Introduction:
When my son expressed his desire to explore college-level courses while still in high school, we embarked on a journey to find the perfect fit. Recognizing his need for support, I became his guide, helping him as he took his first online college course. As a parent, setting your child up for academic success is key. I was determined that he had a smooth transition from high school to college.
The Importance of Online College Courses:
- The first college course my son selected was more challenging than any I had experienced during my college years. However, this proved to be a blessing in disguise because it helped him learn the proper online college course etiquette early on.
- The online format provided a non-threatening environment and shielded him from being intimidated in a classroom surrounded by college-aged students.
- The knowledge and experience gained from these online courses gave him the confidence to thrive as he eventually transitioned to in-person classes upon entering college.
Finding the Right College Course for High School Students:
- Finding the right college course for my high school student required thorough research.
- I discovered a “Taste of College” program offered by a local private college, allowing students to enroll in up to four courses for college credit.
- I also recommend consulting your high school’s Guidance Counselor to explore partnership programs with local community colleges, which often offer courses free of charge.
Making Accommodations for Success:
- Before starting the online college course, my son registered with the college disability office. Following the registration and submission of documentation, the disability office met with him to discuss the required accommodations. Encouraging him to handle this process independently allowed him to gain experience interacting with college administrators, preparing him for future interactions.
Navigating an Online College Course as a High School Student:
- Online college courses have a different pace and set of expectations compared to high school classes.
- I taught my son the basics of online college course expectations and effective communication.
- It’s important to understand that each professor has a unique style and requirements for earning a good grade in that class.
- I emphasized the significance of being respectful and timely in communication, encouraging him to reach out to his professors if any issues arose or questions needed to be addressed.
Key Aspects of Online College Courses:
- Familiarizing oneself with the syllabus is crucial, as it details instructions and timelines.
- Online courses include various components, such as course schedules, announcement pages, discussion posts, and modules.
- Due to last-minute changes, thorough reading, and repeated review, materials are vital to complete all deadlines and crucial information.
Writing Essays and Building Skills:
- Essay writing was a big part of my son’s online college course. As a dyslexic student, he could express his thoughts articulately verbally.
- I was awed by his deep understanding of the college-level text and subject matter and his ability to recall information from diverse sources.
- With my assistance, we transformed his spoken responses into comprehensive college-level written essays.
- As his writing skills developed, we gradually reduced my involvement, allowing him to utilize voice-to-text software, fonts for dyslexia, and independent editing.
Preparing for Future College Experiences:
- Uncertainty about future programs or majors is natural during the initial college years.
- Community colleges serve as excellent starting points, offering the opportunity to transfer credits to other institutions.
- Visiting college websites and exploring their disability services pages can provide valuable insights into the available support programs and workshops.
- Additionally, inquire about tutoring and mentorship programs, as they can greatly assist students in managing schedules and workloads.
Conclusion:
Guiding my dyslexic high school student through online college courses was a transformative experience for both of us. By fostering his independence, providing necessary accommodations, and offering ongoing support, he gained the confidence and skills to navigate his academic journey. I encourage parents to explore similar opportunities and resources available to empower their children with learning differences as they transition from high school to college.