into the school. It better be the best I can find and needs a supportive environment.

·         However, information is clear and the site works functionally all links open to the correct information and it does have decent information. I like that it does not overwhelm you with too much information.

·         This site offers a chat now button and I think that’s great kind of shows a sign of support and offers you the chance to consider other options and kind of collect data while you wait for the school to contact you.

Ohio Connections Academy

·         I feel the layout of this website is much easier to read. Nothing fancy but the information is placed in an appealing way. for example, the open to pictures and testimonials which is a great attention grabber. The main color used is orange which is a more neutral color and great for a mellow tone.

·         The site is very easy to use and information is clearly placed. On almost every page there is a side bar that can pull you directly to the information you need. Easy to find information helps a parent make clear decisions.

·         To reach this school it offers phone calls, emails or even visiting a center school. Which is nice they do have a business location and aid for any technical issues.

ECOT

·         I think ECOT is this most visually modern appealing site out of all of them. It looks fresh, information is simple and presented in a fun way. I like the classic feel this site has it draws you and helps you feel like the school is well educated, knows how to engage its audience, and gives real life examples.

·         Overall the information is very simple and to the point which is what readers look for. Long paragraphs that run together tend to not get read. As a society, we look for the immediate answer to that question and once I heard we only remember the yes or no result.

·         As a young adult or even a young parent this site dazzles you can reach them on the phone or through email. 

IF I had to enroll a child: 

            In this scenario, I am looking to pick a school for my child. So, let us say my child is being bullied and no longer wishes to attend their current high school. I want my child to be offered top education despite its not the typical way. I have an older child and keeping their attention is important I would look for a visually appealing site to pull in my attention and to even look to pull in theirs.

            While going online is a scary jump to take I feel I would choose ECOT, I have heard many wonderful things about this program and as you look through the site you can see they really value education and simplicity. I love the way information is presented in a clear easy to read way, I would as a child look for information to be presented on exactly what I need no fluff. Things I would avoid is outdated looking technology and or sites that have overlapping information like Ohio Virtual Academy. To me this site felt cluttered and looked unorganized, as a I ventured forward I realized it really was an amazing site however visually I also know the simpler the better. This site was too overwhelming and I would not want my child’s education windows to appear the same way it does on their website.