Virtual learning to be explored

Local teacher Gord Holden has surrounded himself in the world of virtual learning, and while the computer programs he uses may not be exactly like in Avatar, students are immersed in a virtual world for their studies.

The long-time Valley teacher is now teaching through Kelowna-based Heritage Christian Online School (HCOS) using programs like Quest Atlantis, Active Worlds and Thinking Worlds. He will speak at a meeting, hosted by HCOS, and provide information on this style of learning at the Salvation Army Community Church, at 1580 Fitzgerald Ave. on Tuesday. Various workshops and presentations about what the online school offers will happen from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., and childcare will be available.

Holden said this style of learning is a prime example of 21st century learning, and although traditional learning through books is important, virtual learning can teach in ways text cannot.

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Students learn in a new way

IRONWOOD — At All Saints Catholic Academy, some students are learning in a whole new way. The virtual classroom is a full or part time online school. A full variety of classes, personal tutors, and a flexible schedule… the virtual classroom has it all.

All Saints started the program almost two years ago for grades seven through twelve.

“A few students were coming just for one class at a time,” says Niki McRae, the Virtual Instructor at All Saints Catholic Academy. “If they were struggling with something, they came here and they were able to enroll in just a single class.”

Now the virtual classroom has five full time students. They use “Catholic Schools K-12 Virtual,” the only accredited Catholic virtual school.

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Blended learning on the rise

It’s a typical weekday, and Leah Rogers is greeting students as they arrive at school. She hasn’t seen any of these kids in a while, because they haven’t set foot in the building for a week … but that’s by design.

Rogers is acting head of the Chicago Virtual Charter School (CVCS), an innovative school that is a cross between a traditional school and a virtual one: Students work online from home four days a week and come to school for the fifth. [Read more...]

Memphis requires online course to graduate

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Take 17-year-old DeMarcus Oliver at Whitehaven High School. If not for e-learning, he’d be registering for his senior year next year. [Read more...]

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Looking for an "online private school" or "online college prep school" ?

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Distance Learning or Homeschool — Is it for me?

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