FAQ

Is the learning synchronous or asynchronous?

Olympian Learning Connection course providers give students flexible learning options. You can learn at your own pace, complete schoolwork when it is most convenient (mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, around a job or other family obligations). There are not any required times that a student must log into their courses. Secondary students will have access to meet with teachers for on-demand learning sessions, while elementary students schedule one on one teacher meetings and attend small group learning sessions.

How do these courses compare to those in our schools?

While these courses do differ from what we offer in our Jim Thorpe schools, they are designed to support an online learning experience with a quality curriculum aligned to state standards. NCAA accreditation is available in many courses at the high school level.

The way in which OLC courses are organized varies by provider. Generally, there are a set number of assignments to be completed per marking period or semester and it is expected that students complete a certain number of assignments per week to stay on pace. While students have flexibility in how they complete their work during the week, it is important to complete the necessary work each week. Attendance is linked to this pacing (check your handbook for more information about this).

Who are the teachers?

The various course providers use their own PA-certified teachers - they are not employees of Jim Thorpe School District. These teachers are required to respond to student questions within 1 school day (24 hours). Most assignments are graded within 2 school days, but more in-depth assignments are usually graded within 3 days.

The teachers also provide office hours or opportunities for live support.

How are all these courses organized?

The Genius Dashboard is the main hub for keeping track of all your different courses. High school students will potentially take courses from 3-5 different providers depending on the specific courses they want to take. The Genius Dashboard is where you go to access these courses, regardless of the provider, and can get a snapshot of your academic progress.

You will not only have to know how to navigate Genius, but you'll also need to know how to navigate the courses as set up by the different course providers. This is part of why we have an orientation before any student begins OLC.

What role does Jim Thorpe play in this experience?

Our Jim Thorpe administration and staff members will get students up and running and will monitor progress to make sure students are successful. This process starts with us enrolling the students in the appropriate courses. Our district will provide an orientation for students and parents to make sure that everything is ready for a successful experience. This includes making sure the student is comfortable with the technology and dashboard.

Once orientation is over, the student begins the coursework and members of our school will monitor progress. There may be times we will reach out to students and there are ways for students to reach out to our district for support. If you have questions about courses, technology concerns, etc... there are people for you to contact who can help. Visit our contact information page for more information.

Please remember - OLC students are still Jim Thorpe students. You can still participate in school activities such as sports, clubs, band, or the arts.

How do students know if OLC is a good fit for them?

Olympian Learning Connections works very well for some, but it is not appropriate for all of our students. Please reach out to your school counselor to learn more.