Virtual Classrooms-Tomorrow's Education Today A low-risk, high gain approach to teaching in the 21st century

What is a Virtual Classroom? A virtual classroom is a web-based learning environment that promotes self-structured education. Learners are able to take a course that may otherwise not be offered at their convenience. Virtual classrooms tend to offer more freedom to learners and teachers alike. With certain exceptions, there are no time restrictions when participating in a virtual classroom setting.

Benefits for Students Students will have a chance to take classes that otherwise would not have been offered due to budget cuts and time constraints. These classes will be geared toward college preparation allowing the student to practice for college courses. Students who may be short credits for graduation may be able to make them up online regardless of class schedule.

Students cont… Students will gain a better knowledge of technology and its various uses to better prepare them for life in the business world. Those students who do not feel challenged by currently offered courses can elect to take more difficult classes that may not have been offered due to poor enrollment.

Benefits for Teachers Teachers can have the option to offer different classes they feel students could benefit from but were not an option due to time constraints. Teachers may suggest online courses for students who disrupt normal classes because they are not challenged and finish their work early.

Teachers cont… Program has the potential to create online classes that may better serve non- traditional learners and help teachers connect better. Teachers could have a better creative outlet through the internet courses than through traditional textbooks alone.

Benefits for the Community Slight tax relief over time because the schools may alleviate some of their budget shortfalls by offering extra classes online. Program has the potential to expand over time to offer classes beyond the student body; to the community itself.

Community cont… Parents worried about their child’s transition to college can have a tool to better prepare their child. Parents and community members can observe a child’s class without becoming intrusive on a traditional classroom setting.

Benefits for the School District School districts can overcome budget shortfalls and time cuts by offering classes online. School districts can better meet the needs of a wider range of students through internet learning.

School District cont… School districts can meet state standards through creative online learning easily. School districts can stretch teaching staff further by offering courses online. A teacher does not actually have to be in a specific classroom during the online courses.

COSTS

Hardware Basic hardware should be available in the school system and an internet connection is mandatory Lab computers are available if the student does not have a home computer. We will provide web cams and microphones. Web cams are $50, and microphones will be purchased for $19.99 External 80 GB hard drives for the teachers’ computer will be purchased from a local computer retail store for $270

Software Dreamweaver MX 2004 Educational version runs about $399 for one license Can be shared through a school network on numerous computers Teacher will create their own gradebook with Microsoft Excel, which is already provided on school computers

Computer Facilities Learners will be able to access the virtual classroom anywhere they have access to the internet. Basic computer labs will be available and provide what is needed to view teachers’ web pages, audio & video components, and links.

Storage Storage is already provided by the school itself, in the form of a computer lab or just simply the teachers’ desk

Maintenance Information will be backed-up on an external hard drive. Every school involved will have an AV/Tech consultant available throughout the school day to help with troubleshooting, answer questions, or solve problems that may arise. All hardware should have current warranties through the manufacturers in case hardware is damaged. Software providers have support staff who can help answer questions via or over the phone.

Admin/Coordination The online classes will be coordinated by the 3 original teachers who were trained in virtual classroom production.

Training for faculty A 3 day, 4 hour training class will be held for the teachers with instruction by a certified technology advisor at a cost of $200 per day.

Curriculum Teachers’ manuals will be provided for each online class as they would be for a traditional classroom for a small fee of $60.

Insurance Back up hard drive Warranties Theft Insurance premiums are based on the number of computers a school has, the number of students taking the class, and based on how well things go in the first year, there is a cut in interest rates.

IMPLEMENTATION AND TIMETABLE

Purchase/Distribution Procedures Teachers will receive the software immediately by downloading the software from an we will send out to their computers at the school. All hardware and software will be delivered by Fed Ex within a week of purchase. All software and hardware should be fully operational no less than a week before the training sessions.

Parent/Student agreement forms Students will be given a consent form that must be signed by their parent or guardian before they can participate in the online class. The students must also sign a form recognizing that they understand the rules of an online class

Issues (repairs, breakage, loss) Repairs, breakage or loss of hardware is covered by our insurance policy

Timetable on span of use First Year-Three teacher’s will be trained and provide three different subject area’s online. Second Year-Five more teacher’s will be added and available classes will be expanded from original three to total eight different classes. Third Year-Open training to all interested teachers to provide many different classes online. Fourth Year-Possible expansion to community courses and summer classes.

Summer Use The virtual classroom will not have a summer program in it’s initial stages, but will plan on expanding to a summer program after determining the program’s success. Teachers may use this period to build their websites, become more familiar with the equipment, and raise awareness about the program.

School Mission Our school’s mission is to prepare tomorrow's future, today by providing our students with the most advanced education available. Our school is also committed to preparing our students for higher education by presenting more challenging material.

World Studies Online Classroom Click here to view mock online classroom.

Link to egradebook

QUESTIONS Open question forum

Resources