What comes to mind when you think of core academic skills? Is digital literacy on your list?
At Fox Valley Virtual School, we believe digital literacy is just as essential as reading, writing, and math. That’s why our curriculum is designed to help students excel in traditional subjects while also developing the technology skills they’ll need to thrive in future schooling and careers.
Digital literacy—the ability to navigate, evaluate, and create content online—teaches students to use technology responsibly and effectively. By weaving these skills into daily learning, we’re not just preparing students for academic success—we’re equipping them with the problem-solving abilities and adaptability they’ll need in our increasingly digital world.
We don’t just prepare students for next week, next month, or their next grade level—we prepare them for a lifetime of success.
Building Independence and Self-Discipline
One of the biggest benefits of virtual learning is that students can take more responsibility for their own education. In a traditional classroom, teachers set the schedule and keep students rigidly on track. However, in an online setting, students must learn to manage their time and complete their assignments independently.
This helps them build self-discipline, an important life skill. Learning how to set goals, follow through on tasks, and meet deadlines will prepare them for the independence required in high school, college, and future jobs. Realizing they can manage their workload successfully also boosts confidence.
💡 Tip for Families: Help your child create a simple daily routine with set times for learning, breaks, and fun activities. A small checklist can give them a sense of control over their day while building responsibility. It also helps students develop a better sense of time, making it easier to manage tasks, stay organized, and anticipate their upcoming responsibilities and enjoyable activities.
Tech Skills for the Future
Ever purchased a new cell phone, computer, or television and had to set it up from scratch? Learning new technology is not always easy, especially when you’ve never used it before. But once you’ve built strong digital literacy skills, adapting to new tools becomes second nature.
Technology is involved in nearly every career today, and virtual learning helps students develop essential digital skills early on. From submitting assignments online to participating in video calls and using research databases, students gain hands-on experience that prepares them for future academic and professional settings.
Beyond these basics, virtual learners also develop problem-solving and troubleshooting skills. Whether it’s formatting a document, uploading a file, or navigating an online discussion board, these experiences teach adaptability and digital confidence. The more students practice working with technology now, the more prepared they’ll be to handle new tools and challenges in the future.
💡 Tip for Families: Encourage your child to explore technology beyond schoolwork. Let them create a fun slideshow, try a beginner coding game, or send a well-written email. These small tasks help build confidence in using digital tools.
Collaboration and Communication in a Virtual Space
Some people assume that virtual learning means students don’t interact with others, but that’s not true. Online students still participate in class discussions, work on group projects, and communicate with teachers and classmates. Learning to express themselves clearly in emails, discussion boards, and video chats is an important skill that will benefit them in school and future workplaces.
Effective online communication also teaches kids how to be professional, polite, and clear in their writing, whether they’re asking a teacher a question or working with peers on a shared project. These are the same skills that adults use daily in their jobs, making this an early opportunity for students to practice.
💡 Tip for Families: If your child needs to email a teacher, guide them in writing a short, polite message (rather than writing it on their behalf). Learning how to write an email is a valuable skill that will serve them for years to come.
Preparing for a Digital Future
Virtual schooling isn’t just an alternative to traditional learning—it’s an opportunity for students to build skills that will help them long after their school years are over. From learning how to work independently to mastering digital tools and communication, online students are gaining real-world experience that will prepare them for whatever future path they choose.
By supporting your child’s learning with simple tech practice at home, you can help them make the most of their virtual education. These skills aren’t just for school—they’re skills for life.
Would you like more tips on supporting online learners? Our related blog post on executive function skills offers more insights!
