Technology is the new global language of our expanded world. As a result, the manner in which education is delivered has radically changed. Students no longer need to sit within the four bricks and mortar walls in a traditional classroom; instead they merely need a computer and an internet connection to access an innovative and robust curriculum that meets the Virginia Standards of Learning that is available 24/7 through innovative online options.
The Graduate School of Education and Human Development at George Mason University, Frederick County Public Schools, Loudoun County Public Schools, and Stafford County Public Schools have joined together to create virtual learning opportunities for high school students. Combining resources, knowledge, and expertise, these school divisions and George Mason University have developed virtual high school courses that reflect robust opportunities for students and meet Virginia’s Standards of Learning through innovative online options.
How It Works
Each student is paired with a mentor, or expert in the content area. Each student's mentor is a highly qualified classroom teacher holding state licensure and expertise in online learning. The mentor serves as a coach or model to the student by prompting and questioning the student, interacting with the student to support learning, and providing feedback on submitted work.
Learning Model
The Online Academy is based on the Community of Practice Learning System (COPLS). The COPLS model recognizes:
• an e-learning system that is responsive to the world of learning in natural, informal contexts
• incorporates learning characteristics evolving in a high technology society
• produces richer and deeper understanding or learning outcomes.
This learning system is designed to situate learning in the problems derived from the context to which the content of learning pertains (real-world learning opportunities) and build bridges between knowledge and action/learning through doing.
|