ENSURING SUCCESS FOR ONLINE STUDENTS

• Seats in AP vendor courses free of charge• Text books, work books and AP review

books• AP® exam fees for registered students• Dell Latitude tablets to students• Portable wireless classrooms (laptops,

laptop cart, wifi access point and printer)• Training for facilitators and stipends• AP Course development• Professional development – guidance

counselor conference

VAP Deliverables

• Increased course opportunities

• Flexibility of time and space

• Students work at their own pace

Advantages of Online Learning

• Online learning is for everyone• Traditional courses can be copied to

online learning• Online learning is quick and easy• Online teaching and learning promotes

isolation, lack of community

• Online learning will make the teacher obsolete

Online Learning Myths

• Discussions and assignments are reading and writing intensive

• Time management• Technical problems• Lack of confidence with technology skills• Self motivation- taking initiative

Challenges of Successful Online Learning

• Good time-management skills

• Self-motivated

• Ability and willingness to learn independently

• Strong reading and writing skills

• Effective communication skills

• Basic technical skills

Characteristics of Successful Online Learners

Is online learning for me?

1. Develop a time-management strategy.Set a schedule for study time and devote

time daily to the course.

2. Make the most of online discussions.Participating in threaded discussions lets

you benefit from interaction with classmates and helps you to make new friends.

3. Use it or lose it. Take notes and make connections to your

previous knowledge and experience.

4. Make questions useful to your learning.In an online setting, you and your

classmates can take the time to craft quality questions and responses.

5. Stay motivatedKeep your eye on the prize. Develop a self-

motivation plan.

Tips for Developing Online Learning Skills

STUDENT

DISTRICT FACILITATOR AND GUIDANCE

COUNSELOR

DISTRICT PRINCIPAL AND/OR BOCES EVALUATOR

ONLINE TEACHER AND PARENTS

Circles of Support

Online Teacher Responsibilities Include:

• Up-to-date announcements

• On-going and consistent communication

• Individualized Feedback

• Quality interactions in the forums

• Well organized syllabus and gradebook

• Supporting the shift to an

online learning environment

• Monitoring student academic progress

• Proctoring and supervising exams

• Intervening with students as necessary

District Facilitator/Mentor Responsibilities Include:

Teacher has

concern about

student

Teacher contacts facilitator

Facilitator addresses issue with

the student

Facilitator reports

outcome to teacher

Student Support System

• Time scheduled for course work during the student day (i.e., study hall, library period, zero period)

• Create a quiet, peaceful environment with minimal distractions

• Consider the number of students that your district can successfully accommodate based upon available space, equipment and support

Scheduling and Space Considerations

• Nassau BOCES will pay for up to 20 students to participate in a virtual AP course, vendor driven course or blended course

• Nassau BOCES will provide textbooks, workbooks and exam review books

• School district will provide a facilitator/mentor with any associated stipend to support students

2014-2015 School YearThe VAP Grant Continues

Questions?

Debbie KennedyWestern Suffolk BOCES Divisional Administrator Curriculum & Instruction

dkennedy@wsboces.org 631 595-6813