# What style of learning does OpenSky promote?

URL: https://www.openskyplanner.com/support/what-style-of-learning-does-opensky-promote
Tab: Learning
Category: Overview
Updated: 2026-10-07

The approach to independent learning that OpenSky is built around.

OpenSky is built around one idea: the student owns the day's checklist, and the parent decides how much of the rest they own. Nothing in the app assumes a parent is sitting beside the student for every lesson.

## The student owns the list

Each student has their own **Today** page: what is overdue, what came back for revision, and what is scheduled today, with a circle on every lesson to tick it off. Opening a lesson shows the directions, the tasks to check off, and any files or links you attached, so the student can start without asking what to do. See [Today & Upcoming](https://www.openskyplanner.com/support/today-and-upcoming).

## The parent sets the guardrails

Independence is a set of switches, not a mode. On the student's **Student Portal** tab you choose whether they can move or skip lessons, add their own events, see or enter grades, print, or open **Upcoming** at all. A younger or easily distracted student can be put in **Focus mode only**, which shows one lesson at a time. See [Permissions](https://www.openskyplanner.com/support/permissions).

## Responsibility is handed over gradually

- **Mark Complete** is the default: the student ticks the lesson and it is done.
- **Use Submit for Review workflow** adds a step: the student submits, and you approve the lesson or return it for revision. Turn it on for every course or only some. See [Submit for review](https://www.openskyplanner.com/support/submit-for-review).
- **Discussion** and **Student Submissions** on each lesson let a student ask a question or upload their work without leaving the checklist. See [Comments](https://www.openskyplanner.com/support/comments) and [Submissions](https://www.openskyplanner.com/support/submissions).

As a student proves reliable, you loosen the switches: review off for a course they have mastered, Upcoming on so they can plan their own week.

## Records come from the work

Nothing extra has to be logged. Completing a lesson marks the student present for that day, feeds the gradebook when the course grades lessons, and flows into transcripts and the portfolio. See [Attendance](https://www.openskyplanner.com/support/attendance) and [Gradebook](https://www.openskyplanner.com/support/gradebook).

## Need more help?

Reach out any time at [support@openskyplanner.com](mailto:support@openskyplanner.com) and we will be happy to help.