Online Courses for Alternative Learning
National Success Academy and VHS Offer Computer Based Learning
Jan 20, 2009
Though classrooms today are more interactive and student-centered than those of 50 years ago, it is still difficult to reach every student or provide courses that interest or prepare all learners. At-risk students, those students who do not do well in traditional education programs, frequently need alternatives to classroom based learning. Others might want courses not offered by their high school.
National Success Academy
The National At-Risk Education Network (NAREN) offers an online academy of courses designed for the needs of non-traditional learners. Their program, the National Success Academy, provides students with online courses for test and career preparation. These courses are designed for students to work either independently or with an online tutor. They may choose amongst several packages of courses, including business, IT and test prep, and work at their own pace to complete each individual course in a series.
The National Success Academy does not provide high school credit, but many courses are aligned with standardized exams and every course comes with a certificate of skill mastery. Students are encouraged to take the standardized or professional certification exams and are provided with an official binder in which to keep their certificates so they can show them to potential employers.
Virtual High School
Virtual High School (VHS) offers traditional high school classes in a non-traditional setting. Each course is aligned with the National Education Associations guidelines for online courses and is facilitated by a certified teacher. Courses are scheduled as semester, full year and summer offerings. Current offerings include a variety of classes that would not typically have a large student enrollment, especially in a small school. Some of their more popular courses are their Advanced Placement classes that prepare students for the AP exams. They are also piloting International Baccalaureate courses.
To participate, schools join the cooperative effort by selecting at least one faculty member to teach through VHS for every 25 students they wish to enroll. They also provide flexible options, especially for small schools that might not have more than a few interested students or students, such as home-schooled students, who might want to try a class but do not have it as an option at school. Students then participate in class discussions through a web browser at any time of day, remembering to turn in their assignments on the specified date.
Both NAREN’s National Success Academy and VHS are viable alternatives to traditional classes. They allow students to take control of their education and be responsible for their assignments in an online environment. Students can take classes that interest them that might not otherwise be available within their school.
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