WPHS Online Learning

What is Online Learning?

The Online Learning Academy challenges and empowers students to become active learners through a combination of face-to-face and online instruction. During online learning courses, students will experience a reduction in the amount of time spent in a traditional classroom setting, while continuing to learn through active, independent learning facilitated by the teacher. This format allows students more flexibility and control over when they choose to learn. In addition, the online learning structure exposes students to the online learning environments they are likely to experience in college as well as the workplace.

Students have a variety of learning modalities that best fit them. Sometimes these modalities change with particular subjects. WPHS seeks to meet and create successful, individualized pathways for navigating credit accrual on the way to graduation. Some students will choose to take coursework and gain credits through ONLINE COURSES while attending WPHS. Students best served through a online learning format are students who are self starters, possess time management skills, advocate for themselves, and feel comfortable communicating through the use of technology. A variety of courses will be available to students and included in their customized learning plan.

We use EDGENUITY as our online-partner for curriculum delivery. Through exhaustive research and detailed analysis, we are confident the online curriculum experience provided through EDGENUITY is equally rigorous and provides a standard-for-standard equivalent to our teacher-led classroom courses.

However, students should be aware that taking an online class comes with its own uniqueness and requires a particular skill-set for success. Among the expectations that students should be prepared for are those listed below. Students who take courses through EDGENUITY agree to complete the EDGENUITY requirements for passing the course. These requirements can be found in the syllabus for each course.

Computer Literacy

You need to have a basic knowledge of computer and Internet skills in order to be successful in an online course. Here are some of the highlights:

• • Knowledge of terminology, such as browser, IMHO, application, etc.

    • Understanding of basic computer hardware and software; ability to perform computer operations, such as:

    • Using keyboard and mouse

    • Managing files and folders: save, name, copy, move, backup, rename, delete, check properties

    • Software installation, security and virus protection

    • Using software applications, such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, email clients

    • Knowledge of copying and pasting, spell-checking, saving files in different formats

    • Sending and downloading attachments

    • Google Suite Elements

• Internet skills (connecting, accessing, using browsers) and ability to perform online research using various search engines and library databases.

• Ability to use online communication tools, such as email (create, send, receive, reply, print, send/receive attachments), discussion boards (read, search, post, reply, follow threads), chats, and messengers.

Strong reading and writing skills

You need to have strong reading skills and be able to communicate effectively through writing. Most of the material in the online environment will come from text within the EDGENUITY platform and written lectures, therefore strong reading and critical thinking skills are very important for success in an online course. Online students communicate through such text-based tools, such as emails, discussion forums, chats and instant messaging. You need to feel comfortable expressing yourself in writing.

Self-motivated and independent learner

While online courses can offer more flexibility in scheduling, they require more self-discipline and independence than on-campus courses. Some students can find this uncomfortable and not suitable for their learning style. They may miss face-to-face interaction with an instructor and peers, which helps to keep them on track. In the online environment, you have to be able to start and to work on tasks on your own, without someone keeping you focused, and you have to be self-disciplined in order to follow the class schedule and meet deadlines. Online students are not supported by in-person instruction. WPHS personnel will monitor progress, troubleshoot, and clarify -but will not be present for or expected to provide instruction in the curriculum being studied online.

Time commitment

Online classes take as much time as regular on-campus classes. You need to set aside sufficient time for study. Plan to spend at least as much time working on the assignments and studying as you would with a traditional course. Note that some students report spending even more time for online classes than for traditional ones. Time that you need to devote to a full credit course will be approximately 6-8 hours a week, per class.

Time management: log-in frequently and develop study schedules

You must follow the course schedule provided by the online course. Remember that online classes are not independent study courses; you are still required to "show up" and participate actively. You demonstrate this through consistent activity, progress and achievement within the platform. Remember, someone is always monitoring whether or not you’re working.

Since online courses are asynchronous, they will continue developing and changing even if you are not online. You need to be online frequently enough and log in at least three to four times per week in order to keep up with the content flow, complete assignments, follow discussions, communicate with your classmates and course monitors. Some courses may even require you to log in every day.

Never wait until the last minute to complete your assignments. You may have a technical problem or run out of time which will cause frustration. One of the major reasons for failing online classes is procrastination, since it is very easy to fall behind in the online environment. Make sure to set aside specific time on a regular basis to participate in your course. Schedule specific times to log in and to study.

Active learner

Online students must be active learners, self-starters who are not shy or afraid to ask questions when they do not understand. Remember that you, not the course monitor, must be in control of your learning process.

Since your course monitor cannot see you while on-line, you need to "speak up" right away if you have problems and be as explicit as possible; otherwise there is no way others will know that something is wrong.

If you have technical difficulties, problems understanding course content or difficulty meeting the deadline, seek help right away and contact your course monitor. Follow the course monitor's suggestions for improvement.

Are you ready to take the next step and apply?

Click the link below to access the application. Contact Mrs. Becker (cbecker@wpsdk12.org) or Mrs. Roberts (droberts@wpsdk12.org) with any questions.