BLACK HILLS ONLINE LEARNING

Connie Godfrey

What is BHOLC?BHOLC allows participating districts to offer a self-paced, online learning option for their studentsStudents remain enrolled in home district and follow their graduation requirementsCCSS aligned curriculum provided through fuelEducation and monitored by BHOLC

Enrollment Options

Full timePart timeSingle courses

Credit RecoveryForeign LanguageExtensive list of elective courses

Learning Coach

Students in grades K-8 are closely monitored by learning coach (usually a parent or guardian)Learning Coach:

Oversees daily work Records attendanceMonitors students’ pace, schedule, and individual needs

Student

Engaged in five – six hours of learning each dayCustomized learning opportunities

Students can have courses in more than one grade levelSelf-paced…can move ahead or take extra time

Has access to curriculum anywhere/anytime

BHOLCGrades K-8 have a BHOLC SD certified teacher that oversees progress, maintains contact with families, and helps with lessons if neededGrades 9-12 are monitored by a BHOLC mentor (SD certified teacher)

Core courses in grades 9-12 are taught by SD certified teachersProgress is reported to districts

Monthly progress reports for grades K-8Weekly emails from Peak in grades 9-12

K-8 Progress Report

Peak Report

K12.com

High School Courses

How to EnrollParents apply at http://www.k12local.com/blackhillsBHOLC will send notification to districtParent brings Learning Agreement to school If district approves enrollment:

Fax BHOLC the signed Learning AgreementEnter student in SDVSCounselor helps student choose high school courses that meet districts’ graduation requirements

BHOLC enrolls student

South Dakota Virtual School

Characteristics of a Successful Online Learner

Self-motivated and self-disciplined -able to work independently with little direction Has adult supervision, encouragement, involvementHas good time-management –able to commit to five hours/day on schoolwork—isn’t a procrastinatorCan adequately prepare and study for examsCan effectively communicate any questions or concerns to instructorComfortable expressing self in writing using grammatically correct, written statements and/or essays

Characteristics Continued…

Able to persevere, even when confronted with obstaclesUnderstand that online courses can be more challenging than face-to-face classesHas basic computer skills and can use word processing software, download software, install software, use a web browser, etc.Has access to a computer that is connected to the Internet and has a backup plan if needed Comfortable in a "virtual environment" - email, sending attachments, threaded discussions, chat rooms, etc.

Adapted from Fairmont State University http://www.fairmontstate.edu/academics/distancelearning/successful_student.asp

BHOLC Video

Helpful Links

BHOLC WebsiteK12.com Sample Lessons (K-8)