IS E-LEARNING FOR ME?

Online courses, also commonly known as virtual school courses, can provide students with many benefits beyond the opportunities that they have at their traditional school. Virtual schools can offer students courses that they may not otherwise have access to at their traditional school. They offer the student the flexibility of choice of when and where they access their courses. For many students the online learning environment may better meet their learning style and preference.

While online courses have proven to be successful for students with a variety of academic backgrounds and needs, it is important to recognize that just as a traditional classroom setting may not be the best fit for all students in all courses, it is also true that online courses may not be for all students.

Below are some factors to consider when considering enrolling in an online course.

When is it in the best interest of a student to consider online courses, in addition to taking courses at their local high school?

• Resolve scheduling conflicts at school or meet the needs of different schedule configurations.
• Allows student flexibility in use of time to meet other school / family / work commitments.
• NCVPS may offer courses not available at the student's home school.
• Student needs to make up a credit.
• Online may be a better-suited learning environment.
• Student desires the experience of taking a distance education course.
• Provides opportunity for student to complete course(s) at an accelerated pace.
• Provides extended time to complete coursework for those students that need additional time.
• To meet the needs of a transferring student.
• Students who have medical conditions that may not allow them to be present for a full day.

When is it perhaps not in the best interest of a student to enroll in online courses?

• Student does not meet the profile of a successful online student (see list below).
• Student will not have reliable access to the appropriate computer hardware.
• If taking an online course is not the student's choice. Students should desire to take course(s) online rather than having significant adults choosing the online course for the students.

Students who may be considering an online course should take time to examine their personal skills and aptitudes for taking a class online. The following attributes will greatly contribute to a student's success:

Self-motivation
Students can direct their own learning environment and methods to fulfill course requirements and achieve individual academic success.

Independent learner
The online environment enables students to learn at their own pace, relieving the stress of feeling rushed or pressured and providing enjoyment in the learning process.

Computer literate
Although it is not necessary to have advanced computer skills, students should possess a working knowledge of electronic e-mail, the Internet, as well as basic keyboarding skills.

Time management
Students must be able to organize and plan their own best "time to learn." There is no one best time for everyone, but the key to learning is to make the time to learn.

Effective written communication skills
Students must use electronic e-mail and discussion forums to communicate with their peers as well as the instructors. The ability to write clearly to communicate ideas and assignments is essential. This method provides the learner with rapid feedback as well as a means to inform instructors of any concerns or problems that they may be experiencing.

Personal commitment
Because there are no bells that begin and end classes, students must have a strong desire to learn and achieve knowledge and skills via online courses. Making a commitment to learn in this manner is a very personal decision and requires a strong commitment to perform in order to achieve academic success.