GUIDE TO
FALL 2020
LEARNING Benefits to Online Learning and Why It Should Be Here to Stay INSIDE: » Programs » Schools » Gap Years » And More!
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PRESENTING THE FALL 2020
GUIDE TO ONLINE LEARNING
The nation got a taste of online learning when schools and universities closed for the end of the 2019-2020 school year. Now, it seems like it is here to stay with students and parents learning how to adapt.
GOT QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS?
We have put together our Guide to Online Learning Fall 2020 to help guide students, parents, and educators through this changing landscape. This guide includes several fall online learning programs that offer students a unique opportunity to participate in a virtual program that would otherwise need to be taken in person. These programs can range from two weeks to 10 months and cover a wide range of topics. Have a safe and happy fall!
Email me at mschwartz@teenlife. com. Marie Schwartz CEO and Founder, TeenLife Media
PUBLISHER & CEO Marie Schwartz, mschwartz@teenlife.com ADVERTISING SALES Christine LeMaire, christine@teenlife.com EDITOR Margaret Perkins, margaret@teenlife.com ART DIRECTION AND DESIGN Kathy Tilton, kbtilton@gmail.com Published by: TeenLife Media, LLC, PO Box 8722, Boston, MA 02114 (617) 277-5120 • info@teenlife.com • www.teenlife.com Copyright © 2020 by TeenLife Media, LLC
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BENEFITS TO ONLINE LEARNING
AND WHY IT SHOULD BE HERE TO STAY BY JANICE HALLER
he COVID-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down as schools closed and businesses shut down. In response, the nation is learning to adapt in unique ways, like offering haircuts outside and the rise of food delivery programs. While we hope the situation is temporary, it is likely that some of our adaptations for a COVID-19 world are here to stay. One of those adaptations is online learning. Whether you know it as distance learning or online learning, it is here to stay. Many parents and students have their share of horror stories from bad connections to improperly dressed teachers. There are going to be growing pains for such a large shift in education. Especially with other stressors like children stuck at home without any of the social interaction with peers. We hope that traditional schooling returns, but we also hope that online learning remains an option. Why? Because there are some overwhelming
positives that come with online learning! Here are our top five reasons that online learning should be a permanent part of mainstream education.
ONLINE LEARNING REMOVES PHYSICAL BARRIERS TO EDUCATION
Every student with ambition for higher learning dreams of studying at great institutions like Stanford University. One of the reasons these universities’ elite summer programs are so appealing is that you can even stay at the dorm and live on campus to get a “taste of college life.” In fact, the only way you can even attend the program is by living on campus. But what if living on campus is not an option? What if you are a student with a disability that the campus housing cannot accommodate or the journey to the program is too far? What if the student’s parents won’t give them permission to be so far away from home? Luckily, intensive programs for subjects like STEM are shifting to online learning/virtual. » ONLINE LEARNING FALL 2020
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While students may miss out on the opportunity to enjoy living on-campus, many other students can find that their opportunities have opened up.
VIRTUAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES REMOVE ANOTHER FINANCIAL BARRIER TO EDUCATION
Those two-week to month long programs can have high fees, many of those are not including costs like food and travel. While some program attendees may live within driving distance, what about students who live in more remote areas that can need several flights to be in the same state? Some students may spend the entire school year saving up so they can attend the program, but then find that they are still short when it comes to housing or paying for other program essentials. While these institutions have every right to put a price on their memorable courses, the very nature of them can put up more barriers between students who find the program cost out of their reach.
ONLINE LEARNING PROGRAMS CAN BRING PEOPLE CLOSER TOGETHER
Video calling and virtual classrooms may seem to be distant or informal, but the truth is that these programs can bring in a more diverse student population than before. Not just students of different socioeconomic statuses, but students from different parts of the world. That would lead to different languages, cultures, and religions that these students may not have encountered before. They say that travel broadens the mind, but it is not because flying on a plane teaches you essential life lessons. It is the people that you meet and the sights that you see while abroad. In a world with COVID-19, overseas travel can be too daunting or risky for many of us. But with online learning programs that are now available on an unforeseen international scale, students can travel the world and make meaningful connections from all parts of the globe.
ONLINE LEARNING PROGRAMS OFFER MUCH NEEDED FLEXIBILITY
College and university tuition costs are rising and student loans are now a terrifying part of the
process. Many students walk away with hundreds and thousands of dollars in debt. So many future college students will try to work and save to reduce their potential debt load. But many of the traditional, in-person programs are only offered during the day and need your total attention. How can a person with a part-time job fit in the time to attend the program and continue to save for their next big life decision? Many online learning programs allow students to work at a time that best suits them. Whether it’s a part-time job or family obligations, virtual learning offers much needed flexibility that is traditionally important to adults with full-time jobs. But in a world of rising tuition, textbook, and housing costs, it is an essential aspect for teens looking to enter higher education.
VIRTUAL SCHOOLING TEACHES STUDENTS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON: YOUR EDUCATION IS WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT
Any college graduate can tell you that your education is only worth the amount of effort you put into it. A half-hearted degree is only worth the paper it is on, if the recipient didn’t take the time to learn and absorb the information. Does walking among peers and through hallowed halls make a degree, or is it the time and dedication you put into learning? Online learning requires students to develop one of their most important life skills: self-discipline. There are a thousand ways to distract a student while at home, which is an opportunity for growth instead of an obstacle. Many of those that have completed their higher education remember the shift from high school to college to be abrupt and drastic. One moment you’re asking if you can go to the bathroom and the next you need to create your schedule, pick a major, and handle a large amount of debt. Now, online learning can give students the opportunity to learn how to be accountable and exercise self-discipline. It can teach them the essential life lesson that those before only learned after it was all said and done: what you get out of your education is the effort that you put in. ONLINE LEARNING FALL 2020
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ONLINE PROGRAMS BOSTON LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE: VIRTUAL STEM COURSES Academic and STEM 1-week and 3-week sessions Starting at $599 Grades: 8 - 12
LANGUAGEBIRD® - ONE-TO-ONE ONLINE LANGUAGE LEARNING & MORE Language 1-to-1 Virtual Lessons $429 for 6 hours Grades: 7 - 12
Our award-winning STEM programs are now remote! Fall weekly and bi-weekly after-school options start in October. Hands-on, competitive admissions programs (Biotech Research, Biomedical and Surgical Research, and Epidemics, Outbreaks, & Contagion) provide material for resumes, school recommendation letters, and college admissions essays. Students in the Pre-Med Task Force work with an MD on COVID-related projects. Other returning best-sellers include Forensics, Investments, Physics of Space, and Polymer Chemistry. Prices start at $599. Learn More »
LanguageBird creates a community of learners who master speaking new languages with confidence. Students connect one-to-one with an engaged instructor for accredited, self-paced language learning and cultural discovery. Choose from 13 languages. Engage with native speakers live via video chat on your schedule. Learn More » ONLINE LEARNING FALL 2020
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Online Programs
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VIRTUAL WALL STREET FALL CLASSES Business Single classes, 5-week and 10-week programs Starting at $200 Ages: 14 - 19
THE OXBOW SCHOOL: ONLINE COURSES Academic and Arts Varies $500 - $3,200 Ages: 13 - 18
Wall Street Walks programs teach students how the stock market works, what the role is of all the related financial institutions, and how they all come together. Virtual Fall Classes are for students age 13 to 18. Courses range from single classes, one-off special interest classes to five and ten-week programs. One-off classes cover Bitcoin and Blockchain, AntiMoney Laundering, the Woman of Wall Street, and much of current and historic Wall Street. Classes are presented live and also recorded for students who cannot attend live. Learn More »
The Oxbow School, a world-renowned arts education program in Napa, CA, is offering two-week online courses! These courses will give students the opportunity to participate in innovative art and academic experiences. All online course participants will receive a certificate of completion for each course they complete. All online courses are for students ages 14 to 19 years old. Learn More »
CENTER FOR TALENT DEVELOPMENT Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University provides a variety of online courses for students PreK through (CTD) ONLINE PROGRAMS AT grade 12. Online courses offer academically talented NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY Academic, Leadership, Language, and STEM Varies Varies Grades: PreK - 12
students from around the world the opportunity to take exceptional enrichment, high school honors, and Advanced Placement (AP)® courses in a flexible and interactive online setting. Courses are created specifically with advanced students in mind and taught by caring educators with deep content expertise. Learn More » ONLINE LEARNING FALL 2020
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Online Programs
www.teenlife.com/request-online-learning
POINT PARK UNIVERSITY ONLINE COMMUNITY CLASSES Arts Varies Starting at $25 All Ages
EMERGING LEADER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS Academic and Leadership 6-Weeks, September 21st November 2nd $2,997 - $4,997 Ages: 14 - 21
Experience continuing development opportunities at Point Park University! All fall community classes are open to the public and will occur remotely. Offerings include master workshops, pre-professional dance and private lessons in voice, piano, drumming, and dance! Our affordable programs will begin in mid-September and require registration with payment in advance. Learn More »
A special 6-week program for you to complete an original project with guidance from educators at Stanford, MIT, Duke, and the University of Pennsylvania while boosting your college acceptance chances through college coaching, mentorship, and access to an unmatched community of students. The Emerging Leader Program provides a bridge between your academic achievements and real-world experience. We’re using our years of admissions expertise and strategic alliances to accelerate your success. Learn More »
ONLINE LEARNING FALL 2020
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Online Programs
www.teenlife.com/request-online-learning
WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY: VIRTUAL SATURDAY UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS Academic, Arts and STEM Saturdays, October 3rd November 21st $135 - $399 Grades: 4th - 12th
XRTERRA: INTRO VIRTUAL REALITY (VR) FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS Academic and STEM 6 Weeks, October 14 - November 20 $1500 Grades: 9 - 12
William Paterson University is now offering Virtual SATURDAY Programs from 10/3/20-11/21/20. WP instructors are here to support families and students in grades 4 – 12 to engage, learn, connect with peers, and have fun while exercising social distance. The online offerings are designed to stimulate your student’s imagination and provide academic preparation to reinforce critical fundamental skills. Programs are reasonably priced for all family budgets. Learn More »
Virtual Reality (VR) is a $20+ billion industry with VR engineers earning an average of $135K in annual salary according to Hired. com. At XR Terra, students learn VR concepts, Unity 3D engine, and software development skills to prototype VR applications. Over the course of 6 weeks, students build their own VR experiences that they will be able to add to their professional portfolio. Build cool VR experiences and explore exciting careers in this technology! Learn More »
ONLINE LEARNING FALL 2020
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Online Programs
www.teenlife.com/request-online-learning
WORLD SCHOLARS ACADEMY: WORLD BUSINESS ACADEMY ONLINE
World Scholars Academy offers elite introductory business courses for middle and high school students taught by world-leading professional scholars. Whether your teen is already keen on a business career or is simply curious, our courses will provide a lifelong foundation for academic excellence and financial success. Fall virtual courses are taught live on Saturdays from 12 pm - 4 pm Eastern Standard Time (9 am - 1 pm Pacific Standard Time). World Business Academy - 15-18 year olds (ten interactive group classes + two one-on-one tutorials); and, Discover Business Academy - 12-14 year olds (five interactive group classes + two one-on-one tutorials). Learn More »
Academic, Business and Entrepreneurship One Month $1,995 Ages: 12 - 18
GAP SEMESTER AT CET: GLOBAL VIRTUAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS Career Exploration, Languages, Leadership September 21 - December 18, 2020 $1,995 Ages: 18+
Develop valuable professional skills while exploring the international working world and a potential career path. With Gap at CET's Global Virtual Internship, you are matched with an organization based in Amman, Prague, Shanghai, or Taipei, and take a course with other CET interns to help you reflect on the experience and prepare for college. Session: September 21 - December 18, 2020. As an optional add-on to the program, CET also offers customized, one-on-one language training in Arabic, Czech, or Mandarin. Learn More »
Northwestern University’s
Center for Talent Development PROGRAMS TO DEVELOP YOUR UNIQUE TALENTS
Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University is dedicated to helping academically advanced students reach their full potential. CTD’s pathways approach leads students on a journey of intellectual, emotional, and social growth. CTD provides advanced enrichment and accelerated, credit-bearing programs for students. Explore them all!
For Students
> Assessment to identify academic ability, measure growth, and connect families to opportunities > Online enrichment courses (family and individual) encourage discovery, exploration of interests, and engagement with peers and experts. > Accelerated online courses provide early access to high school honors and AP courses for grades 6-12. > Residential and commuter summer programs for grades 3-8.
Join CTD’s Online Community
> CTD Backpack™ for families and students
Explore all programs online using CTD’s Explore Courses tool! ctd.northwestern.edu
> Consulting Services for families
> Leadership and civic engagement programs for grades 7-12.
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