Virtual Academy
By LEE HENDREN
T&D Staff Writer

Imagine taking high school courses at any time, anywhere and at your own pace.

High school and adult education students are now getting that opportunity through the OCEBA Virtual Academy, says Donna Elmore, associate vice president at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College.

The college is launching the initiative with the assistance of the State Department of Education and in cooperation with the school districts in Orangeburg and Calhoun counties, she said.

Thanks to the Internet, "virtual schools" have begun to flourish in places across the country.

One of the oldest and largest is the Florida Virtual High School. The local initiative is using its curriculum, modified by South Carolina teacher specialists to better align it with the state's academic standards.

The online resources are compatible with those already in use in the local school districts, Elmore said.

"The students can be anywhere" they have a computer and access to the Internet, Elmore said. Provisions are made for students who do not have those amenities at home.

Each participating high school has scheduled blocks of time for access to computer labs. During those time periods, a site coordinator is available to answer questions related to use of the technology.

Virtual academy students also can get free computer access at OCtech or at a public library.

Students work at their own pace, although pacing charts are provided to them for guidance. Students must be willing and able to commit four to 15 hours per week, per course.

"Online is not easier than the traditional educational process. In fact, many students will say it requires much more time and commitment," a virtual academy handout advises.

"The requirements for online courses are no less than that of any other quality educational program. The successful student will view online as a convenient way to receive their education -- not an easier way."

All of the instructors have received special training in Web-based teaching and each has a mentor at Florida Virtual High.

Each instructor is required to contact each student via e-mail or phone at least once a week. During these contacts, the instructors ask questions designed to determine the student's progress.

Testing is conducted "in a secure environment" to ensure that the student has indeed mastered the material, Elmore emphasized.

Although many students flourish in an online environment, virtual education is not for everyone, Elmore said. It requires more personal responsibility and accountability.

In fact, students are required to sign an agreement/contract that they will check their e-mail daily, take note of the pacing calendar and complete assignments by the date determined by the instructor.

When course work is five days overdue, students will be contacted. If it's 10 days overdue, parents will be contacted. After 15 days, students will be administratively dropped from the course.

Parents are asked to check their children's online grade book at least once a week, read teachers' comments and provide a positive learning environment for their children.

The state is offering Algebra II and English II free of charge for initial high school credit.

"This is for the student who wants to get ahead or has moved here (from another state) and there's some (course) they've missed," Elmore said.

OCtech is offering English IV, Algebra I, Economics and American Government. Other school districts across the state are offering Geometry, English I, English III, Physical Education I, U.S. History, Health, Pre-Calculus, Biology I, Physics, Chemistry I, World Civilizations, Anthropology, Study Skills, Introduction to Psychology, World Geography, Web Design I and Global Studies.

Enrollment is open to all students -- public school, independent school and home-schooled alike -- across South Carolina.

Elmore urged prospective students to sign up as soon as possible to ensure the availability of their preferred course and to allow for processing of paperwork. Registration will close July 10.

For information, parents can call a guidance counselor at the public high school in their child's attendance zone or one of the following people:

* Orangeburg Consolidated 5: Hazel Rickenbaker, 803-533-6378 or har31@orangeburg5.k12.sc.us. (Alternate contacts: Melissa Amaker at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High, 803-534-6180, or Donyale Mosley or Tara Toland at North High, 803-247-2541.)

* Orangeburg Consolidated 4: Shirl Ann Jenkins, 803-534-8081 or jenkinss@orangeburg4.com. (Alternate contacts: Merriell Smith or Martha Fogle at Edisto High, 803-536-1553.)

* Orangeburg Consolidated 3: Betty Garrison at 803-496-3288 or garrisonb@obg3.k12.sc.us. (Alternate contacts: Jackie Walker or Jane Singh at Lake Marion, 803-854-9213.)

* Calhoun County: Lynn Dukes, 803-655-5317 or ldukes@ccps.calhoun.k12.sc.us. (Alternate contacts: Sheridan Hamilton or Lavetra Sullivan at Calhoun High, 803-874-3071.)

Parents who reside outside Orangeburg and Calhoun counties should refer to the Orangeburg Consolidated 4 contacts listed above.

Lora Fogle is coordinator of the OCEBA Virtual Academy. Leah Jones is the administrative assistant. They can provide information, but are not directly involved in registration. They can be reached at 803-535-1376 or 803-535-1261.

On the Web: http://blackboard.myscschools.com.

T&D Staff Writer Lee Hendren can be reached by e-mail at lhendren@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5552. Discuss this and other stories on-line at TheTandD.com.