Presented by: Tina Chargois

Online learning is becoming more and more prevalent, and offers a host of new opportunities for today’s students.

 Our Virtual School Program (VSP) in combination with the GradPoint online curriculum will meet the needs of a wide range of students that would not otherwise have access to the courses offered through our Virtual School Program.  Courses offered include (but are not limited to):  AP Courses  Honors Courses  Remediation Courses  Core Curriculum Courses  Students in the 6 th -12 th grades who meet the technology requirements and basic prerequisite computer skills will be eligible for enrollment in our VSP.

 Before starting the VSP the student will have to take a pre-assessment to determine their grade level proficiency for the subject in which they are taking the virtual class.  The student would then need to complete some type of survey that would determine their readiness to be successful in an online course such as the Student Online Readiness Tool (SORT).

 Students will need home access to an updated, dependable computer that has:  a reliable DSL, Cable, or Fiber Internet connection  a sound card with speakers and microphone  at least 1024 X 768 resolution  a Java-enabled web browsers  a working printer attached  the Flash plug-in installed  the QuickTime plug-in installed  Windows Media Player or Real Player installed  a DVD-ROM or CD-ROM drive (Schrum, 2001)

 As facilitators of online learning teachers will have to take into account the students’ learning styles.  Students will need to complete the Student Online Readiness Tool (SORT) developed by the University of Georgia to help to determine their online readiness and their learning style (Schrum, 2001).  Learning style results will be used to administer an online program that is best suited for that student. Individualization is the key.

“The process of online tutoring is probably the most important critical success factor in learner acceptance of e-learning” (McPherson & Nunes, 2004, pg. 1).  Teachers of online courses must ensure that all students have experience and a working knowledge of the GradPoint tutoring component of our VSP.

 The GradPoint system also has a technical support component called “My Training Connection” that allows student and teachers to get the help that they may need in dealing with technical difficulties.  To get students help with technology related issues within the parish, teachers can contact Jude Adams or Theresa Hardy at the school board’s Office of Technical Assistance.

“In the asynchronous, self- structured virtual school environment, parental /adult involvement can offer significant benefits to student outcomes. (Black et. al., 2005, pg.38).  Parents be required to sign a VSP contract that ensures parental oversight of student online course participation from home.

Black, E., Ferdig, R. & DePietro, M. (2008). An overview of evaluative instruments for virtual high schools. The American Journal of Distance Education, 22, McPherson, M., & Nunes, M. B. (2004). The role of tutors as an integral part of online learning support. European Journal of Open, Distance and E-learning, Retrieved July 14, 2012 from ie_MsP.html Schrum, L. (2003). Student online readiness tool. Retrieved July 14, 2012, from