The Reality of Virtual High School

CURRENT TRENDS IN ONLINE LEARNING Online learning is the fastest growing segment of education today (in 2013 over 1.8 million K-12 students were utilizing online learning 74% were high school students). In 2013 there were more than 310,000 full-time, online high school students. www.inacol.org (Fast Facts)

WHO ARE THE STUDENTS ONLINE? Performers Elite Athletes Home School Students Students Traveling with their Family Students with Health Concerns Students with Families in Transition

Advantages of Online Learning Students are responsible for their own learning It can reveal gaps in learning and allows students to make up deficiencies The student has slightly more control over pace It is not dependent on or limited to the knowledge and abilities of variable school parameters (such as course availability, teacher availability, course consistency, etc.)

Students learn to self-advocate Students learn to manage their time and set an appropriate pace for completion and submission of assignments Students can work at the times and in the environment that best suits their learning styles It allows the student to be able to dedicate significant time to their passions outside the classroom Their time can be focused and productive

Separating the wheat from the chaff What does a quality online program look like? Separating the wheat from the chaff

Curriculum

Accreditation Courses should be approved or certified by an outside governing agency or agencies

Standards Courses should be written to specific standards Quality Matters (QM) iNACOL UC NCAA WASC/SAIS/CAIS AP College Board Common Core Oaks Christian Alignment National and Content Specific Standards Oaks Christian Standards

Community of Inquiry Model

Varied and Meaningful Learning Opportunities Assignments- written, video, audio, group, projects Discussions Opportunities to practice Synchronous sessions Multiple and varied assessments Academic integrity Proctored final exams

Content Experts Who writes the courses? Christian Content expert Teaching experience Online experience Advanced degree Contractual obligations Fingerprints, drug testing Ability to meet deadlines Superb writing skills

Design Process

online student support

Supporting students online

Supporting online students Advisor Role Detective Mentor Liaison Encourager Advocate

Supporting online students

Supporting online students

SUPPORTING ONLINE STUDENTS How frequently do we monitor? All students Newly full-time students Full-time Students Academically Weak Students Weekly Reports

Supporting online students