Distance Learning

Vernon Regional Adult Basic Education is pleased to offer online courses to our students.  The credit diploma courses are designed for students to take in conjunction with their on site courses in order to earn their high school diploma. 
In addition, a GED online course is offered to help students prepare to take their GED.  This open enrollment  course may be taken in conjunction with an onsite course or on its own.
 
Collaborative Project
As adult educators, Vernon Regional Adult Basic Education instructors recognized the need to explore this form of teaching and learning as an option for our students. In the fall of 2003, our Region, along with Hartford, New London, and Middletown Adult Education facilities entered into a collaboration with the Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium to design and pilot an Orientation to Web-based Learning course as well as 4  content area courses. In 2004 only 4 content level courses, Algebra, American Government, Physics, and Contemporary Literature, were available to the participating regions. As of 2008, there are a total of fifteen courses available to credit diploma students.  Each course is divided into 2 sessions worth 1/2 credit each session. Each subject session is repeated at least once during the school year.  There are four terms throughout the school year as well as a summer term.   For a detailed description of each course and the schedule, please see the Courses link on the Adult Virtual High School website.
 
Students interested in participating in an online class for credit should read the information provided below:

Online Application Process

1.  A student must complete an application to take an online course EACH TERM.
2. The application may be submitted at anytime prior to registration. Students should try to submit applications
     at least 4 days prior to the beginning of registration in order to assure that he/she gets into course before
     it is filled.
3. It is requested that all applications be submitted 4 days before the last day of registration.
4. Send applications to RHS- VRABE Office-  Attention: Suzanne Scheffler
5. Coordinator then calls the student to verify information, review what is involved, and set up weekly office hours
    and mentor.
6. Once student speaks with mentor, he/she is then added to the course.

Student Prerequisites:

In order for students to enroll in an online class, they must fulfill the following requirements:

1. They must have completed at least one trimester of on site courses with Vernon Regional Adult Education with all passing    grades and no drops.
2. If offered at your site, they must complete course “Orientation to Online Learning”.  (This policy will be
    enforced beginning in Fall of 2008). If the site does not offer the course, then they must complete 3 online modules and open book exam.
3. They must be motivated, since this is a time consuming task.
4. They must have strong computer skills including using e-mail, Microsoft Word, and the Internet.
5. They must have access to a computer- preferably at their own home due to the number of hours that will be
     required.  Due to blocks and required software, the library is not a recommended option.

Student Requirements:

Once they are enrolled in an online course, there are a number of requirements.   These may vary by course, but the following apply to all:

1.They must meet with their mentor for at least 1.5 hours every week.
2. If they fall behind in the class, the amount of hours may increase. 
3. If they get a week or more ahead in their class, they do not have to meet with their mentor.
4. They must plan on dedicating at least 4 additional hours per week on their own.
5. They must log on at least every other day to check announcements, assignments, and messages.

For more information, please contact the guidance counselors at your site 
 or call or email Suzanne Scheffler:
(860) 870-6060 ext  18.

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