HRSB & ONLINE LEARNING

What is Online Learning A learning experience or environment that relies upon the Internet or the world wide web as the primary delivery mode of communication and presentation. HRSB is committed to providing interactive, media-rich educational opportunities in a flexible, student-centered learning environment to a diverse population of learners.

The Benefits of Online Learning Online Course Delivery provides an innovative opportunity for students to attain a rigorous high school education over the Internet. The online learning platform enhances student learning through the use of multi-media to augment student learning. Course content and resources allow students to access learning opportunities related to topical areas through the Internet to enhance 21st century learning skills.

Why Online? School Benefits: Expand the breadth of courses and offer more choices to students Fill in the gaps by offering access to hard to schedule courses Provide unique educational opportunities.

Why Online? Student Benefits: Develop 21st century literacy skills Increased Flexibility Self-Directed Learning –Acquire independent learning skills in preparation for post- secondary education and beyond Collaborative Community –Contribute to an innovative learning community Tech Savvy –Gain valuable skills and confidence for accessing the latest technology

In an increasingly competitive global economy, it is not enough for students to acquire subject- level mastery alone. Skills like creativity, problem-solving, communication and analytical thinking are necessary for all levels of success, from entry- level jobs to engineering and technical fields. 21 st Century Skills

Nova Scotia Virtual School (NSVS) NSVS is a joint project of school boards and the Department of Education. NSVS is a common provincial online learning platform (MOODLE) for use in formal high school online courses, online extensions of school- based classes, and support of professional development and online meetings for teachers and other staff of school boards and the DOE.

Chignecto Central Virtual High School (13) Strait Regional School Board (11) Tri-Counties Regional School Board (2) Department of Education (1) Halifax Regional School Board –( 1 pilot being offered in Semester 2, 2008 plus Multimedia 12) Provincial Online Contributors

Courses Being Offered Provincially AccountingArt 10Art 11 African Canadian Studies Chemistry 11Chemistry 12 Geology 12Entrepreneurship 12Law 12 Litterature 12Math 12 AdvCalculus 12 Multimedia 12 (Mac)Oceans 11Sociology 12 Tourism 11Political Science 12Core French

HRSB Online Students (Semester 1) (Semester 2) Small Schools Initiative (Funded by the DOE) - Duncan MacMillan Small Schools Initiative (Funded by the DOE) - Duncan MacMillan Small Schools Initiative (Funded by the DOE) - Duncan MacMillan Calculus via Polycom -Eastern Shore & SJA Digital Art 11 -PA & Musquodoboit -PA & Duncan MacMillan Multimedia 12 -PA & Musquodoboit -PA & Duncan MacMillan Multimedia 12 -PA & Musquodoboit -PA & Duncan MacMillan HRSB Online Pilot -Advanced Math 11 -All HRSB High Schools offered seats

Choice of Advanced Math 11 Consultation with school guidance department Looked at our rural schools offering What other course were not offered provincially? Priority for advanced course development Multimedia 12 - in development

Online Steering Committee Board representation since it’s inception Came up with tender criteria for asynchronous & synchronous platforms Currently developing standards for online course development & delivery –Course Structure, language –Number of days of content –Synchronous component, minimum requirements

Course Structure Introduction /overview of course 2 Day Online Orientation for students Developed by days of content Each day contains different media, text, on computer & off computer activities E-chats, movie clips, links to web resources

Pilot Timeline Sept 07:June 08 (development) Dec 07: Meet with Principals and Guidance Jan 07:2 nd Semester Pilot Registration Feb 07:Beginning of online course Sept 08:Provincial offering Advanced Math 11 & MM12, facilitated by HRSB Teachers

Are you an Online Learner Survey for students –Independent learners who is organized –Manage time well and motivated –Disciplined and ask for helped when needed –Comfortable with technology

School Considerations Books & equipment for schools –Laptops and software, calculator, web cam, headsets, scanner, printer School supervision Location of online learning environment –Should be housed in 1 secure location in the school Maximum of 1 online course/semester