Page 12 - Edge Issue 2 2019

Education and the Internet
Online classes- are they worth it?
Part of earning the Diploma of Distinction includes taking at least one online class. Many students use this option to take Health Opportunities through Physical Education (HOPE) over the Summer to make room in their schedules for other classes. But have you ever thought about taking more classes online? Or maybe even doing school online? Is it easier than going to a giant building with 500, 1,000 or even 4,000 students and teachers?
Set up in 1997 as a state- supported e-school, and designated as its own school district, Florida Virtual School offers more than 110 courses. During the 2017- 18 school year, students completed almost 500,000 semester classes in FLVS.
According to their 2018 Annual Report, FLVS
has the potential to teach students just as effectively
as traditional classroom learning. FLVS students scored 11 percent higher
on AP tests than the state average, and 4 percent higher than the national average. FLVS also shows higher EOC scores - 20 percent higher than the state average on the 2018 Biology EOC.
Many students who struggle in a traditional classroom environment have seen a tremendous improvement in their grades and overall GPA.
“I would inspire others to take an online class because it’s more efficient and you are able to work at your own pace,’’ said Piper Miller, 8.
Although you can work at somewhat of your own pace during the program, you still have to complete assignments and check in with your teacher on a regular schedule. If you do not regularly complete assignments,
Story and photos by Molly Sing
you can possibly be removed from the classes you are enrolled in.
To ensure you’re learning the material and completing the work on your own knowledge, you have one-on-one phone calls with your online teacher to complete your tests.
“Some rules of doing these classes include academic integrity, which is basically not using any way of cheating,”
said Jawad Mosrie, 8.
Its financing model has
developed along the way. Now, FLVS is paid only when a student effectively completes a course. According to the FLVS website, the state saves over $2,700 per student enrolled in their online classes.
FLVS creates accountability and safeguards throughout its program on both the teacher and student parties. All teachers must be certified in their field of study to start teaching for the program. They are monitored by an educational leader who controls their learning on a weekly basis during their first year.
If you’re considering taking an online class or switching over to full time FLVS, speak to your parents and your schools guidance about options. Remember the factors and rules of taking these classes and use them efficiently
while completing your courses.
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