1. BLACK HILLS ONLINE LEARNING COMMUNITY Connie Godfrey BHOLC Coordinator

2. OUTCOMES Participants will… 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 online learning environment for students.

3. BLACK HILLS ONLINE LEARNING COMMUNITY (BHOLC) BHOLC partners with districts to offer a self- paced, online learning option for SD students. Students remain enrolled in and follow home district guidelines such as graduation requirements and SBAC/DStep testing. South Dakota Content Standard aligned curriculum provided through FuelEducation/k12© and monitored by BHOLC. South Dakota Virtual School (SDVS) approved.

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

5. TEAM MEMBERS

6. LEARNER Engages in five – six hours of learning each day. Has access to customized learning opportunities: Can have courses in more than one grade level. Self-paced…can move ahead or take extra time as needed, within reason. Has access to curriculum anywhere/anytime

7. LEARNING COACH Adult that monitors students daily work (usually parent or guardian) K-8 Learning Coaches are actively involved in daily work. Open password protected assessments. Record attendance. Monitor students’ pace, schedule, and individual needs. High School Learning Coaches oversee student progress and engagement. Receive weekly email updates Communicate with student mentor

8. BHOLC Provides a SD certified teacher for grades K-8 to oversee progress, maintains contact with families, and help with lessons if needed. Provides a high school mentor to monitor student progress, provide exam passwords, and maintain contact with learners/families. Employs SD certified teachers for core courses and many electives. Reports progress to districts: Monthly progress reports for grades K-8 Weekly emails from FuelEd in grades 9-12 Reports final percentage to district. District converts to a grade and transcribes credit.

9. SCHOOL DISTRICT Chooses to participate with BHOLC by signing an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Needed for full time enrollments only Receives application for enrollment from interested families. Decides if student is an acceptable candidate for online learning. Enrolls student in district/school if not already enrolled. Approves BHOLC enrollment and registers student in South Dakota Virtual School (SDVS). Maintains contact with BHOLC throughout student enrollment.

10. K-8 PROGRESS REPORT

11. K12.COM

12. HOW TO ENROLL Registration is open April - August Parents apply at http://www.k12local.com/blackhillshttp://www.k12local.com/blackhills BHOLC will send notification to district Parent brings Learning Agreement to school If district approves enrollment: Email BHOLC the signed Learning Agreement Enter student in SDVS Counselor helps choose high school courses that meet districts’ graduation requirements BHOLC enrolls student Learners have access to courses on first day of school.

13. SOUTH DAKOTA VIRTUAL SCHOOL

14. 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

15. 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" - email, sending attachments, threaded discussions, chat rooms, etc. Adapted from Fairmont State University http://www.fairmontstate.edu/academics/distancelearning/successful_student.asp

16. QUESTIONS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS MAY HAVE…

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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.

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

22. HOW DO I ENROLL? Enrollment window is open from mid-March through August. Enroll online at www.k12local.com/blackhills. You will receive a learning agreement that must be signed by school district administration.www.k12local.com/blackhills

23. Q & A

24. BHOLC VIDEO

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