Taking an NSO Course

A Student-Centered Approach to Learning Online

Every experience learning online is a little different. Each student comes with their own experiences, backgrounds, and learning goals. Maybe you are an experienced online learner pursuing a topic of interest. Or you are a first-time online student looking for some flexibility in your schedule. Whatever your reason for taking a course at NSO, we aim to create a positive learning experience for you. 

Intentional Course Design

NSO courses are aligned to MN state standards and most courses were written by our own teachers. We use an Instructional Design Model that centers student experience, provides engagement and rigor, and celebrates a diversity of backgrounds to help students feel successful in their learning. 

Learning in courses includes a variety of activities and assessments, such as readings, videos, interactive activities, written, oral, or video assignments, projects, and quizzes. You can rewatch or re-read content multiple times to help with their understanding. And of course you always have your teacher available to help deepen your learning through feedback or help you understand difficult concepts through additional resources or meetings

Individualized, Tailored Learning

All courses at NSO are taught asynchronously, meaning that there are no live learning sessions or set times when you have to log in to do work, so you can choose the place and time that works best for your learning. Each student has an individualized pacing plan letting you know how many assignments need to be completed each week to stay on track to complete your course by your chosen end date. If we notice that you aren’t completing assignments each week or are falling behind in pacing, we will reach out to provide support and help you create a plan for your learning. 

Experienced, Licensed Teachers

NSO courses are taught asynchronously, but that doesn’t mean that you are on your own in learning. Your NSO teacher will be there to support your learning the whole time through detailed feedback on your work, support in understanding difficult content, and outreach to keep you on track and motivated. All NSO teachers are MN state licensed in their content area and have experience and training in teaching online. 

Connection & Support

All courses at NSO start out with a chance for you to meet your teacher and share about yourself. Even though the learning is virtual, it is important that you feel supported in your learning. You may not see your teacher face to face, but you matter to your teacher and they care about your learning experience.   

In addition to your teacher, you have access to Educational Support Professionals, technical support, support staff, and the NSO helpdesk to provide any additional support you might need along the way.