The Voice of Virtual Virginia

Tuesday Teacher Profile: Ms. Susan Cox

2011-04-19T10:15:00.003-04:00

Name: Ms. Susan Cox

Courses Taught: Chinese II, III, and Survey of World Languages

Years Teaching: 15

Location: Alexandra, VA

Hidden Talent: Ballroom dance (Won first place at the 2011 USA Dancesport Championships)

Thoughts About Teaching and Learning Online: Individual students learn differently. The great thing about online classes is how flexible I can be in offering various assessments, resubmissions, and effective methods of feedback. Ironically, I can make the teaching more personalized for the individual student online than in the classroom.

Advice for students taking an online class:
1) Keep a binder and planner/calendar. You must stay organized and on pace.
2) Try not to refer to your face-2-face teachers as "real" teachers compared to your online teachers. I am very real.

What is one concrete example that shows that online world language classes "work"?
Last year, one my online students was accepted to the US government's NSLI (National Security Language Institute) summer language program in China. As part of that program, she was tested on her Chinese language skills. She tested so high that she was placed in the highest class after only two years of Chinese. In other words, she came into the NSLI program with Chinese language skills ahead of all her peers, who were all face-2-face students.

More Information:
Ms. Cox's online Chinese language courses were featured on National Public Radio's Morning Edition. You can listen to the story here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89070946

Summer Session Info

2011-04-13T12:54:00.001-04:00

Find out more about our upcoming summer session here: http://www.virtualvirginia.org/summer.

Virtual Virginia Featured on WVTF Public Radio

2011-04-07T09:52:00.000-04:00

Listen here:

http://www.wvtf.org/news_and_notes/audio/201104051529170.VirtualVirginiaWeb.mp3

VVa Brochure for 2011-2012 is now available

2011-03-22T16:53:00.001-04:00

Print copies will mailed to schools soon, but you can download a digital version now.

Recognition for Great Teaching

2011-03-10T21:24:00.000-05:00

Congrats to Kristin Kipp, the 2011 Online Teacher of the Year and also to VVa's Tom Landon for also being honored tonight by the SREB/iNacol.

Good Luck, Tom!

2011-03-10T08:00:00.002-05:00

Good luck to VVa Geography Teacher and National Online Teacher of the Year Finalist Tom Landon as he makes his way to Atlanta today for the SREB Excellence Dinner where he will be honored. We are all proud of you, Tom. http://bit.ly/d8R19w

Tuesday Teacher Profile: Ms. Jesse Hernandez

2011-03-08T08:44:00.003-05:00

Name: Ms. Jesse Hernandez

Courses Taught: AP English Literature and Composition, World Mythology

Years Teaching: 11

Location: Midlothian, VA

Hidden Talents: single-handed cartwheels and parallel parking

Thoughts About Teaching and Learning Online: Our world is becoming increasingly more connected through online learning. As more and more high school students are required to take online classes, those of us with experience need to constantly make it better through interactivity.

Advice For students Taking An Online Course: Engage your teacher and your classmates regularly to create your own learning community.

Registration

2011-03-01T13:36:00.001-05:00

Virtual Virginia registration for the 2011-2012 school year begins April 15, 2011, for Virginia public schools. Registration for homeschool, private school, and out-of-state students opens July 1, 2011.

Tuesday Teacher Profile: Ms. Courtney Clemons

2011-03-01T07:56:00.004-05:00

Name: Ms. Courtney Clemons

Courses Taught: AP Language and Composition, World Mythology, French II

Years Teaching: 12

Location: Lewisburg, WV

Hidden Talent: I am an avid birder. I participate in bird counts for the National Audubon Society and am helping with a 5-year Breeding Bird Atlas in West Virginia.

Thoughts About Teaching and Learning Online: I love teaching online because it gives me a chance to give students more individualized feedback. I also like that I can communicate with and help students on more of a one-on-one basis than I could in a face-to-face classroom.

Advice For students Taking An Online Course: Students need to be motivated and have a strong work ethic. If they are willing to put forth the effort, I think many students can benefit so much from this experience.

Virtual Virginia Teacher Named Finalist for National Teaching Award Second Year In a Row

2011-02-10T14:38:00.006-05:00

The Southern Regional Education Board and the International Council for K12 Online Learning have announced the list of finalists for the second annual National Online Teacher of the Year. Nominations for 65 candidates from 25 states were considered. We are very proud that to announce that Virtual Virginia's Human Geography teacher Tom Landon has been named one of those five finalists.

Read the press release here: http://home.sreb.org/publication/news1.aspx?Code=1282

This is the second year in a row that one of Virtual Virginia's teacher has been named a finalist for this recognition. Virtual Virginia AP Economics teacher Steven Sproles was one of the three finalist for the 2010 award.

One of this year's five finalists will be named the 2011 National Online Teacher of the Year on March 10 in Atlanta, at the Excellence Dinner during the SREB’s Education Technology Cooperative’s Teaching and Learning Symposium.

The 2011 National Online Teacher of the Year will receive a crystal Flame of Excellence and a day with Karen Cator, the director of the Office of Educational Technology at the U.S. Department of Education, plus a trip to the Virtual School Symposium sponsored by iNACOL, November 9-11 in Indianapolis. The winner also will be recognized during the iNACOL Annual Meeting and will be featured on the SREB and iNACOL websites. The other four finalists will receive special recognition at the awards banquet in March and other honors.

Tuesday Teacher Profile: Ms. Colleen Spinelli

2011-02-01T13:46:00.003-05:00

Name: Ms. Colleen Spinelli

Courses Taught: AP Environmental Science

Years Teaching: 10

Location: Bristow, VA

Hidden Talent: I learned to row at age 6.

Thoughts About Teaching and Learning Online: Teaching is a great way to reach out to other people and share an experience. Whether it is academic or athletic, I love to see someone learn and connect. Online learning allows me to interact with wonderful students in any zipcode.

Tuesday Teacher Profile: Ms. Christina Kauffman

2011-01-18T13:48:00.002-05:00

Name: Ms. Christina Kauffman

Courses Taught: Latin I and Latin III

Years Teaching: 9

Hidden Talent: I enjoy photography and travel.

Thoughts About Teaching and Learning Online: Teaching students who would not have had an opportunity to take Latin in a traditional classroom setting has been very rewarding for me. I have enjoyed working with a wide range of students from all over the states and have been privileged to have some students from other countries, too. Each student brings a unique background and set of experiences to the course and makes the online environment a very rich and dynamic place for learning.

Advice for Students Taking Online Courses: Like many things in life, communication is essential. To succeed in an online course, students should frequently communicate with the instructor. VVa courses contain multiple means of communication and students should take advantage of all the opportunities their courses afford.

Tuesday Teacher Profile: Ms. Cat Latcovich

2011-01-11T07:49:00.002-05:00

Ms. Latcovich, with her dog Seger

Name: Ms. Cat Latcovich

Courses Taught: AP United States History and AP European History

Location: Richmond, VA

Years Teaching: 10

Hidden Talent: Shopping - I can find a bargain anywhere.

Thoughts about online teaching and learning: Teachers and students can be intimated by online learning as it is quite different from the face to face classroom. However, online teachers can provide students with just as much, if not more, individualized instruction. I have also found that I can get to know students very well in online classes through our instant messaging, emails, and phone calls.

Advice for students taking online courses: Work on your time management skills. Don't wait until the day of a deadline to complete all of your work. Pacing the work out over how many days you have to complete it will help you better understand the material and leave you feeling less stressed.

Tuesday Teacher Profile: Ms. Rachel Herbst

2011-01-04T11:21:00.002-05:00

Name: Ms. Rachel Herbst

Courses Taught: AP Art History

Location: Virginia Beach, VA

Years Teaching: 6

Hidden Talent: I can name the starting lineup for the Chicago Bears.

Thoughts about online teaching and learning: It is a unique way to interact with students. We meet them on their playing field...the computer.

Advice for students taking online courses: Stick to the schedule. Do not fall behind!

Winter Schedule

2010-12-20T10:00:00.001-05:00

Today, December 20, is an Instructor Work Day. Instructors will not be available until after the Winter Break. You may access content as normal, but please be advised that the Help Desk, and instructors will be unavailable from December 21-31st. All classes will resume on January 3rd. Have a great break, and we will see you all next year!

Reminder: Virtual Virginia does not close for snow.

2010-12-16T11:51:00.005-05:00

Ms. Spinelli (AP Environmental Science)

Free Professional Development Opportunity for Virginia World Language Teachers

2010-12-08T10:17:00.002-05:00

Virginia World Language teachers have the opportunity to explore how students are using online course tools to learn languages through a new professional development mini-course from Virginia Department of Education’s online course provider, Virtual Virginia. This free course, called World Language Online Wonders (WOW), will be delivered online and be facilitated by veteran online world language teachers. The course will run from January 10, 2011 to February 4, 2011.

The course will be asynchronous, so there will not be set class meeting times. Instead, participants will work through four modules that examine issues of reading, writing, listening comprehension, and speaking in an online world language classroom. After reading all course material and completing all course assignments, participants will receive a certificate indicating completion of eight hours of professional development. With prior approval from the local school division, this certificate may be used toward license renewal.

If you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, email scott.cloud@virtualvirginia.org between December 8, 2010 and January 4, 2011 to request a registration. Space is limited.

Tuesday Teacher Profile: Mr. Tom Landon

2010-12-07T13:41:00.005-05:00

Name: Mr. Tom Landon

Courses Taught: AP Human Geography

Location: Roanoke, VA

Years Teaching: 11

Hidden Talent: I play the trumpet in a goofy marching band called the Norman Fishing Tackle Choir, and I enjoy making not-for-profit documentary films on the side.

Thoughts about online teaching and learning: When I started working for Virtual Virginia, I worried that I'd miss the personal interaction with students. Now, four years later, I've learned that online courses ARE personal, and I think I know my students better now than I did in a face-to-face environment.

New Course for Spring 2011

2010-12-06T18:44:00.001-05:00

http://www.virtualvirginia.org/courses/catalog/astronomy.html

4260 Earth Science II – Astronomy

Astronomy takes a deeper look at the scientists who study the stars, planets, and galaxies and the tools they use. This project based, half-credit, semester course is a great sequel to the introductory information provided in Earth Science I, and utilizes the Share the Skies telescope to collect and analyze real astronomical images and data.

Prerequisites

Successful completion of 4210 Earth Science I

Recommended, but not mandatory – successful completion of Algebra

Registrations is open now at http://register.virtualvirginia.org/maestro/

Tuesday Teacher Profile: Ms. Misty Palmer

2010-11-23T11:30:00.004-05:00

Name: Ms. Misty Palmer

Courses Taught: AP Calculus AB

Location: Nashville, TN

Years Teaching: 16

Hidden Talent: I can wiggle my ears.

Thoughts about online teaching and learning: I enjoy online teaching because I like being able to dialogue with students individually about the work. I do think the classroom environment is great too, but it's nice to feel "conversational" about the material. I think students must be more self-motivated to keep up with things daily, and that is a great skill to learn in high school!

Advice for Students Taking Online Courses: Stick to a schedule. Make a daily plan and get it done. Get in touch with your teacher regularly with questions. Reach out to your classmates to talk about the material.

Thanksgiving Break

2010-11-23T10:14:00.000-05:00

Virtual Virginia will be closed Wednesday, November 24, and will resume again on Monday, November 29th. Course content will still be available, but teachers and tech support will not be available during this time. Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday Teacher Profile: Mr. Peng Yu

2010-11-16T08:46:00.003-05:00

Name: Mr. Peng Yu

Courses Taught: Chinese 1, Chinese 4, Advanced Placement Chinese

Location: Fairfax, VA

Years Teaching: 2

Advice for Students Taking Online Courses: It is convenient to take an online course; it is also challenging. I want to say to my students:
#1. Log on REGULARLY.
#2. Turn in the assignments by due date. Start early; don't wait until the last minute.
#3. You can learn a lot or you can learn nothing. It depends on you.

Tuesday Teacher Profile: Ms. Laura Light

2010-11-10T11:08:00.007-05:00

Name: Ms. Laura Light

Courses Taught: Creative Writing

Location: Charlottesville, VA

Years Teaching: 17

Hidden Talent: I'm a professional fiddler and singer, and I garden and raise goats, chickens and geese.

Thoughts About Teaching and Learning Online: I love the online environment because it is free of social cliques, prejudice and interruptions. It's pure teaching. There's the student, the work, the challenges of the course and the interactions among a community of writers. There's a sense of responsibility and independence that is fostered in online learning that is very empowering.

Advice for Students Taking Online Courses: Stay on pace! The course is so much more fun when you are in the right place at the right time. Also, challenge yourself to go beyond the minimum. You can take this as far as you like.

Do you like the environment at Virtual Virginia? I do. I work with a most diverse and talented group of teachers who also happen to be really kind and helpful and supportive people.

Tuesday Teacher Profile: Mr. Frank Duvall

2010-11-02T09:48:00.004-04:00

Name: Mr. Frank Duvall

Courses Taught: AP European History

Location: Chesapeake, VA

Years Teaching: 19

Hidden Talent: I enjoy surfing on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Thoughts About Teaching and Learning Online: Teaching in an online environment is a rewarding and challenging experience. Adjusting from the "brick building" model to the online learning environment was something that took time to get used to as I was accustomed to seeing my students every day. I embrace the opportunity to teach students from around the State of Virginia and the unique perspectives young scholars bring to the class.

Advice for Students Taking Online Courses: Any student considering taking an online class needs to realize that discipline and focus are needed to be successful. These classes are designed so the student can have access to the class 24 hours a day, with set deadlines for assignment submissions. Keeping one's focus is paramount for the student to thrive in this online environment.

Reminder

2010-11-01T13:51:00.002-04:00

Tuesday, November 2, 2010 is election day. It is also a VVa teacher workday. Courses will be available for students throughout the day. However, teachers will not be available.

VVa Celebrates the National Day on Writing

2010-10-20T09:49:00.007-04:00

Our English and Humanities Department will be hosting a Virtual Virginia Gallery for our students starting on this year's National Day on Writing, October 20th, 2010. This is an opportunity for our English students and Creative Writing students to share their works with a broader writing community. If you would like more information on how to submit a work for submission to our gallery, contact our curator, Ms. Laura Light at laura.light@virtualvirginia.org.

Parent Open House Webinar Recording Now Available

2010-10-15T08:50:00.002-04:00

If you wanted to attend the Fall 2010 Virtual Virginia Open House for Parents, but were unable to attend this session live, you can now view the recorded session by following this link: http://elm.elluminate.com/HOSTEDVDE/play_recording.html?recordingId=1247981841994_1287096226480

To watch the recording, log in as a “Guest”. You will be asked to enter your e-mail address and a screen name. Enter your first and last name. Click “Log In.” Your session should load. This may take several minutes depending on your Internet connection. If needed, call the Virtual Virginia Help Desk at 866.650.0027 for assistance.

To ensure that your computer has the necessary version of Java to access the meeting, and to configure your connection and audio setup, you can visit http://www.elluminate.com/support/ prior to watching the meeting.

This session lasted just over 30 minutes. As you view the recording you can skip to the section that you are most interested in or rewind and watch any section again.

Meet Virtual Virginia's New E-Learning Support Supervisor

2010-10-11T13:34:00.010-04:00

Chris Wyatt has recently joined the Virtual Virginia team as its new E-Learning Support Supervisor.

Mr. Wyatt received his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois in Urbana, IL. After teaching 4-12th grade music in Donovan, IL for two years, he moved to Virginia. Mr. Wyatt was the Band Director at Tabb High School in Yorktown, VA for the next six years. Mr. Wyatt most recently spent five years as an Instructional Technology Resource Teacher for Hampton City Schools.

Mr. Wyatt lives in Yorktown, VA with his wife and two children.

You can find the contact information for Mr. Wyatt as well as any other member of our faculty, administration, and staff by visiting http://www.virtualvirginia.org/contact/administrators/index.html

Virtual Virginia Open House Webinars for Parents

2010-10-05T20:58:00.005-04:00

Parents of Virtual Virginia Students:

We will be conducting “open house” webinars for parents on Wednesday, October 13 and Thursday, October 14. These sessions will provide a brief overview of our program’s structure, our instructional model, and support systems we have in place for you and your student. Virtual Virginia faculty and staff will be on hand to answer your questions. Attendance is optional. Feel free to attend either session. Both webinars will cover the same content.

Virtual Virginia Parent Open House (Option 1)

Wednesday, October 13, 2010 @ 7:00 p.m.

http://elm.elluminate.com:80/HOSTEDVDE/join_meeting.html?meetingId=1247981841885

Virtual Virginia Parent Open House (Option 2)

Thursday, October 14, 2010 @ 7:00 p.m.

http://elm.elluminate.com:80/HOSTEDVDE/join_meeting.html?meetingId=1247981841994

To attend, use one of the above links to go to the webinar’s Web site. Once there, select to log in as a “Guest”. You will be asked to enter your e-mail address and a screen name. Enter your first and last name. Click “Log In.” Your session should load. This may take several minutes depending on your Internet connection. If needed, call the Virtual Virginia Help Desk at 866.650.0027 for assistance.

To ensure that your computer has the necessary version of Java to access the meeting, and to configure your connection and audio setup, please visit http://www.elluminate.com/support/ prior to the meeting.

At the very least, speakers or headphones are required to listen to the meeting. If you would like to ask anything during the meeting, you may either use the text feature of the meeting software or opt to use a microphone to verbally ask your questions. A microphone is not required to participate.

We hope these meetings will be helpful and informative. If you have any questions prior to the meeting, please contact either:

Scott Cloud, supervisor of curriculum and instruction, at 866.650.0024; or

Elmer Seward, supervisor of instruction and professional development, at 866.650.0031.

Virtual Virginia is looking for a skilled Instructional Designer.

2010-09-16T16:20:00.002-04:00

http://www.teachers-teachers.com/virginia/viewVirginiaJobs.cfm?go=newpostings&action=newpostings&jobload=A36B1EC917-106383-37240-31186-106383&xPos=1

Virtual Virginia is seeking candidates for the position of Instructional Designer. The position description and responsibilities are listed below.

The Instructional Designer (ID) is responsible for planning, designing, and developing interactive Web applications and technologies for Virtual Virginia courses. The ID is responsible for providing advanced support using Web authorizing tools to design online content. The ID assists instructors in new technology and delivery systems. The ID participates in creating interactivities, increasing the level of usability and prescriptive learning in VVa courses, monitoring adherence to 508 and SCORM compliance, creating application customizations, and assisting in teacher training.

This position will be an independent contractor who will work approximately 20 hours per week for the 2010-2011 school year.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provides instructional design support to curriculum developments teams.
• Ensures development criteria and instructional design standards are met and implemented
• Ensures that 508 and copyright requirements are met and implemented in all courses.
• Assists with the successful planning, development, and delivery of professional development activities related to Dreamweaver, Fireworks, instructional design and other courses as needed for maintenance and development.
• Researches and uses development technology to enhance interactivity of assigned projects.
• Researches and uses development technology including but not limited to Flash, databases, JavaScript, and SCORM to increase level to adaptability, usability, and prescriptive learning.
• Works with the curriculum team and teachers to implement curriculum changes using the best instructional design standards.
• Works with the Virtual Virginia Technical Team to implement 21st century technology into courses.
• Meets professional obligations through efficient work habits such as meeting deadlines, honoring schedules, coordinating resources and meetings in an effective and timely manner, and demonstrating respect for others.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by his/her supervisor.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of two years experience in the Information and/or Educational Technology field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Technical Competencies and Skills:

• Knowledge of HTML, Macromedia development products, and Web development technologies.
• Knowledge of web development standards such as 508 compliance, W3C and WCAG, and SCORM.
• Knowledge of course management systems such as Desire2Learn and Blackboard.

Interested applicants should send a letter of interest and resume to the attention of Scott Cloud, Curriculum and Instruction Supervisor, Virtual Virginia, at scott.cloud@virtualvirginia.org.

Virtual Virginia is an equal opportunity employer.

Open Until Filled.

Welcome, September 13 Start Date (Cohort IV) students!

2010-09-13T08:20:00.001-04:00

National Online Teacher of the Year Announced

2010-09-09T10:23:00.006-04:00

Steven Sproles was honored last night along with the two other finalists for the SREB/iNacol Online Teacher of Year recognition at a dinner in New Orleans.

However, the top award went to fellow Virginia resident, Teresa Dove. Read more here. Congratulations on your well deserved recognition, Ms. Dove!

It is remarkable that two of top three online teachers as identified by these important organizations live in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We continue to be very proud of Mr. Sproles and the phenomenal service he provides his students.

Safe Travels and Good Luck, Mr. Sproles

2010-09-08T07:57:00.005-04:00

On July 29, 2010 Virtual Virginia Social Studies Teacher Steven Sproles was named one of the three finalists for the first ever SREB/iNACOL Online K-12 Teacher of the Year Award. He was selected from over 50 nominations from around the country.

Today, Mr. Sproles is traveling to the SREB meeting in New Orleans to attend the awards ceremony.

Learn more about this honor and Steven’s nomination here:

http://home.sreb.org/publication/news1.aspx?Code=1267

Welcome, September 7 Start Date (Cohort III) students!

2010-09-07T07:29:00.001-04:00

Virtual Virginia will be closed on September 6, 2010 for the Labor Day Holiday. All system users will continue to have access to their courses.

2010-09-06T07:55:00.001-04:00

Welcome, August 23 Start Date (Cohort II) students!

2010-08-23T08:47:00.001-04:00

Welcome, August 16 Start Date (Cohort I) students!

2010-08-16T08:29:00.002-04:00

2010-08-13T18:58:00.001-04:00

We are almost ready to open up the doors for 2010-2011 and welcome our first round of students.

Good luck to Friday's AP Exam-Takers!

2010-05-14T11:36:00.000-04:00

Good luck to all students taking exams in AP Human Geography, AP Latin, and AP Spanish Literature today!

Good luck to Thursday's AP Exam-Takers!

2010-05-13T13:53:00.001-04:00

Good luck to all students taking exams in AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, and AP World History today!

Good luck to Wednesday's AP Exam-Takers!

2010-05-12T13:15:00.000-04:00

Good luck to all students taking exams in AP English Language and Composition, and AP Art History today!

Good luck to Tuesday's AP Exam-Takers!

2010-05-11T11:01:00.001-04:00

Good luck to all students taking exams in AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science and AP Psychology today!

Good luck to Monday's AP Exam-Takers!

2010-05-10T11:48:00.001-04:00

Good luck to all students taking exams in AP Biology and AP Physics today!

Good luck to Friday's AP Exam-Takers!

2010-05-07T08:57:00.001-04:00

Good luck to all students taking exams in AP United States History and AP European History today!

Good luck to Thursday's AP-Exam Takers!

2010-05-06T13:09:00.001-04:00

Good luck to all students taking exams in AP English Literature and Composition, AP German Language, and AP Japanese Language and Culture today!

Good luck to Wednesday's AP Exam-Takers!

2010-05-05T11:05:00.001-04:00

Good luck to all students taking exams in AP Calculus today!

Good luck to Tuesday's AP Exam-Takers!

2010-05-04T08:58:00.002-04:00

Good luck to all students taking exams in AP Computer Science A, AP Spanish Language, and AP Statistics today!

Good luck to Monday's AP Exam-Takers!

2010-05-04T08:57:00.001-04:00

Good luck to all students taking exams in AP US Government & Politics, AP Comparative Government & Politics, and AP French Language Monday.

Register now for Virtual Virginia's Summer Session

2010-05-03T11:28:00.000-04:00

Registration for Virtual Virginia's Summer Session 2010 is now open. For more info visit www.virtualvirginia.org/summer.

Terracotta Soldier Field Trip

2010-01-14T08:17:00.008-05:00

Virtual Virginia Chinese I and II students from Alexandria City Schools went on a field trip to tour the Terracotta Soldiers Exhibit at the National Geographic Explorer's Hall in Washington, D.C. yesterday. Their online instructors, Ms. Chang (Zhang Laoshi) and Ms. Cox (Kong Laoshi) came along to discuss the connections between the exhibit and the material in their courses.

Ms. Chang (Zhang Laoshi) and Ms. Cox (Kong Laoshi)

VVa students celebrate final day of National Distance Learning Week

2009-11-13T11:43:00.004-05:00

Yunzhe Z., AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics student	Virtual Virginia has definitely helped to widen my knowledge scope and has provided me with a chance to learn about an interesting subject that is not offered at my school. It is like a regular class but with great advantages such as flexibility. There are deadlines for assignments due, but I am able to learn information at my own pace and go back to it for review anytime I need to; the instructional videos can be paused and replayed as much as necessary. It has also helped me to keep in touch with my friends and make new ones. The teachers have been so friendly and helpful, and they are always online so help is always available. I love the lessons accompanied by easy to understand explanations and the fact that I can always get help when I need it; online courses are great sources for education.
Jama R., AP Psychology student	The distance learning program of Virtual Virginia has greatly enhanced my education because it has presented the opportunity to choose from a wider variety of more challenging classes than my school could supply beforehand. Better yet, it is preparing me for the chance to earn college credit. Due to our high school's modest size and prior commitments, such as the IB program, it is limited in traditional Advanced Placement course offerings. Therefore, when Virtual Virginia courses were introduced, many of our students were excited to take advantage of them, including myself. This is my first experience in an online course, and I have been continually impressed with the productivity, organization, and communication of the class. Many of the factors people are weary of when virtual classes are discussed have ceased to be concerns for me during my experience. For example, I have been pleasantly surprised how my teacher is as, if not more, available and personal than my other teachers from the traditional classroom setting. One of my favorite aspects of this learning environment is the independence the class allows. While it is structured, challenging, and time consuming, the class allows for the student to learn in and out of school with all the resources of a classroom. I believe any student with a little self-discipline, time management skills, and a desire to challenge themselves will love the virtual classes!
Kelly V., AP European History and Latin I student	Distance learning has proved very valuable in my education. My school's access to the Virtual Virginia program has allowed me to take two classes that would not, otherwise, be offered, and I have found my online teachers to be easily accessible and helpful resources for other classes I am taking through my school.
Seth A., AP English Language and Composition student	I am taking my first year of Virtual Virginia, and so far I am very impressed. I love that I can complete assignments on my own time (within a time limit of course) and that I can view my grades any time I need to. I also find it easier to talk to my teacher by sending her a message. She usually can get it back to me in a timely manner. I find that I am doing a little better in an AP class than I have done in my regular English class that I took last year.
Austin K., Chinese I student	Distance Learning (Virtual Virginia) has helped my education by allowing me to take Chinese I online, which would never be possible at my school…
Alexandra R., AP Psychology, AP U.S. Government, and AP English Literature and Composition student	The online course allowed for me to take advanced classes that weren't normally offered at my high school. I go to a very small school, consisting only of about 300 people, and it is very difficult for us to keep teachers here...so my only opportunity for higher learning at this junction was Virtual Virginia. I was, at first, very apprehensive about completing an online course, as I usually appreciate a close personal relationship with my instructors, but I was pleasantly surprised. The instructors at Virtual Virginia are extremely involved and helpful--usually responding promptly to any of my e-mails or calls. Though the work is more complex and faster-paced, it has been an enjoyable experience...
Joo Hyun P., AP Human Geography student	I think the Virtual Virginia program gave me a new experience and another approach to education in this world of technology. The ability to express myself in words and to people I cannot see in person made it easy for me to express ideas outwardly without fear of being judged by appearance and age. I feel that in an educational environment set up by my Virtual Virginia class, people have more confidence to speak their thoughts out loud and be professional as well.
Trask P., Latin II student	Latin is a dead Language, and it is not like French or Spanish that if you don't know how to say a word or a grammar law you could just ask someone from that place and your problem is solved. But to do this with Latin you would need a Time Machine, but at this point in time there is no such device. There is one more solution, Elluminate! It is a very helpful tool, especially if you are 100 percent lost in what is going on in the class, you can get your microphone or headset and be basically in the same room as your teacher then you can talk to them. They can talk to you and go over exactly what it is that you don't understand and fix the problem. To anyone that is planning to take an online course I recommend it, in the end it will teach you to be independent, whether you want to or not...

Students share more experiences about their distance learning for National Distance Learning Week

2009-11-12T09:58:00.003-05:00

Ryan O., AP Physics and AP European History student	The Virtual Virginia program has allowed me to take a range of advanced classes that my school doesn't offer. I am taking physics, which my school has been unable to find a teacher for; and AP European History, which is something I am very interested in, but my school doesn't offer very many AP courses. I am also applying to take the VASTS online course that is run by NASA Langley, which will be a great opportunity to learn things that I couldn't otherwise learn. Online courses are a great thing that let you do a lot more in a small community.
Natasha B., Latin I student	Virtual Virginia has opened up more opportunities to me because it offers me courses that aren't offered at our school. I am taking Latin online with Virtual Virginia. I now know what it is like to be able to exceed my learning ability by taking a harder course.
Regginae F., Chinese I student	Virtual Virginia has helped my education because it is a great experience. It gives me a chance to be more responsible.
Brittany A., Latin I student	Virtual Virginia has helped me because it's easier to learn through [the program]. I am able to go at my own pace and learn, which is what I need. The only downfall is that a teacher being present is easier to understand, but with the Elluminate, I am able to communicate with them face to face if I wanted.
Quinton A., AP English Literature and Composition, AP Psychology, and AP U.S. Government student	In taking three Virtual Virginia courses at my high school, I have been able to hone skills that I would not have learned otherwise, such as analytical thinking, frequent discussions, and most of all, being very prompt on assignments (i.e., doing them three days before they are due!). I have been able to learn material in an entirely new way, and thus I have begun to think entirely different too, while working at my own pace. I've also met people online that share my same interests and love of learning, so I am not alone in my education. All in all, Virtual Va. has been a great opportunity for me, and I hope to continue to succeed.
Thomas A., AP English Literature and Composition, AP Psychology, and AP U.S. Government student	Distance learning via Virtual Virginia has given me the opportunity to not only take classes that were unavailable at my school and to meet many new friends, but also to attain a higher level of academic confidence. Distance learning offers students a unique opportunity to work at their personal pace... we have the opportunity to share ideas and personal inference without fear of judgment or marginalization. I absolutely love the online program, and believe that it is an excellent tool and application that all Virginia schools should use!
Kirstine P., AP English Language and Composition student	It's helped me because we have to research and learn things a regular English class wouldn't ask. It is more advanced and makes us think harder than a regular class. An average English course class is just teaching students the basics; when taking a distance learning course, you learn things that older students should be learning. This prepares us for college; it shows we have responsibility and teaches us about other things besides English, too. It's a wonderful class to take. You have to pay attention and do everything expected of you, and you'll go very far.
Laurel B., AP Human Geography student	Virtual Virginia has helped me by giving me classes that would not be offered at my school. Not only has it given me the class that is not offered, but it gave me an AP class which my school has none of.

Virtual Virginia students comment about distance learning for National Distance Learning Week

2009-11-11T11:49:00.006-05:00

Elizabeth E., Chinese II student	It (distance learning) has helped my education because I can do it wherever and whenever I want to, without being limited or restricted in what I do. I can be flexible and stress-free. Because I am stress-free in my Chinese II virtual class on Virtual Virginia, I do better in my other classes as well as enjoy this class very much.
Tracey A., AP U.S. Government student	Taking this distance learning class has allowed me to more effectively use the "FLEX" period at my school as a class, so that I can take other electives not offered as an online class.
Rachel L., AP Environmental Science student	By taking the online AP Environmental Science course, I was able to fit it into my schedule easier. Taking the class in an online format allows me to be in control more of how well I do in the class, because the materials and assignments are easily accessible. Being able to communicate with people from different areas also provides a different opinion from the majority that is found in my "real" classes. This helps me to look at issues with a new perspective, especially those involving the environment.
Cali L., Chinese I student	Distance education is really one of the best things to come out of the age of computers, I think. I am a student at a tiny rural high school in southwest Virginia, and our school system just is not equipped to provide advanced or non-traditional courses for students. See, over summer 2009, I attended the Governor's Foreign Language Academies and STARTALK programs and began to study Chinese. I fell in love almost instantaneously, but the only language courses my school offers are in Spanish. This is where distance education programs come in. I am able to continue my studies in Chinese, and have plans to expand my language learning by taking Latin next year in addition to Chinese II and Spanish IV. Through these programs, such as Virtual Virginia, students are able to take the advanced or non-traditional courses that they like. And the class materials are not the only thing one can learn from a distance education course. Responsibility, time management, and computer skills are just a few of the skills students can learn from taking DE courses. These courses also can help students gain college credit while still in high school through AP and dual-credit classes, which will help students cut down on the overall cost of a college education, which is not by any means inexpensive. I am currently taking US History through my local community college and love the course. I feel like I am being challenged in ways that I would not have been in a regular US History class. It's these kinds of benefits, I feel, that can help the students of today succeed tomorrow, and I'm so glad that there are programs out there like Virtual Virginia to help. Thank you!
Amanda B., Creative Writing, and AP English Language and Composition student	Virtual Virginia has offered me so many different courses that our school did not offer. Our school is small in a rural community with about 120, give or take a few, in the high school. We offer only one foreign language, Spanish; and just basic English, math, science, agriculture and history classes. When I started foreign languages in eighth grade, I looked at the option in our school, Spanish, and was disappointed. It wasn't until my school counselor let me know that Virtual Virginia was an online school that offered regular and AP classes to schools all over Virginia. Unfortunately, nobody in the school had taken the online language classes, so I was their first "guinea pig." It was an interesting experience, but one that I loved! Virtual Virginia has helped gain more confidence on the computer, and now four out of my seven classes are on the computer -- two of them with Virtual Virginia. I feel more comfortable working at my own pace and independently than in "real" (face-to-face) classes. Last year I took my first AP class and was so impressed with how the course was laid and how my teacher really helped me prepare for the AP Exam. I was well rewarded when the letter came telling me I had gotten a four! This is my fourth year taking online classes through Virtual Virginia, and it will not by my last!
Valerie G., AP Environmental Science student	Many interesting classes are not taught at my high school, and it is so great to be able to access them through Virtual Virginia. Not only am I able to see videos, listen to podcasts, and discuss issues with classmates from all over the world, I am also able to see through technology how the things I am being taught apply to life outside the class.
Rachel D., Chinese II student	I have always loved learning, especially languages. My school did not offer Chinese. I started a Mandarin Chinese course online with my friend through Virtual Virginia. Both of us are very happy with the results. We have a wonderful teacher and I feel like I know my classmates even though I have never seen them. This is my second year of online Chinese, and I know that I have learned a lot. This has been a great experience for me, and I would like to say 谢谢 (thank you) to Virtual Virginia and to my teacher.
Sade H., AP Psychology student	This class has helped my education because I've learned things that I did not know before, and I also take this class in the Distance Learning Lab in my school.

Virtual Virginia students share their distance-learning experiences for National Distance Learning Week

2009-11-10T09:21:00.006-05:00

Mallory T., Spanish IV student	I've always loved to learn, and wanted to take as many opportunities as possible. When signing up for classes for my junior year, I realized that my schedule could not fit in a Spanish IV class without bumping a class I did not want to lose! Trying to figure out a solution, my guidance counselor recommended that I take Spanish IV through Virtual Virginia online courses. At first, I was overwhelmed. There was NO English at all in the program. It was several levels above anything offered at my school! I was almost worried that I wouldn't make it in this difficult course, but thanks to hard work, practice, an easily accessible online classroom, and a very supportive instructor, I have become one of the most capable Spanish students in my school. I can write and read and even speak Spanish easily, and Virtual Virginia offers me the chance to practice every day! Because of this year, I am eligible to take the AP Spanish course next year. Thank you, Virtual Virginia!
Sarah C., Chinese II student	Virtual Virginia has helped me do things I never thought I could do. Thanks to VVa, I'm excelling in a subject I love with all my heart. With the help of my classmates and loving teacher, I'm really enjoying this year. Thank you Virtual Virginia, for helping me be the best I can.
Brooke A., AP European History student	Taking an AP class through the Virtual Virginia online program has allowed me to expand the learning boundaries of my high school. I'd taken a couple of AP courses in my junior year that my high school offered; and I am taking two AP classes this year through the school, but I was disappointed that my school did not offer AP European History as a class. However, through the Virtual Virginia program, I'm now enrolled in that class and am satisfied that I can now enjoy the class and will be capable to take the exam in May. It also has exposed me to how an online class works, and I am now familiar with its structure and the requirements, and it encourages me to enroll in future online classes if given the opportunity again.
Ethan W., AP U.S. Government student	I live on a farm with my parents and grandparents where I learned to enjoy the little things in life. I do pretty well in school, but we don't have much where I come from. When I was offered to take a government class online, I decided to try it. I have learned a lot from this class: how to study, how to manage my time, and how to do homework. This class has introduced me to people that I have never met before, and I have learned that there are other ways of life besides the country way. Thanks to this class, I am more educated in the ways of our government and I feel that I will be able to make a well-educated decision when I go to the polls and vote.
Alisha G., AP Psychology and World Mythology student	Online learning with Virtual Virginia has greatly helped me in school. It not only offers more classes that my high school doesn't, but it also has taught me to be a more independent learner. Next year when I go to college, I believe I will be okay because of the study habits I have learned while taking AP Psychology and Mythology. Thanks Virtual Virginia!
Glenna D., Latin I student	The distance learning program has allowed me to take classes that are not normally taught at my school. It opens a wider range of possibilities and allows me to prepare better for my college goals. Virtual Virginia has also allowed me to become friends with students of all ages across the state. It certainly shows me how different we all are. I am glad I am involved with the program and plan to stay with it.
Madonna Y., AP European History student	Distance learning has allowed me to take a class that would not have fit on my schedule. I am taking this class outside school hours, and it has really helped me manage time and improve my writing skills. It has also given me a quality understanding of the topic and will be worth college credit.
Holly J., AP Microeconomics student	Virtual Virginia has helped my education by providing me the resources to take courses that are not offered at my school. Living in Southside, Virginia, a common tone throughout education is that Northern Virginia students are better off because they have more opportunities. I was once told by someone that I wouldn't get into the colleges I wanted to because the NoVa kids would be chosen over me. I feel that Virtual Virginia has given me the opportunity to take the same classes that are offered to the rest of the students in the state. When asked by friends and teachers what my senior schedule is, they are often shocked to find out that I am taking four classes with Virtual Virginia. When they ask me why, my response is that these are things that I'm going to have to study in college, so why not get ahead and go in with a basis for what I'm getting ready to spend at least four years studying?

Virtual Virginia celebrates National Distance Learning Week

2009-11-09T13:41:00.003-05:00

This week is National Distance Learning Week. Starting Tuesday, Virtual Virginia will celebrate by sharing student comments about their distance-learning experiences. Come back each day this week to find out how distance learning plays a role in students' lives, and how it has influenced their education and goals.

Learn more about National Distance Learning Week.

Virtual Virginia Student Featured At iNacol E-Learning Forum on Capitol Hill

2009-10-13T10:19:00.006-04:00

Virtual Virginia (VVa) was pleased to be invited to Capitol Hill last week to share our successes with online learning. The International Association for K12 Online Learning held an E-Learning Forum on October 9 at the U.S. Capitol. The program started with remarks by experts in the field of online learning and included comments by the former governor of West Virginia, Bob Wise, and several congressional staffers. The event also featured a panel of students enrolled in online courses from around the country.

Frank Miller, a senior at Kecoughtan High School, was Virtual Virginia's representative. Frank has taken AP Physics and AP Spanish Language online with VVa. Regular readers of this blog might remember that Frank earned a Gold Award and was also a "Top Scorer: Level 5” on the National Spanish Examination last year. Frank is currently taking AP English Literature and Composition with Virtual Virginia.

iNACOL President and CEO Susan Patrick asks Frank a followup question

The student panel answered questions and explained how they connected with their teachers in their online courses. Miller reported that his AP Spanish course felt like an immersion language experience due to the amount of communication he had with his instructor in Spanish. (Señora Warnick, his instructor for AP Spanish, joined Frank for the event. It was the first time either of them had heard the other person speak English.) Miller also spoke highly of the Elluminate and Wimba tools that we use to facilitate live conversations between students and their teachers.

Students were also asked about the socialization in an online course. Frank described his ability to interact with his fellow Virtual Virginia classmates who live in other countries -- an experience that has broadened his perspective and has allowed him to socialize with a more diverse community.

After Frank spoke, Virtual Virginia was given some time to showcase its courses. Virtual Virginia instructors including Señora Warnick and Chinese instructor, Kong Laoshi (Susan Cox), helped provide information. Quite a few congressional staffers and parents stopped by to ask about our program.

From left to right: Asst. Instructional Supervisor Scott Cloud, Chinese Instructor Susan Cox, Spanish Instructor Sarah Warnick, Frank Anthony Miller, and Frank Alan Miller (Frank's understandably proud father).

Would you like us to speak to your organization about our program?
Email scott.cloud@virtualvirginia.org or call (866) 650-0024.

Le Grand Concours Results

2009-05-22T15:05:00.007-04:00

Virtual Virginia students taking our AP French course recently participated in Le Grand Concours.

Eight of our students ranked in the top 20 students taking this exam in Virginia. Huy-Duc Trung was ranked second in Virginia and seventh nationally. Congratulations! We are proud of you.

Pictures of the awards from the National Spanish Exam

2009-05-13T09:15:00.001-04:00

Superintendent's Memo Regarding Registration

2009-05-13T08:19:00.002-04:00

Superintendent's Memo #124-09 describes registration for Virtual Virginia courses.

Twitter

2009-05-11T12:27:00.000-04:00

You can now follow Virtual Virginia on Twitter at http://twitter.com/virtualva.

AP Exam Review Materials Donations Accepted

2009-05-08T08:26:00.001-04:00

Virtual Virginia is gratefully accepting donations of AP exam prep books for the courses we offer in order to help build a lending library for our students. You can send your used exam prep books to:

Virginia Department of Education
Virtual Virginia Program
101 N. 14th Street James Monroe Building, Lower Level
Richmond, VA 23219
Attn: Betsy Gragnani

National Latin Exam Honors

2009-05-07T16:46:00.004-04:00

Virtual Virginia students who took the recent National Latin Exam earned the following accolades. 4 students earned the Maxima cum laude honor (silver medal & certificate), 11 students earned Magna cum laude certificate, and 16 earned the Cum laude certificate.

National Spanish Examination

2009-05-01T10:26:00.000-04:00

The National Spanish Examination scores are in! Virtual Virginia students earned 2 Gold “Oro” Awards, 2 Silver “Plata” Awards, 3 Bronze “Bronce” Awards, and 2 Honorable Mentions “Premios”. A very special congratulations goes out to Frank Miller (AP Spanish Language), who earned one of the Gold Awards and was also a "Top Scorer: Level 5”. Frank won a medal and $100 savings bond. ¡Bien hecho, estudiantes!

Education for a Lifetime: The Early College Scholars Program

2009-04-16T07:48:00.003-04:00

The Early College Scholars Program was established by former Governor Mark Warner as part of his “Education for a Lifetime” initiative. The program was designed to allow and encourage public high school students to complete their diploma and concurrently earn up to 15 transferable college credits.

Students who meet the requirements and enroll in the Early College Scholar program are able to take courses through Virtual Virginia free of charge. Additionally, their AP exam fees are reimbursed to their local district, if reimbursement requests are received on time.

The qualifications for the Early College Scholar program are as follows:

• Be a public school student pursuing an Advanced Studies diploma
• Maintain a “B” average
• Plan to complete the equivalent of 15 transferable college credits

Counselors are encouraged to identify students who meet these qualifications early on in the development of their academic program. Students and Parents must sign the Early College Scholar agreement and the school counselor will keep a copy in the students’ cumulative file. Counselors are reminded to make sure their students ECS status is noted when registering students for Virtual Virginia courses.

Virtual Virginia Is Hiring

2009-04-08T09:37:00.007-04:00

We currently have openings for Online Instructors for Summer Session 2009 and for the 2009-2010 Academic Session.

Virtual Virginia AP Exam Policy

2009-04-05T18:02:00.000-04:00

Virtual Virginia does not require our students to take an AP exam when they take a VVa course; however, we do ask schools to provide the opportunity to take the AP exam. Local school districts may receive AP Exam reimbursement for Early College Scholars who take the AP course through VVa.

Registration Is Open

2009-03-17T11:19:00.003-04:00

Registration for the 2009-2010 school year and Summer Session 2009 is officially open.

SREB Recognized Teacher

2009-03-09T15:21:00.003-04:00

Virtual Virginia's Spanish Instructor, Sarah Warnick, has been recognized by the Southern Regional Education Board as one of its High-Quality Online Teachers. Congratulations, Sarah!

Virtual Virginia Teachers Featured in Valley Business Front

2009-03-09T12:08:00.005-04:00

Virtual Virginia teachers Alan O'Beirne, Brian Mott, Amy Gabriel, and Tom Landon are featured in the March 2009 edition of the Valley Business Front on pages 57 and 58.

Parents get a handbook too? Yes!

2009-02-25T19:42:00.004-05:00

Did you know that Virtual Virginia provides a Student and Parent Handbook for our program? It has all kinds of useful information and forms.

Welcome To Our New Blog!

2009-02-22T14:26:00.002-05:00

Please check back regularly for updates. Our goal is to share information about Virtual Virginia that may be of interest to a wide range of stakeholders. If you ever have any questions or comments, feel free to direct them to me at scott.cloud@virtualvirginia.org.

The Voice of Virtual Virginia

Tuesday Teacher Profile: Ms. Susan Cox

Summer Session Info

Virtual Virginia Featured on WVTF Public Radio

Listen here:http://www.wvtf.org/news_and_notes/audio/201104051529170.VirtualVirginiaWeb.mp3

VVa Brochure for 2011-2012 is now available

Recognition for Great Teaching

Good Luck, Tom!

Tuesday Teacher Profile: Ms. Jesse Hernandez

Registration

Tuesday Teacher Profile: Ms. Courtney Clemons

Virtual Virginia Teacher Named Finalist for National Teaching Award Second Year In a Row

Tuesday Teacher Profile: Ms. Colleen Spinelli

Tuesday Teacher Profile: Ms. Christina Kauffman

Tuesday Teacher Profile: Ms. Cat Latcovich

Tuesday Teacher Profile: Ms. Rachel Herbst

Winter Schedule

Reminder: Virtual Virginia does not close for snow.

Free Professional Development Opportunity for Virginia World Language Teachers

Tuesday Teacher Profile: Mr. Tom Landon

New Course for Spring 2011

4260 Earth Science II – Astronomy

Prerequisites

Tuesday Teacher Profile: Ms. Misty Palmer

Thanksgiving Break

Tuesday Teacher Profile: Mr. Peng Yu

Tuesday Teacher Profile: Ms. Laura Light

Tuesday Teacher Profile: Mr. Frank Duvall

Reminder

VVa Celebrates the National Day on Writing

Parent Open House Webinar Recording Now Available

Meet Virtual Virginia's New E-Learning Support Supervisor

Virtual Virginia Open House Webinars for Parents

Virtual Virginia is looking for a skilled Instructional Designer.

Welcome, September 13 Start Date (Cohort IV) students!

National Online Teacher of the Year Announced

Safe Travels and Good Luck, Mr. Sproles

Welcome, September 7 Start Date (Cohort III) students!

Virtual Virginia will be closed on September 6, 2010 for the Labor Day Holiday. All system users will continue to have access to their courses.

Welcome, August 23 Start Date (Cohort II) students!

Welcome, August 16 Start Date (Cohort I) students!

We are almost ready to open up the doors for 2010-2011 and welcome our first round of students.

Good luck to Friday's AP Exam-Takers!

Good luck to Thursday's AP Exam-Takers!

Good luck to Wednesday's AP Exam-Takers!

Good luck to Tuesday's AP Exam-Takers!

Good luck to Monday's AP Exam-Takers!

Good luck to Friday's AP Exam-Takers!

Good luck to Thursday's AP-Exam Takers!

Good luck to Wednesday's AP Exam-Takers!

Good luck to Tuesday's AP Exam-Takers!

Good luck to Monday's AP Exam-Takers!

Register now for Virtual Virginia's Summer Session

Terracotta Soldier Field Trip

VVa students celebrate final day of National Distance Learning Week

Students share more experiences about their distance learning for National Distance Learning Week

Virtual Virginia students comment about distance learning for National Distance Learning Week

Virtual Virginia students share their distance-learning experiences for National Distance Learning Week

Virtual Virginia celebrates National Distance Learning Week

Virtual Virginia Student Featured At iNacol E-Learning Forum on Capitol Hill

Le Grand Concours Results

Pictures of the awards from the National Spanish Exam

Superintendent's Memo Regarding Registration

Twitter

AP Exam Review Materials Donations Accepted

National Latin Exam Honors

National Spanish Examination

Education for a Lifetime: The Early College Scholars Program

Virtual Virginia Is Hiring

Virtual Virginia AP Exam Policy

Registration Is Open

SREB Recognized Teacher

Virtual Virginia Teachers Featured in Valley Business Front

Parents get a handbook too? Yes!

Welcome To Our New Blog!

Listen here:

http://www.wvtf.org/news_and_notes/audio/201104051529170.VirtualVirginiaWeb.mp3