North Carolina Virtual Public Schools Parent/Guardian Orientation

1. North Carolina Virtual Public Schools Parent/Guardian Orientation By ELA/Lab Facilitator Alan McNaughton & Jess Milligan

2. What is NCVPS? • An online distance instructional model. • Approved courses taught by highly qualified teachers. • Student-centered projects. • Collaborative group assignments and discussions through email, instant messaging and online chat forums with teachers and other students. • www.ncvps.org

3. Opportunities for Students • AP or Honors Courses not offered locally • Year-long and Block courses • Credit Recovery Courses • Helps with scheduling conflicts for graduation requirements • Summer Term Courses

4. What courses can I take on NCVPS? • http://www.ncvps.org/index.php/courses/catalogue/ • Students will be enrolled on a limited basis. • Other courses will be offered on a case by case basis.

5. Technology Needed • http://www.ncvps.org/index.php/technology-requirements/

6. Online or Face-to-Face ? Sorting out the details

7. Student Work Habits • Online classes are convenient and flexible, but students have to be disciplined enough to make time to participate and study.

8. Student Learning Style • Online learning is best for those who learn by reading and writing; if you learn better by hearing lectures or viewing teacher presentations, a traditional face-to-face class might be a better fit.

9. Key Qualities • Good time management skills • Prioritize, efficiency and effectiveness • Independent learner • Self-directed • Excellent reading and writing skills • Not afraid of technology • Good at setting goals • Fail to plan, plan to fail • Have your own space • At school? At home?

10. Successful Online Students • Log in regularly to their class • Plan to ensure enough time to study and complete assignments • Enjoy communicating in writing and reading the writing of others • "Speak up" to their instructors when problems arise! Call, text, email, etc…. • Are self-disciplined, self-motivated and responsible

11. Successful Online Students • Are active learners who are willing to take responsibility for their own learning • Are visual learners able to learn easily from reading and writing • Know how to use technology properly • Software, Internet, Electronic mail, File management, etc. • Read and write well • Are comfortable addressing problems at a “distance” • Must be assertive in order to make their needs known

12. Successful Online Students • Have good time management skills to plot and follow a schedule for finishing readings and assignments • Have solid research skills, including how to effectively use the Internet • Have the ability to work well cooperatively • Are flexible, adaptable and open-minded

13. Questions to Consider • Am I comfortable using a computer? • Do I enjoy reading and have good reading skills? • Am I comfortable communicating in writing and by phone? • Am I comfortable with typing? • Am I self-motivated and able to work independently?

14. Questions to Consider Continued… • Am I a procrastinator when it comes to schoolwork and deadlines? • Do I mind asking for help when I have a problem or question? • Am I comfortable following written directions? • Am I resourceful and can work independently? • Can I juggle multiple responsibilities at the same time?

15. Benefits of Online Education • Develop self-motivation • Develop organizational skills • Develop independence • Develop resourcefulness

16. How do I register? • Attend a mandatory Parent/Guardian Orientation or a conference with a counselor. • Complete the NCVPS registration form. • Meet with guidance counselor and turn in NCVPS registration form. • The school’s E-Learning Advisor (ELA)/Lab Facilitator will register students on the NCVPS system.

17. Registration • Students will be registered in the NCVPS system • If course seats are available, students will be enrolled. • Students may be wait listed-have a back-up plan in mind! • Students will be assigned a log-in and password to the NCVPS system when enrolled in a course (must see Lab Facilitator). • An online Student Orientation to Blackboard must be completed before starting the course.

18. Communication • Communication will be essential for success • Please make sure that we have the correct contact information (phone and email) for both student and parent/guardian. • Parents: Please make yourself as available as possible to communicate with online instructors. Also, check your students online course regularly.

19. Hoggard NCVPS Guidelineshttp://www.nhcs.net/hoggard/ncvps.html 1. First timer users must be on-campus. 2. Cannot take instead of teacher-taught class provided: • Class is available on campus • Room in the class • Fits within students schedule

20. Hoggard NCVPS Guidelines continued… 3. Eligible for off-campus is: • Taken as a 5th credit (applicable to all students) • Already successfully completed an NCVPS course (applicable to all students) • 2nd semester junior or a senior • Medical reason and/or hardships which must be approved by administration (ex. Physical therapy) (applicable to all students) 4. All Credit Recovery must be completed on-campus.

21. ELA-Mr. McNaughton & Contacts • The ELA will also coordinate all text books, supplemental materials, testing, and grade reporting. • If you have questions or concerns please contact me at 350-2072, ext 218 or at alan.mcnaughton@nhcs.net • Lab Facilitator: • Jessica Milligan ext 364 or jessica.milligan@nhcs.net • Help Desk contacts: • Instructor: Contact information can be found under Teacher Information • NCVPS Student Support Services Center: 1-800-297-3203