BLACK HILLS ONLINE LEARNING COMMUNITY By Connie Godfrey, BHOLC Coordinator

OUTCOMES Gain an understanding of Black Hills Online Learning Community Recognize characteristics of successful online learners Learn how teamwork between students, teachers, districts, and families can create an effective learning environment for students

BLACK HILLS ONLINE LEARNING COMMUNITY (BHOLC) BHOLC allows participating districts to offer a self-paced, online learning option for their students Students remain enrolled in and follow home district graduation requirements CCSS aligned curriculum provided through FuelEducation and monitored by BHOLC

ENROLLMENT OPTIONS Full time Part time Single courses Credit Recovery Foreign Language Extensive list of elective courses

LEARNING COACH Students in grades K-8 are closely monitored by learning coach (usually a parent or guardian) Learning Coach: Oversees daily work Records attendance Monitors students’ pace, schedule, and individual needs

STUDENT Engaged in five – six hours of learning each day Customized learning opportunities Students can have courses in more than one grade level Self-paced…can move ahead or take extra time Has access to curriculum anywhere/anytime

BHOLC Grades K-8 have a BHOLC SD certified teacher that oversees progress, maintains contact with families, and helps with lessons if needed Grades 9-12 are monitored by a BHOLC mentor (SD certified teacher) Core courses in grades 9-12 are taught by SD certified teachers Progress is reported to districts Monthly progress reports for grades K-8 Weekly s from Peak in grades 9-12 Final percentage is reported to district. District converts to a grade and transcribes credit.

K-8 PROGRESS REPORT

K12.COM

HOW TO ENROLL Registration is open mid-March - August Parents apply at BHOLC will send notification to district Parent brings Learning Agreement to school If district approves enrollment: BHOLC the signed Learning Agreement Enter student in SDVS Counselor helps student choose high school courses that meet districts’ graduation requirements BHOLC enrolls student

SOUTH DAKOTA VIRTUAL SCHOOL

CHARACTERISTICS OF A SUCCESSFUL ONLINE LEARNER Self-motivated and self-disciplined -able to work independently with little direction Has adult supervision, encouragement, involvement Has good time-management –able to commit to five hours/day on schoolwork—isn’t a procrastinator Can adequately prepare and study for exams Can effectively communicate any questions or concerns to instructor Comfortable expressing self in writing using grammatically correct, written statements and/or essays

CHARACTERISTICS CONTINUED… Able to persevere, even when confronted with obstacles Understand that online courses can be more challenging than face-to-face classes Has basic computer skills and can use word processing software, download software, install software, use a web browser, etc. Has access to a computer that is connected to the Internet and has a backup plan if needed Comfortable in a "virtual environment" - , sending attachments, threaded discussions, chat rooms, etc. Adapted from Fairmont State University

QUESTIONS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS MAY HAVE…

WHAT SUPPORT WILL I RECEIVE FROM MY HIGH SCHOOL? Counselors help you choose courses to meet your graduation requirements; an onsite school mentor will receive progress reports and work with you to resolve any class concerns.

WHAT SUPPORT WILL I RECEIVE FROM MY INSTRUCTOR? Your instructor is available on a weekday basis to facilitate your learning. A BHOLC mentor also monitors your progress.

HOW MUCH TIME WILL I NEED TO SPEND IN ORDER TO SUCCEED IN THE COURSES? In order to be successful in an online course, you need to put in as much effort and time as you would in a face-to-face class. You need to work through the course materials, view videos, participate in discussions, and complete the assigned homework projects.

WHO PAYS THE COST OF ENROLLMENT/TUITION? Partnerships with SD public schools fund full time enrollments. In most instances, students will be responsible for the course materials.

WHAT ARE THE TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS? High speed internet access is required. Adobe Flash Player Java Runtime Environment

HOW DO I ENROLL? Enrollment window is open from mid-March through August. Enroll online at You will receive a learning agreement that must be signed by school district administration.

Q & A

BHOLC VIDEO

HELPFUL LINKS BHOLC Website K12.com Sample Lessons (K-8)