North Carolina Virtual Public Schools Parent/Guardian Orientation By ELA/Lab Facilitator Alan McNaughton & Jess Milligan
What is NCVPS?
An online distance instructional model. Approved courses taught by highly qualified teachers. Student-centered projects. Collaborative group assignments and discussions through email, instant messaging and online chat forums with teachers and other students. www.ncvps.org
Opportunities for Students
AP or Honors Courses not offered locally Year-long and Block courses Credit Recovery Courses Helps with scheduling conflicts for graduation requirements Summer Term Courses
What courses can I take on NCVPS?
http://www.ncvps.org/index.php/courses/catal ogue/ Students will be enrolled on a limited basis. Other courses will be offered on a case by case basis.
Technology Needed
http://www.ncvps.org/index.php/technology-requirements/
Online or Face-to-Face
? Sorting out the details
Student Work Habits
Online classes are convenient and flexible, but students have to be disciplined enough to make time to participate and study.
Student Learning Style
Online learning is best for those who learn by reading and writing; if you learn better by hearing lectures or viewing teacher presentations, a traditional face-toface class might be a better fit.
Key Qualities
Good time management skills
Independent learner
Self-directed
Excellent reading and writing skills Not afraid of technology Good at setting goals
Prioritize, efficiency and effectiveness
Fail to plan, plan to fail
Have your own space
At school? At home?
Successful Online Students
Log in regularly to their class Plan to ensure enough time to study and complete assignments Enjoy communicating in writing and reading the writing of others "Speak up" to their instructors when problems arise! Call, text, email, etc…. Are self-disciplined, self-motivated and responsible
Successful Online Students
Are active learners who are willing to take responsibility for their own learning Are visual learners able to learn easily from reading and writing Know how to use technology properly
Software, Internet, Electronic mail, File management, etc.
Read and write well Are comfortable addressing problems at a “distance” Must be assertive in order to make their needs known
Successful Online Students
Have good time management skills to plot and follow a schedule for finishing readings and assignments Have solid research skills, including how to effectively use the Internet Have the ability to work well cooperatively Are flexible, adaptable and open-minded
Questions to Consider
Am I comfortable using a computer? Do I enjoy reading and have good reading skills? Am I comfortable communicating in writing and by phone? Am I comfortable with typing? Am I self-motivated and able to work independently?
Questions to Consider Continued…
Am I a procrastinator when it comes to schoolwork and deadlines? Do I mind asking for help when I have a problem or question? Am I comfortable following written directions? Am I resourceful and can work independently? Can I juggle multiple responsibilities at the same time?
Benefits of Online Education
Develop self-motivation Develop organizational skills Develop independence Develop resourcefulness
How do I register? 1.
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Attend a mandatory Parent/Guardian Orientation or a conference with a counselor. Complete the NCVPS registration form. Meet with guidance counselor and turn in NCVPS registration form. The school’s E-Learning Advisor (ELA)/Lab Facilitator will register students on the NCVPS system.
Registration
Students will be registered in the NCVPS system If course seats are available, students will be enrolled. Students may be wait listed-have a back-up plan in mind! Students will be assigned a log-in and password to the NCVPS system when enrolled in a course (must see Lab Facilitator). An online Student Orientation to Blackboard must be completed before starting the course.
Communication
Communication will be essential for success
Please make sure that we have the correct contact information (phone and email) for both student and parent/guardian. Parents: Please make yourself as available as possible to communicate with online instructors. Also, check your students online course regularly.
Hoggard NCVPS Guidelines http://www.nhcs.net/hoggard/ncvps.html
1. First timer users must be on-campus. 2. Cannot take instead of teacher-taught class provided: Class is available on campus Room in the class Fits within students schedule
Hoggard NCVPS Guidelines continued… 3. Eligible for off-campus is: Taken as a 5th credit (applicable to all students) Already successfully completed an NCVPS course (applicable to all students) 2nd semester junior or a senior Medical reason and/or hardships which must be approved by administration (ex. Physical therapy) (applicable to all students) 4. All Credit Recovery must be completed on-campus.
ELA-Mr. McNaughton & Contacts
The ELA will also coordinate all text books, supplemental materials, testing, and grade reporting. If you have questions or concerns please contact me at 350-2072, ext 218 or at
[email protected] Lab Facilitator:
Jessica Milligan ext 364 or
[email protected]
Help Desk contacts:
Instructor: Contact information can be found under Teacher Information NCVPS Student Support Services Center: 1-800-297-3203