Summer offers the chance to escape the daily routine and kick back and relax, but it can also provide an opportunity to learn and grow. Attending an online summer school allows you to learn new skills, deepen your understanding of a subject of interest, prepare for college, and meet fellow students across the world, all from the comfort of your own home.
But, with numerous online courses available, covering diverse subject matters, it can be difficult to know where to start. After reading this guide, you’ll know everything there is to know about online summer courses, including the key benefits, how to choose an online course that is the perfect fit, and strategies to make the most out of your summer studies. Get ready for a productive summer of online learning!
What is an online summer course?
Online summer courses are virtual academic programs available during summer vacation when regular school programs are not in session. Most schools have an array of course options, such as medicine, law, creative writing, math, and career exploration to name but a few. Some programs are delivered via live online sessions, others allow you to access course materials at different times and work at you own pace, and there are hybrid options that blend both teaching methods.
Students may decide to take an online summer course to learn new subjects, earn credits, avoid summer learning loss, or boost the competitiveness of their college applications. The popularity of online summer courses is rising among K-12 students, as it offers the flexibility to learn from any location, while also not missing out on family vacations, social activities, or working a part-time summer job.
Benefits of online summer courses
Wondering whether it’s worth investing time in an online summer course? Research has shown that strong summer programs can reverse summer learning loss, achieve learning gains, and improve academic performance on return to school. They can also be a great opportunity to meet new people and have some fun while learning.
Here are some of the key benefits of online summer courses to consider:
Academic progress
Participating in online summer courses will allow you to strengthen your academics and extend your knowledge before you take the next steps in your education or career. This could mean exploring subjects beyond your high school curriculum, experiencing college-style teaching, or concentrating on areas you need to improve, or a mix of all these things.
Flexible and convenient
When you have plans and commitments over the summer, it can be difficult to dedicate a block of time to attend an in-person summer course. The beauty of online summer courses is that they are flexible and convenient, so you can fit them around your summer plans. Most courses cater to different time zones and live or recorded classes are accessible wherever you are in the world. All you need is a laptop, webcam, and internet connection!
Cost-effective
Completing academic studies can get expensive when you start to add up tuition fees, travel, and accommodation costs. Online summer courses offer a more financially viable way for students to achieve their academic goals due to typically lower tuition fees as well as zero travel and accommodation costs.
Boost your college application
Writing a compelling college application that will attract some attention can be a daunting prospect. Differentiating yourself from other students, who also have excellent grades and test scores is vital. Completing a relevant summer course demonstrates academic curiosity, the ability to manage college-level work, and a commitment to your education and career path. Highlighting this on your college application, and including a glowing letter of recommendation from your instructor, could be differentiating factors.
Diverse course offerings
Virtual summer courses offer a wider variety of classes, including some subjects that are not available in the regular school curriculum. This provides you with the opportunity to explore different topics and get a taste of whether or not a career you are potentially interested in would be a good move.
Build your confidence
Lack of self-confidence can negatively impact all aspects of a student’s life, including academic performance. Online summer courses are structured in small class sizes, with close supervision, and focused learning delivered by expert instructors. This environment is more conducive to building self-esteem and confidence than a traditional high school, where many students feel overwhelmed and struggle with low confidence levels.
Enjoyable learning experience
Online summer courses can be a fun experience too. Studies during the summer will keep your mind active, provide the opportunity to explore your interests, and allow you to meet new friends too. The added bonus of virtual learning is that your fellow students can be from anywhere in the world, so this can further enrich your learning experience.
How to find the best online summer course
Once you’ve decided to take the plunge and attend an online summer school, the challenge is to find a great program that fully meets your requirements. Here are seven key elements to consider when deciding between different course providers:
1. Identify your goals
With plenty of online summer course options available, you can be spoilt for choice and it might be difficult to decide which course to select. Think about what you hope to gain from the experience and your long-term academic or career objectives. Perhaps you’re looking ahead towards college and hopeful of boosting your academic profile, or you may simply want to explore a potential career.
For example, you might be keen to pursue a college degree in finance. Selecting an online summer course in math will allow you to expand your mathematical horizons and abilities, which you can then highlight in your college application. Maybe, you’re curious about a career in engineering but uncertain whether you would actually enjoy it. Completing an online summer engineering academy will give you a taste of being an engineering student. Taking time to self-reflect will ensure you choose the right virtual course.
2. Assess course offerings
Comparing and contrasting different online summer courses will give you a clear picture of available programs and allow you to make informed decisions. Start this process well before the summer as many popular courses will have limited places, so you will need to book early. This will ensure that you have plenty of options and the time to find a course that aligns with your academic goals, fits your summer schedule, and provides an optimal learning experience.
Most online summer schools will have detailed websites where you can review course content and structure, read testimonials, and find out more general information. Don’t be afraid to reach out to program staff at the online summer school if you have any unanswered questions. If you are completing summer studies to earn credits, check the policy on transferring credits from online courses to your home institution. Typically, if the summer school is accredited by a recognized body, this not only ensures the quality of education, but also that your credits will be valid at other schools.
3. Read student reviews
The second part of your research should involve securing some reviews from existing or former students of the online summer course. The opportunity to read personal and authentic accounts from fellow students will give you a good insight into the overall learning experience, including any positives and negatives.
Usually the course provider’s website will have testimonials that you can review, but it’s also good to find some independent feedback from reputable sources for an unbiased view. Check Google reviews, independent review sites, and social media platforms so you can shortlist your preferred course providers and make informed study choices.
4. Find out more about the instructors
The best summer courses have qualified instructors who are highly experienced in their chosen field and are passionate about teaching and mentoring students. The difference between an average online summer course and a great online summer course is a good teacher. For this reason, it’s best to find out who will be your instructor and check their credentials in the subject area. You should be able to find these details on the summer school’s website, or you can send an email to the administrative team to ask if they can confirm who your assigned instructor will be.
5. Explore learning formats
Online summer course learning formats fall into two main categories; asynchronous or synchronous. Asynchronous courses allow more flexibility as classes are not held at a specific time, so students can set their own study schedules and access learning materials at different times. Synchronous courses require you to attend live sessions and involve real-time interaction with your instructor and fellow students. Some synchronous courses provide recordings of classes which will allow you to review the course again to increase understanding and retention of the material, and can be a lifesaver if you are unable to attend a class unexpectedly. Investigate with the course provider to see if this provided.
Which format you choose will depend on your learning style and summer commitments. If you work well autonomously and need more flexibility due to a busy summer schedule, then asynchronous may be the best option. Conversely, if you find that without a fixed study schedule you tend to procrastinate and can fall behind in your studies or you prefer the chance to seek clarification and ask questions in real time to your instructor, then the synchronous learning format will suit you better. Of course, you may find a hybrid option that combines live discussions with independent assignments, providing the best of both worlds.
6. Consider time commitment
Some online courses can be intensive, so make sure to review how many hours per week the course requires as well as how many weeks the summer program will run. Apart from attending online classes, you also may need to attend discussions for group projects, complete homework and assignments, as well as complete revision for any tests or examinations. Usually, course providers can give you a good idea of the time you will need to commit in order to perform well in your course and secure a great reference.
7. Understand costs and financial aid options
The good news is that online summer courses are typically more affordable than in-person courses, but tuition fees will vary according to course level and each provider. Aside from tuition, additional costs could include textbooks, stationary, technology requirements, and some courses may have fees for tests. For students requiring financial aid, some courses offer bursaries but these are few and far between, so this is not something to rely on.
How to make the most out of your online summer course
Fast forward to the end of the school term and your online summer course is due to start in the next few weeks. Wondering what to expect from your course and who you will meet is bound to be on your mind as the first day approaches. The best way to tackle these feelings of apprehension about the unknown is to be prepared.
Start early by organizing your working space for your course. The main criteria are that the space is comfortable, sufficiently quiet, has good lighting and dependable internet access. Check with the course provider on any specific equipment or resources you will need, which could include software and apps that you need to download and test before the first class. Typically, you will also need your PC or laptop, webcam, speakers, and microphone as well as stationary, such as books, notepads, and multicolor pens. There’s nothing worse than having a last minute technical issue or not having the required materials on the first day of class, as it’s easy to get flustered, frustrated, and fall behind. Getting all your ducks in a row will ensure you glide into your online summer course seamlessly.
Once you’ve settled into your course and got the first few classes under your belt, you will want to ensure your making the most of your online summer course moving forward. Here are some strategies to help you achieve this goal:
Create a study plan. Managing your time effectively during your online summer course will help you stay on top of the course material. To this end, create a study plan that allows you to block out time for your online learning activities and assignment work (including note of completion dates). This schedule will also be helpful when planning any social or work-related activities over the summer.
Understand how you learn best. Having an awareness of the best practices that facilitate your learning will ensure you perform well and progress in your summer studies. There are four key learning styles:
o Visual learning. Absorbing information best via graphics, including arrows, charts, graphs, diagrams, and symbols.
o Auditory learning. Aural learners prefer to listen to information, read aloud to themselves, and participate in group conversations.
o Reading and writing. Students who learn the best from written material, such as worksheets, presentations, and other text-based materials.
o Kinesthetic learning. Hands-on learners who flourish when using their senses, such as performing tests in a laboratory or incorporating body movement to solidify concepts in their minds
Try out the different learning styles and see which ones work best for you, whether that’s a single approach or blending different learning styles. Combine this with other approaches, such as whether you study best early in the morning or later in the day.
Actively participate. There can be a tendency to keep things impersonal on an online course and treat the experience differently to a traditional, in-person classroom. However, actively participating is vital regardless of the setting. Try to attend every class, make comments, ask plenty of questions, and join group discussions. The overall results will be that you will increase your understanding, raise your performance, and make new friends too.
Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to ask your instructor for help if you are having issues keeping up with the course. On an online course, it can be difficult for your instructor to gauge from your facial expressions and reactions as to whether you fully understand their lecture. Keep in mind that whenever you have a question, it’s very likely that several other students have the same question and are hoping someone else asks it. Ask your questions at appropriate times via the chat function or directly on the screen.
Review your progress. It’s always a good idea to review and reflect on your progress at regular intervals during your online summer course. Take a note of what you have learned and what you have struggled with. This will help you remember key information and complete revision sessions on areas that you need to improve.
By following these tips, you will get the most out of your online summer course. Remember to have fun too! While your decision to enroll on an online summer course is often academic, it’s also an opportunity to explore a subject that you are really passionate about and meet like-minded students who can become future friends.
Conclusion
While searching for an online summer course may seem like a daunting task, having the right strategy and approach can help you navigate this process with ease. The benefits of completing summer studies are plentiful, including academic progress, avoiding summer learning loss, and boosting your college application. Added to that, online summer courses offer flexibility, convenience, and a cost-effective solution in terms of tuition fees.
Always do your research when deciding which online summer course to attend. This should include reviewing course structure and content, consulting student reviews, exploring learning formats, and learning more about your assigned instructors. Once you have selected a course, embrace the opportunity by actively participating, managing your time effectively, and monitoring your progress. Have fun too and enjoy being inspired by your instructor and getting to know your fellow students.
Online summer courses offer a rewarding experience to students looking to make positive steps forward in their education, so don’t miss out on that opportunity!