VLI / ODL Information

Students are expected to attend each class.  The recordings are only meant as a resource for those who are absent every once in a while due to a schedule conflict that day.  Note that every once in a while is once or twice a semester. Students should always contact their course teachers and supervising teachers (STs) for special circumstances.  

Important Links

Buzz Info

Horizon tracks the coursework of VLI/ODL students in  our Learning Management System (LMS) Buzz.  The Buzz LMS stores all course content, assignments an grades.  Once a course is complete the final grade is submitted into the SIS and is included in the individual student’s records and transcripts. The final grade also appears on the student's semester Report Card. 

Parents and students can login using their personal credentials to access grades, reports and and assignments.  They can also communicate with teachers and staff through this portal.

VLI FAQs

Some answers to common questions about learning online at Horizon...

Are assignments given daily?

Yes, generally, week by week, so a student has a “to-do’ list updated each week with new assignments.

Do the daily assignments come up on the screen so they can write them down?

Yes, they can copy/paste, or write a list – Buzz (where assignments are posted and work collected) has a built-in calendar too.

Does it feel like they are with others or is it one on one?

A bit of both, all our VLI classes meet each online and students often do interactive activities together during class (eg presentations, question/response/small group work). All the VLI teachers also have office hours and hold one-on-one tutorials if requested by the student. Also, all the AG science courses have mandatory wet labs (6 per semester) where students come together to do group work.

Is it live instruction?

Yes, and all classes are recorded and posted for students to re-watch or watch if they missed class for some reason.

How do you ask questions if you don’t understand something?

The online classes have chat windows and many teachers allow students to use microphones and video to ask questions. Students can raise their hand and ask just like they do in a classroom with 4 walls. Also, all teacher use email to communicate with students as needed and students can request a one-on-one tutorial if needed.

Does the virtual instructor keep in contact with the parent – such as sending them emails with assignments or following up on things?

Parents can register with Buzz to create an “Observer” account and then they can log in and see all their student’s assignments, grades, progress and communication with the teacher. Parents can also subscribe to automatic email updates with any changes or grades that reported for the student. When the teachers send out notifications to students, the Observers are always CCd to receive the note as well.

Are there virtual classes for all required curriculum?

We offer virtual classes for all our core subject areas and Spanish – these are required for students who are pursuing AG courses for UC or Cal State colleges. For other students, these courses are optional to register in. (the full list of courses is posted on the Hub on the high school page under VLI – Schedule and Information.

Independent study program or "virtual”……?

Yes, we are an IS program who offers virtual courses for our students if desired. Currently, all High School courses are available and ELA 8 and Math 8 – we do have online curriculum options available for younger students K-8, with video (not live) lectures/tutorials and ST support.

Audio/Visual Resources

Audio


Visual

Who To Contact

The following is a general list of people you can contact if you need help with registration, coursework and technical problems.

INSTRUCTOR: Contact information for your teacher can be found under Course Info in your course.  Your instructor can help with the following:         

Horizon HELP DESK: the Help Desk can help with the following:

Contact Info:

HS SCHOOL PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR: The Program Administrator will help you register, distribute / collect required hardcopy resources and materials for VLI courses, and provide general support at the school level.

ADMIN SUPPORT: Support staff can help with enrollment, registration, and student-related concerns. 

IT Support

Occasionally you may have to use the IT support process - here's how it works: 

Once a ticket is issued it is prioritized and assigned to the IT staff. Once we attempt to contact  you (either voice mail or via e mail) the ticket remains open for five (5) business days (including the day we attempted contact) then it is automatically closed and you will have to resubmit.

Please do not make first contact by calling or emailing IT staff  - this may delay the handling of your problem - do return a call to IT staff as soon as possible.

Thanks for your help.

IT Info Page

Technology Requirements

Computer with Internet Capability:  Students are expected to supply their own personal computer, or acquire one with help from their Supervising Teacher.  High speed internet capability is required to access the lectures.   In some instances, a local learning center may provide access to a computer.  They can be utilized during regular school hours.

Headsets:  Students will need to have access to a computer that allows the use of headsets (microphone and headphones) or a computer with these built-in capacities (as most laptops have). There are many inexpensive devices available wherever computers are sold and stores such as Radio Shack, Wal-Mart, Office Depot, Target or Costco. The $5 to $20 devices are certainly adequate.  Supervising Teachers can assist students to purchase a headset form Office Depot using Instructional Funds.

Adobe Connect Meeting Application:  Horizon courses utilize a synchronous tool called Adobe Connect to hold live virtual class meetings. Students will need a headset and a microphone to be able to participate in these live meetings. Participants who have never attended a live virtual class session using Connect before will need to go through the Adobe Connect Connection Test, and configure the Connect Meeting application on their computer.

Adobe Connect uses Flash to run the meeting room, to make sure you have an updated version of Flash Player on your computer, to check your connection speed and other requirements use the Adobe Connect Connection Test.

Go through the Adobe Connect Connection Test:

Then on the right-hand side, click on Downloads to find the links to download the Adobe Connect Add-In installer for your operating system.

Or use these links to download the Adobe Connect Add-In installer for your OS:

Software Requirements:  To ensure that your computer is properly configured to run Connect, please check the system requirements on the Adobe website: http://www.adobe.com/products/adobeconnect/tech-specs.html

Other tools and resources may be utilized by the individual course. Additional hardware and software requirements will be posted in the Course Info section of a student's course.