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What is Distance Learning and how is it growing in K-12 Education? Distance learning refers to a broad spectrum of educational opportunities in which students learn together from a distance rather than in a classroom. Distance learning programs use a wide range of interactive tools and a variety of instructional strategies. These tools and strategies include the online course, external links including the World Wide Web, laboratory assignments, video streaming, and class discussion boards. The online courses are interactive and provide a wide range of activities, projects, assignments, and assessments that can produce an individualized learning environment. This program provides a unique opportunity for learners to acquire skills in computer use and literacy while receiving high school credit. Since there are no bells or hall monitors to begin and end classes students involved in online courses must have a strong desire to learn and achieve. Virtual School Myths For more Information on Distance Learning (K-12): NACOL The North American Council of Online Learning provides information on distance learning programs in North America. |
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About the Program: |
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The Office of Instructional Technology for Prince William County Schools provides an alternative educational opportunity for students through the Virtual High School. We have designed and developed online courses that students may take for high school credit. These courses are open to all students enrolled in an accredited base high school and in grades 9-12 (or a rising freshman). The VHS @ PWCS also accepts home instructed students with enrollment in their local base school to receive and apply the student's course grade. The VHS offers courses for full credit in three sessions per year: fall, spring and summer. Students attend a face-to-face, MANDATORY orientation to meet their instructor and learn how to use the course. Then they work from home or school to complete their assignments and take their tests online. Students must take mid-term, SOL and final exams face-to- face with their instructor. Online learning courses tend to be very work intensive and since there are no bells or hall monitors to begin and end classes, students involved in online courses must have a strong desire to learn and achieve. Most students who have taken a course from the VHS @ PWCS have commented that online courses are excellent but require at least as much time as a traditional classroom course, if not more. To see if you meet the minimum qualifications visit our Student Criteria page. VHS@PWCS Statistics: |
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The program began Summer 2001 with three courses. We
now offer 19 courses and had record enrollment of 460
students this past summer. Over 4,000 students have enrolled
in our courses: Average Pass Rate: 76% Drop Rate: 3% Student/Teacher Ratio: 8:1 - Summer Ration 15:1 SOL Exam Pass Rate: 89% |