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How does it work? The Virginia Virtual Academy is a virtual school. Each student is enrolled in a full day program that includes math, science, language arts, history and two elective classes, art and music. The courses are aligned with the Virginia state standards.
Students are able to access course work from any place and at any time of the day or night with an Internet connection. “While attendance, teacher interaction, and daily lessons are conducted online, teachers also use physical materials and offline tools to teach with” (Virginia Virtual Academy, 2012) All students regularly communicate with the Virginia Virtual Academy teachers via email, phone call or an online meeting. “Each Virginia Virtual Academy student receives a box of materials, including a wide array of textbooks, CDs, videos, and other hands-on tools and resources. These materials complement the interactive online elements of the program”. (Virginia Virtual Academy, 2012)
Virginia Virtual Academy provides its students with virtual labs and simulation games for science. Examples of two such labs are: 1) Electronic Motor Virtual Lab, 2) Doppler Effect Virtual Lab. It also provides students with books in all subject areas in multiple formats to make studying easier. The books are found in electronic format and mobile reader optimized format to enable viewing with an electronic reader (I-pad, Kindle, Nook). Virginia Virtual Academy also provides mobile apps for mobile phones in all subject areas to improve students’ access and performance. The Virginia Virtual Academy tries to make the curriculum mobile and accessible for all its students. For social interaction students attend events and activities organized by the school each month. They also engage in discussion forums that are formed and facilitated by the school based on students’ interests. At the Virginia Virtual Academy the parent plays an important role. The parent serves as a “learning coach” for the students. The parent overlooks the work the student is doing at home, makes sure the student completes assignments and turns them in on time and serves as a facilitator for the students. Students have to access the Study Island each day. Parents monitor student’s participation in Study Island. They also turn in student work samples each month and ensure student completes Scranton assessments. They work closely with the teachers to modify the pace and schedule of the course as needed. The teachers guide parents in effective ways to facilitate student’s progress. Monthly outings and school sponsored events allow students, parents and teachers to maintain close contact and work together closely.
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