Online Expand Your Mind
For Students In Grades 9 – 12
Online Expand Your Mind (EYM) brings together talented students from across the world for one-week or four-week intensive learning experiences that provide meaningful academic challenges within a stimulating and safe environment. We offer classes in STEM, humanities and the fine arts, each taught by master teachers who are dedicated to stimulating young minds.
2022 - 2023 Online Program Dates:
Summer Session: TBA
Program Details
Technology Skills and Requirements
Students will need reliable high-speed internet access and a desktop, laptop, or iPad with audio and video enabled. Students should be comfortable creating new documents, videos, and presentations, navigating the web to conduct research, and uploading documents. Students must also have a personal email account to use for the class. MITY does not utilize a Learning Management System such as Schoology, Canvas, or Moodle.
Parent Involvement
Some parent/guardian involvement may be required depending on a student’s comfort level with the technology being used. Parents/guardians are encouraged to talk to their student about what they are doing in their MITY coursework.
Student Performance Evaluation
Each student will receive an end-of-session evaluation. No letter grades or numerical scores will be issued.
Admissions Criteria
There is no specific test score or GPA requirement. We are looking for students who perform well in school and are excited about learning.
Policies for MITY Online Programs
All program participants and their parents or guardian are required to read and abide by the “MITY Online Expectations and Code of Conduct” and the “MITY Digital Citizenship Agreement.” Families are asked to acknowledge their understanding of and acceptance of these documents when they apply to a MITY online program.
How it Works
Classes feature a combination of asynchronous and synchronous instruction. During the school year, each class meets synchronously for 3 hours per week; depending on the course, this may be divided over two days. During the summer session, each class meets synchronously for 3 hours each day for one week. Students may take more than one class per session. Each session runs independently from the others, so families can decide which session(s) work best for them.
Class Structure
Depending on the nature of the course, instruction consists of some combination of the following: live or recorded instructor video; audio, video, written texts, or other media; links to websites for research; other as appropriate. Students should expect to participate in whole class discussion forums and small group activities and/or labs as well as perform individual tasks and reflection exercises. Most, but not all, classes culminate in a final product at the end of the session. Students who are unable to participate in a synchronous learning session should contact their instructor ahead of time to make alternate arrangements.
Time Commitment
Students should expect to spend 4-5 hours per week on each class during the school year (3-5 hours per day during the summer), including synchronous sessions, noting that this is an average and that some individuals may require more or less time with the material. Students are expected to be logged in on time for each class.
Class Size
Classes are kept small to ensure individual attention and a high-quality experience for all learners.
Social "Rec" Time
MITY’s educational philosophy focuses on whole-child development, and hence MITY staff also host non-academic virtual sessions to foster connections and enhance students’ social emotional skills. These social forums feature fun activities and some wacky challenges that enable students to socialize, build friendships, find peer support, explore new talents, take risks, expand their cultural awareness, and experience the joy that comes with being part of the MITY family. Students can also participate in MITY’s online chess tournament and other at-home activities.
What do people say about MITY’s Online Expand Your Mind (EYM) program?
Parents:
"The teachers were so kind and energetic it was contagious. I could hear that all of the students were respectful and well conversed."
"My daughter loves MITY. It’s a great way to build independence. She looks forward to every class."
"My son was very engaged. He was the youngest of the students (by a lot in some classes) and he was not left behind. It was really great that he was able to connect with older students and also learn a lot of really fascinating material!"
Students:
"MITY is a great program that everyone should get to participate in."
"MITY is a very fun place to learn many new subjects. My class was very interesting and just the right amount of challenging."
"MITY is an environment in which kids who have excelled in classes at their level can be challenged by new and exciting topics."
Teachers:
"Teaching at MITY is the highlight of my summer!"
"I love MITY kids – they are motivated, smart, and hungry for more!"