Let’s walk through a realistic day in the life of a Teneo learner to help demystify the process.

The virtual campus

We think of the Learning Management System (LMS) as the "school building” that your child would arrive at every morning. When a learner logs in at the beginning of the day, they enter a dashboard that shows:

• Their daily timetable.

• Links to their live classes.

• Due dates for assignments.

• Announcements from teachers.

The daily rhythm 

You might be asking: how does online school work when it comes to routine? We believe structure is vital for success, so online schooling with Teneo follows a daily routine similar to physical schools. It usually starts around 07:45 and ends between 13:00 and 14:30.

• 07:45 - Registration: Learners log in and prepare for the day.

• 08:00 - Live lessons: Learners click a link to join their first class (e.g., Mathematics), and the teacher is live on camera, sharing a whiteboard or presentation. Learners can ask questions via the microphone or chat.

• Breaks: Just like regular school, there are breaks between lessons and a longer lunch break to get away from the screen, eat, and stretch.

• Afternoons: Reserved for homework, club activities, or self-study.

Homework and assignment

Learners will be assigned daily homework – all of which are laid out for parents to see as well, and keep track of through the Canvas Parent App. When it comes to homework tasks or assignments: 

1. Tasks are uploaded to the LMS

2. Learners either complete them digitally or write them out 

3. Learners scan their work and upload them back to the LMS

4. Teachers grade them and leave comments online for learners to review

At Teneo, structure and guidance is a priority. The school days are clear and accessible for learners to follow – without requiring much effort from parents. 

Examination processes

Cycle tests are written online under timed conditions. In terms of formal examinations, we use proctoring software (which monitors the screen and webcam) to ensure honesty. 

For the final Grade 12 Matric examinations, learners must travel to a physical venue to write invigilated examinations, ensuring the qualification is valid.

What about "screen fatigue"?

We are always conscious of screen time. And the way Teneo school combats the problem of screen fatigue is through: 

1. Active learning: Lessons aren't just passive watching; they involve polls, quizzes, and discussions to encourage active engagement throughout the school day.

2. Breaks: We enforce breaks that happen away from devices so learners can move and take their eyes off their screens. 

3. Physical education: We encourage physical activity offline and prioritise this just as much as we prioritise attendance at any other subject. 

Technical requirements

There are some technical requirements and tools that you will need for online schooling, including: 

• A laptop (i3 processor or better recommended) with a webcam and microphone

• Software – including Google Chrome, PDF reader, and Zoom/Teams (we provide the educational software access).

• A 10Mbps+ line is recommended for clear video streaming.

Online school takes the best parts of traditional education, expert teachers and structured learning, and delivers them through technology that allows for greater flexibility and safety.

See a sample day in the life at Teneo

Your child belongs at Teneo 

Teneo is rated the no. 1 online school in South Africa by HelloPeter. With 170+ SACE-registered teachers, we have helped more than 3 500 learners matriculate with a National Senior Certificate (NSC), opening the doors to tertiary education and future career opportunities. Our award-winning Smart School System™combines the best parts of in-person schooling, with the convenience and benefits of online learning for learners across South Africa. If you’re ready to take the next step towards education of the future, start your learning journey with Teneo today.