Web academy to invade Valley schools
Published 2:49 pm Thursday, October 2, 2008
SNOQUALMIE _ Students in the Snoqualmie Valley School
District will have the option of taking summer school classes dressed in their
pajamas thanks to a new program called Web Academy.
The academy allows students in grades 1 through 12 to take
courses from their home computer, and high schoolers will be able to receive
credit for the classes.
The district decided to launch the program, which is in partnership
with the Federal Way School District, so that its students could choose from
a variety of learning opportunities that best suit their needs.
“When people hear of online classes, they think that students are
sitting at home in front of their computer without any personalized
connections,” said Scott Poirier, curriculum director for Snoqualmie Valley
School District.
But that wouldn’t be the case.
He said that students need to go through an orientation session to
meet the teacher and that the instructor and students will also correspond
throughout the month-and-1/2-long course via e-mail, the telephone and open lab
visits.
Regularly scheduled assignments, quizzes and exams are also part of
the academy so that officials can monitor the progress of the student. Not
only would school administrators be able to view the student’s work, but
parents can access the online information, as well.
The Web Academy might not be suitable for all types of
students, Poirier said. Learners who are self-motivated and can manage their
time will probably have a better chance at succeeding.
Courses are available in math, language arts, sciences, social
studies, electives and technology. For a complete listing, visit the district’s Web
site at www.snoqualmie.k12.wa.us.
Students must have access to a home computer, as the set lab
hours won’t provide enough time for students to complete their
assignments. Poirier said that an estimated 10 to
16 hours must be devoted to the online classes per week.
Computer system requirements include: a 100 Mhz Pentium
processor, Microsoft Windows 95 or better, 4X CD-ROM, 56 KB modem,
100 MB of free space on the hard drive, 32 MB of RAM and Netscape
or Internet Explorer (4.0 or better).
The classes will run from June 26 through Aug. 9 and cost $180
per course. Students are allowed to take up to 2 classes, which equals
one credit.
The district is also offering several enrichment activities for students
of all ages this summer. Courses are available in marching band,
newsletter writing, creative writing, fitness and gymnastics.
The classes will run through July and tuition ranges from $45 to
$180. Registration is on a first-come, first- served basis.
The Extended Learning Program will also be offered again to
elementary, middle school and high school students. Last year, about 100
children participated in the remedial classes. Courses are available in math,
study skills, reading, writing, English and science.
Classes are held during the month of July and the fee is $180 per
session (there are two sessions.)
For more information about these summer school programs, call the
district at (425) 831-8018 or visit their Web site
at www.snoqualmie.k12.wa.us.
Web Academy to invade Valley computers
Tips for Web Academy students
• Expect technical difficulties and failures and allow for them;
• Don’t underestimate the challenge of your assignments. Online
doesn’t mean easy;
• Like your computer and your Internet Access Provider. You’ll
spend a lot of time with them; and
• Anti-virus, anti-virus, anti-virus.
Information is from Federal Way’s Web Academy student handbook.
