Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual Learning

What Is Virtual Learning?
To help explain what virtual learning is, it often helps to identify what virtual learning is not. Virtual learning is not correspondence learning which tends to be a learner isolated lonely world. Rather, virtual learning is a relatively new method of delivering web-based curriculum 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Virtual learning fosters a communication process between teacher and student and student to fellow student as curriculum is taught and learned within a learning community. In fact, the socialization in a virtual class often allows teachers and students to get to know one another better than in face-to-face settings where no one stutters, is overweight, or judged by the clothes they wear. Students attend can school without barriers.

The technology we use in our virtual classes assist, but never replace the human relationship that ocurrs in a classroom. Our virtual classrooms are places where learning ocurrs any time and any place, is web-supported and web-based. Depending on the course, our classes are synchronously supported by real time communication software such as Elluminate, MSN, and Skype, or asynchronously supported by discussion boards, and email. In short, virtual learning gives students additional choices which best prepare them for this changing world.

Is Virtual Learning Right For You?
Virtual learning is not for everyone. Virtual classes require the same amount of work as traditional classes and meet the same course objectives. Some students may actually spend additional time working on a courses taken online because of the amount of reading required to complete assignments. Additionally, it frequently takes more self-discipline and dedication to succeed in an online learning environment due to the absence of face-to-face interaction and mandatory physical attendance associated with classroom-based courses. Virtual learning also requires students to possess strong reading and well-developed writing skills. Just like a traditional class, you have to be on top of your studies. You still have to read the textbook and/or other class reading materials; you still have to follow a syllabus, hand in writing assignments on time, and do well on any quizzes or exams you may need to take. In short, virtual learning requires different attitudes, self-motivation, ability to set goals, a degree of experimentation/risk-taking, and time management skills. If you possess these skills, you will do well in a virtual class.

Students Typically Suited To Virtual Learning

• They are self-motivated to learn and succeed.
• They are conscientious as the virtual environment put additional responsibility for learning on the shoulders of the student.
• They are happy not dominating class time. A virtual classroom is more democratic than a traditional classroom. The student who dominates a class from the front row is less happy here.
• They are students who enjoy learning, who like to figure things out, and who enjoy independence and reading.
• They need not be a star student. Someone who learns at a slower-than-average pace can also succeed in virtual classes.
• They are students who need scheduling flexibility so they can complete their work at times convenient for them.

Students Typically Not Suited To Virtual Learning

• The student who doesn't like school for reasons that have to do with learning.
• The student who procrastinates will have difficulty meeting deadlines.
• The student who has a severe disability that hinders reading, for example.
• The student who is placed in an online classroom without wanting to be there will probably fail. In a virtual classroom, the student has to engage.
• The student with no desire to learn will struggle because they will not be able to passively participate.
• The student who drops a class in school and thinks a virtual course will be an easy way to make up the lost credit probably won't do well with a virtual class either.
• The student who take a full class load at a traditional school and participates in lots of extra-curricular activities may think a virtual class is an easy way to pick up extra credits. This is not the case.

How Many Hours A Week Should I Expect To Spend On The Course?
The actual amount will vary depending upon the course, and will be equivalent to the time you would spend in a face-to-face course plus additional time for studying and homework. However, not all of this time will be online. Your time will be spread between course reading, assignments, and discussion board participation. Your teacher will provide you with specific expectations of daily or weekly assignments that you must complete.

Do I Have To Attend Regularly?
Yes. You must attend regularly to pass. Your attendance is evidenced by your regular contributions to online discussions or email reflections to your teacher, and regular logging into Dokeos, our Learning Management System.

Do I Have To Be Online At Specific Times?
Yes and No. Depending on your course, synchronous or asynchronous discussions will be held. Our courses are 100-hour full completion courses which require you to keep up with a daily or weekly timetable as set out by your teacher.

Do I Need Specific Hardware Or Software?
Yes, you need a Windows or Macintosh computer with word processing capabilities and an Internet connection. There is no charge for the communication software we use.

Are you an Ideal Candidate for Virtual Classes?

Are you a Candidate for Online Classes? 1. I am self-motivated, can set goals, possess good time-managment skills.   Yes     No 2. I believe that online education may be more difficult than a classroom setting.   Yes     No 3. I have access to a computer.   Yes     No 4. I am comfortable with my skills on the web.   Yes     No 5. I am comfortable with my computer skills.   Yes     No 6. I am comfortable getting or giving information in writing.   Yes     No 7. I have basic word processing skills.   Yes     No I can use a browser, such as Netscape or Internet Explorer, to: 8. Locate and visit web sites when provided with a web address (URL)   Yes     No 9. Visit links contained in web documents   Yes     No 10. Print web documents from my browser.   Yes     No I can use an e-mail program to: 11. Send and receive mail   Yes     No 12. Edit a received message and reply to the sender   Yes     No 13. Attach a file to a message   Yes     No 14. Open attachments that have been sent to me   Yes     No

• Checking YES to 14 of these questions makes you an ideal online candidate!
• If you have checked NO to two or more of these questions, you may not be suitable for an online class

What Former Online Students had To Say About Our Virtual Classes
        You can work at your own pace, as long as you have it done by the set date. You can work on it when you want, and how you want.
~ Richard
          Those that do have initiative and enjoy getting ahead should consider online classes when planning their course load.
~ Charissa
          I think the benefits of the online class are that you can work at your own pace, and it teaches you to be a bit more responsible. It also forces you to study harder and focus more on your work. Overall, it teaches good life skills by forcing you to be responsible about your own school work rather than having a teacher checking up on you everyday.
~ Nestor
          I liked my virtual class as you learn so much more in less time. I have learned so much in this class where my grade is the highest it has ever been in Socials. This class gives you a chance to understand the information, and the things you do not understand you just post it and instead of getting just one answer from the teacher you get so many different answers and opinions from you class mates.
~ Jody
          SS11 has been great! It has given me the chance to work at my own pace, but still have restrictions. I have learnt more with this course than socials grade three through 10 combined.
~ Marcia

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