Technology Brings Dream Career Speakers to Online High School Students

PORTLAND, Ore., May 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Rock stars, a Super Bowl champion, and a New York fashion designer are just a few of the amazing speakers that today's high school students learn from first hand. At least for online, public high school students at Insight Schools.

Insight students log in monthly to chat live in a "virtual assembly," the Insight Experience Series, with unique speakers such as world-famous musician Dave Hernandez of The Shins; Lt. Colonel Brent Keenan, a C-17 Air Force pilot; holocaust survivor and author Alter Wiener and others.

The school's technology allows students to chat with inspirational speakers all over the country, speakers that might be out of reach in a traditional school setting.

The Insight Experience Series also exposes teens to the realities of 'dream' careers. An archeologist related the excitement of finding a historic burial site, but also shared photos of working knee deep in muck. A Seattle Seahawk explained that his decision to specialize in position with a player shortage helped him get into the NFL as much as his skill did.

"I connected with teens all over the US who might not get another opportunity to talk live with a fashion designer in New York, or learn about what it's like to live with HIV," said speaker Jack Mackenroth, a fashion designer, Project Runway contestant, and HIV/AIDS advocate. "I wish we had this cool technology when I was in school."

The Experience Series program brings unusual voices to thousands of full-time students at Insight Schools, the nation's leading network of tuition-free, online public high schools. The live internet assemblies feature volunteer speakers who log in from their own computer to Insight's remote classroom technology (Elluminate), to share their experiences and respond directly to students' questions.

"This is really using the power of technology to improve the student experience. Students get direct access to people in a way that wouldn't be possible in a traditional classroom," said Keith Oelrich, CEO and Founder of Insight Schools. "By introducing them in person to people they admire, we're able to excite students with their own potential after high school."

Insight Schools teaches 21st century skills through personalized learning programs, state-certified teachers, more than 120 courses, and a comprehensive, engaging curriculum designed to suit individual learning styles. The Experience Series is another alternative learning experience offered to help students explore their passions while developing realistic goals around career development.  

The school also offers an online career planning system to explore careers related to the featured speakers' and research training and education.

Past Experience Series speakers:

www.insightschools.net/Prepare-for-Your-Future/Prepare-for-The-Future/Experience-Series.aspx

Video clip: www.youtube.com/insightschool

About Insight Schools, Inc.

Insight Schools, Inc. is the nation's leading network of tuition-free, diploma-granting, online public high schools. To learn more, call (877) 254-6744 or visit www.insightschools.net.

SOURCE Insight Schools, Inc.