Winter Schedule

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.

Ms. Spinelli (AP Environmental Science)

Free Professional Development Opportunity for Virginia World Language Teachers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

National Online Teacher of the Year Announced

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

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!

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

Good luck to Thursday's AP Exam-Takers!

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!

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!

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!

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

Good luck to Friday's AP Exam-Takers!

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!

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!

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

Good luck to Tuesday's AP Exam-Takers!

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!

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

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

Terracotta Soldier Field Trip

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)