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Virtual Learning

What is Online Learning?

DLVA is a West Milwaukee West Allis School District online school offering fully online courses in Edgenuity with Wisconsin-certified teachers. Teachers use video conferencing and digital resources to facilitate teaching and learning. With the support of a parent, students can access school from anywhere and anytime with an internet connection by following pacing guides to ensure they meet yearly state promotion standards.  The staff and the DLVA curriculum can meet the needs of diverse learners and while providing flexibility.

Why Students Choose Online Learning 

Students may choose to enroll in online learning for several reasons:
 
  1. Flexibility: Online learning offers flexibility in terms of scheduling. Students can access course materials and complete assignments at times that fit their personal schedules, making it easier to balance education with work, travel, medical treatment, family, or other commitments.
  2. Accessibility: It allows access to education from anywhere with an internet connection, eliminating geographical barriers. This accessibility is particularly beneficial for students in remote areas or those unable to attend traditional classes due to medical or physical constraints.
  3. Variety of Courses: Online platforms often offer a wide range of courses and programs, allowing students to explore diverse subjects and specialties that may not be available locally.  Examples include courses such as Spanish and French beginning in the 6th grade.
  4. Self-Paced Learning: Many online courses are designed for self-paced learning, which gives students more control over their study pace and allows them to review materials as needed. However, students are required to begin the course when the semester begins and pace themselves to finish by the end of the semester.
  5. Technology Integration: Students develop digital literacy skills and familiarity with technology tools through their schooling that are increasingly valuable in today's digital age and workforce.
Overall, online learning provides a flexible, accessible, and often cost-effective way for students to pursue their educational goals while accommodating their individual needs and circumstances.
 

Is online learning right for me?

Here are statements that students and parents should ideally be able to affirm with a "yes" when considering enrollment in an online public school with a predominantly asynchronous, self-paced format:

 

  1. Time Management: We have strategies for managing time effectively and meeting assignment deadlines in a self-paced learning environment.
  2. Motivation and Discipline: We are committed to staying motivated and disciplined while working independently on coursework.
  3. Communication with Instructors: We plan to communicate regularly with teachers or instructors to seek guidance and clarify doubts during self-paced learning sessions.
  4. Organizational Skills: We will identify and use organizational tools or systems to track progress, manage assignments, and prioritize tasks throughout the marking period.
  5. Support Systems: We will become aware of and will utilize the support systems provided by the school to help develop strong time management and study skills for asynchronous learning.
  6. Conducive Learning Environment: We will create a conducive learning environment at home that minimizes distractions and supports focused study during asynchronous learning sessions.
  7. Parental Involvement: I am committed to actively supporting my child's organizational skills and academic progress in an online self-paced learning environment.
  8. Orientation and Training: We will participate in orientation and training sessions to understand the expectations and best practices for succeeding in self-paced courses.
  9. Attendance and Participation: We understand that attendance and participation are monitored in asynchronous learning sessions and are committed to meeting these expectations.  Students who do not meet attendance and participating requirements are not eligible for continued enrollment.
  10. Balance with Extracurricular Activities: We have identified strategies or resources to balance academic responsibilities with home activities or personal commitments in an asynchronous learning format.

These statements ensure that students and parents are prepared and equipped with the necessary organizational skills and commitments to succeed in an asynchronous online learning environment.  If you answered “no” to any of these questions, an asynchronous online school may not be the best school option for the student.
 

Types of Learning

  1. Asynchronous Learning (about 70%):

    • Self-Paced Learning: Students engage with pre-planned course materials, such as video lectures, readings, assignments, and quizzes, on their own schedule while following a pacing guide so that the courses are completed by the end of the marking period. 

    • Independent Study: Students take responsibility for their own learning, managing their time and progressing through the course content at their own pace.  While learning is directed by the Wisconsin certified teacher, the student will have multiple tools and resources to ensure they stay on track to finish courses by the end of the marking period.

  2. Synchronous Learning (about 30%):

    • Live Interactive Learning: These are real-time sessions in which students participate in scheduled classes with instructors and peers. Students can expect up to two live sessions per week per course.

    • Collaborative Group Learning: Small group sessions that promote discussion, collaboration, and deeper understanding through real-time interaction.  Small group sessions will be organized by the teacher.

    • On-Demand Tutoring: Real-time assistance for the core curriculum (English, math, science, and social studies) is available to students whenever they need help with specific topics or assignments.

    • Regular Check-Ins: Teachers schedule telephone check-ins with students and their parents to provide ongoing support, monitor progress, and address individual concerns.  The goal is to keep the student on track to complete the marking period successfully.

  3. Personalized Learning:

    • Customized Learning Paths: Instruction is tailored to individual student needs to remain on track to complete the course on time, allowing for personalized feedback and adaptive learning technologies that adjust to the learner's pace and style.

    • Targeted Support: Specific interventions designed to help students who need additional assistance, ensuring that each learner receives the support they need to succeed.  Interventions and support can be provided within the course by telephone or through synchronous sessions (online or in-person).

  4. Collaborative Learning:

    • Peer-to-Peer Learning: Opportunities for students to engage with each other through, group projects and peer review activities once a semester at the DLVA campus.

    • Community Building: Creating a sense of community through student leadership and social events, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

  5. Assessment-Based Learning:

    • Formative Learning Activities: Ongoing assessments, such as quizzes and interactive exercises, in which continuous feedback is provided both electronically and from the teacher to help students, parents and instructors gauge learning progress.

Summative Learning Evaluations: Comprehensive assessments at the end of units or courses that measure student learning and mastery of content.

Methods of Instruction 

1. Asynchronous Learning:

  • Structured Curriculum: Approximately 70% of the core instruction is through Edgenuity, a structured and pre-planned curriculum that students can access at their own pace. This includes video lectures, readings, assignments, and quizzes.
  • Self-Paced Learning: Students have the flexibility to engage with the course materials according to their own schedules, requiring students to take more responsibility for themselves than in a traditional school class.  Parents and Learning Coaches will work with the school and the student to stay on track.
  • Interactive Content: Courses are designed to include interactive elements such as discussion forums, multimedia presentations, and online exercises to enhance engagement and understanding.

2. Synchronous Instruction (Live Sessions):

  • On-Demand Tutoring: Access to on-demand tutoring sessions with the curriculum provider where students can get immediate help with specific topics or assignments. These sessions provide personalized, real-time support to address individual learning needs as they arise. 
  • Telephone Check-Ins: Regularly scheduled phone calls with teachers directing instruction to students for check-ins and verifications, ensuring ongoing support and engagement. These calls allow for personalized attention, progress monitoring, and addressing any concerns or issues students may have.
  • Small Group Sessions: Regularly scheduled live sessions where students can interact with instructors and peers in real time. These sessions focus on collaborative learning, discussions, and addressing specific questions or challenges.
  • Targeted Interventions: Instructors use data and feedback to identify students who need additional support and arrange for personalized intervention sessions to address their unique needs.
  • Real-Time Feedback: During these live interactions, students receive immediate feedback on their performance and understanding, allowing for timely clarification and support.

3. Personalized Learning:

  • Teacher-Directed Learning: While much of the course is self-paced, teachers play a crucial role in guiding and personalizing the learning experience. They monitor student progress, provide feedback, and adapt instructional strategies to meet individual student needs.
  • Adaptive Learning Technologies: Utilization of technology that can adapt to the learning pace and style of each student, providing customized resources and assessments to enhance learning outcomes.

4. Continuous Assessment and Feedback:

  • Formative Assessments: Regular quizzes, assignments, and interactive activities that provide ongoing feedback to both students and instructors about the learning progress.
  • Summative Assessments: Comprehensive assessments at the end of units or courses to evaluate student learning and mastery of the content.

By combining these methods, DLVA aims to create a dynamic and responsive learning environment that supports student success through a mix of semester projects, live interaction, and personalized instruction.

based on the types of learning and methods of instruction
 

What Students Can Expect 

Our Commitment to students and their parents is to hold high expectations for all students while providing strong support to ensure success with the following goals:
  • promotion to the next grade level for 6th-8th grades and 
  • graduating high school within four years of entering 9th grade) by completing transcripted courses for the state of Wisconsin
  • Learners identified for Special Education and English Learners will have supports through certified staff
You can expect challenging and engaging coursework, personalized assistance, and a collaborative learning environment designed to help you reach your full potential.

1. Flexible Learning Options:
  • Self-Paced Courses: Students can access pre-planned course materials and learn at their own pace at any time and any place as long as they are on track to finish the course by the end of the marking period.  The self-paced component is up to 70% of the course.  Students will complete an orientation online on how to access the courses.
  • Live Sessions: Students can participate in scheduled, real-time classes and small group discussions for up to 30 percent of the course.
2. Personalized Support:
  • On-Demand Tutoring: Get immediate help with specific topics or assignments whenever you need it.
  • Regular Check-Ins: Receive ongoing support through scheduled phone calls with your certified teachers.
  • Customized Learning Paths: Benefit from instruction tailored to your individual needs and progress.
3. Collaborative Environment:
  • Peer Interaction: Engage with fellow students through group projects (one each semester) and school leadership opportunities.
  • Community Building: Engage with fellow students in the semester project and sharing (one each semester).
4. Continuous Feedback:
  • Formative Assessments: Regular quizzes and activities provide ongoing feedback to help you track your progress.
  • Summative Assessments: End-of-unit evaluations and state testing measure your mastery of the content.