By: Kathryn Hodgins, Content and Public Relations Specialist, Florida Virtual School 

Live lessons bring your virtual classroom to life. They’re not just a meeting, they’re your chance to review key concepts with your teacher, go over important course material together, ask questions, and get the support you need to stay confident and on track. Whether you’re in elementary school or tackling Advanced Placement® (AP®) courses, these interactive sessions make online learning engaging, collaborative, and personalized.

What Are Live Lessons?

Live lessons are interactive Zoom sessions where students and teachers come together to explore course material, ask questions, and engage in meaningful discussions. But they’re more than just virtual lectures, they’re opportunities to:

• Practice skills alongside your teacher
• Participate in polls and activities
• Get instant feedback
• Build friendships and community

Attendance: What You Need to Know

Live lesson expectations vary depending on your FLVS program:

Full Time Students

• Elementary: Attendance is required for all classes. Absences must be documented.
• Middle School: Required for all core classes and any high school elective classes the student may be taking. Attendance counts toward the student’s overall grade. If absent, students must watch the recording.
• High School: Strongly encouraged for all courses; required for Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) and AP® classes. Recordings are available for all students. Cambridge AICE and AP® students should contact their teacher for more information on absences. 

Flex Students (Individual Courses) 

• Attendance is optional and based on students’ progress.  Students should choose which sessions to attend based on their progress and learning needs. Recordings are available to students as needed, and they should contact their teacher to request them.  

Additional details regarding attendance requirements can be found in the Student and Parent Handbook. If parents still have questions about attendance tracking, they are encouraged to contact the teacher directly. 

Camera On or Off?

Cameras are encouraged to build connections. Turning them on helps create a more engaging and immersive experience. In some cases, teachers may ask students to turn cameras on for interactive activities or off to reduce distractions. Elementary school teachers often encourage students to use cameras to help them feel more included and supported. Either way, a quiet space and a video-capable device are key!

Beyond the Lesson

Live lessons are just one part of the FLVS experience. Students also receive personalized support through:

• One-on-one teacher communication (calls, texts, emails, office hours)
• Academic guidance and support from school counselors
• Specialized support for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students

So if you ever feel stuck or need a little extra help, your FLVS team is just a message away.

Ready to Join?

Check your teacher’s announcement page in Educator for upcoming live lesson dates and topics. Whether you’re a seasoned FLVS student or just getting started, live lessons are your gateway to a richer, more connected learning experience.

Learn more on our Live Lessons page. For those interested in taking individual courses, FLVS Flex is open for enrollment year-round. 

About the Author: Content and Public Relations Specialist at Florida Virtual School, Katie Hodgins, leverages her extensive experience and passion for storytelling to highlight the people, places, and opportunities that define the FLVS community. A military veteran and lifelong learner, Katie enjoys communicating unique and innovative stories to inspire and engage the next generation. Having traveled throughout the world, she is proud to have planted roots here in Florida and with Florida Virtual School.