BLACK HILLS ONLINE LEARNING COMMUNITY

By Connie Godfrey, BHOLC Coordinator

OUTCOMES 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 learning environment for students

BLACK HILLS ONLINE LEARNING COMMUNITY (BHOLC)

BHOLC allows participating districts to offer a self-paced, online learning option for their studentsStudents remain enrolled in and follow home district graduation requirementsCCSS aligned curriculum provided through FuelEducation and monitored by BHOLC

ENROLLMENT OPTIONSFull timePart timeSingle courses

Credit RecoveryForeign LanguageExtensive list of elective courses

LEARNING COACHStudents in grades K-8 are closely monitored by learning coach (usually a parent or guardian)Learning Coach:

Oversees daily work Records attendanceMonitors students’ pace, schedule, and individual needs

STUDENTEngaged in five – six hours of learning each dayCustomized learning opportunities

Students can have courses in more than one grade levelSelf-paced…can move ahead or take extra time

Has access to curriculum anywhere/anytime

BHOLCGrades K-8 have a BHOLC SD certified teacher that oversees progress, maintains contact with families, and helps with lessons if neededGrades 9-12 are monitored by a BHOLC mentor (SD certified teacher)Core courses in grades 9-12 are taught by SD certified teachersProgress is reported to districts

Monthly progress reports for grades K-8Weekly emails from Peak in grades 9-12

Final percentage is reported to district. District converts to a grade and transcribes credit.

K-8 PROGRESS REPORT

K12.COM

HOW TO ENROLLRegistration is open mid-March - AugustParents apply at http://www.k12local.com/blackhillsBHOLC will send notification to districtParent brings Learning Agreement to school If district approves enrollment:

Email BHOLC the signed Learning AgreementEnter student in SDVSCounselor helps student choose high school courses that meet districts’ graduation requirements

BHOLC enrolls student

SOUTH DAKOTA VIRTUAL SCHOOL

CHARACTERISTICS OF A SUCCESSFUL ONLINE LEARNER

Self-motivated and self-disciplined -able to work independently with little direction Has adult supervision, encouragement, involvementHas good time-management –able to commit to five hours/day on schoolwork—isn’t a procrastinatorCan adequately prepare and study for examsCan effectively communicate any questions or concerns to instructorComfortable expressing self in writing using grammatically correct, written statements and/or essays

CHARACTERISTICS CONTINUED…Able to persevere, even when confronted with obstaclesUnderstand that online courses can be more challenging than face-to-face classesHas 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

QUESTIONS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS MAY HAVE…

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.

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.

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.

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.

WHAT ARE THE TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS?

High speed internet access is required.Adobe Flash PlayerJava Runtime Environment

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.

Q & A

BHOLC VIDEO

HELPFUL LINKSBHOLC WebsiteK12.com Sample Lessons (K-8)