Motivated students get ahead in online classes

AIKEN --- Heading into his junior year, South Aiken High student Jesse Hall knew he needed three language classes to get into Clemson University. The problem was the school dropped Latin classes at the end of last year.

The solution was in the school library.

Jesse is one of 52 students at South Aiken High enrolled in the state's Virtual School Program, which offers high school students about 60 online courses ranging from English I to Advanced Placement statistics.

During second period, Jesse heads to the library for Latin.

The class consists of self-paced assignments with a teacher in Gainesville, Fla., who moderates and offers feedback online.

"It puts a lot more responsibility on the student," Jesse said. "It's definitely hard not having a teacher there to get immediate feedback. There's no instant gratification."

South Aiken High has the most students in the county pursuing online courses, according to Debbie Hubbard of the Aiken County school district.

South Aiken High guidance counselor Larry Nelson said students pursuing online courses are self-motivated and sometimes see them as a way to get ahead.

Sign-up begins at the guidance office. Students complete counseling to see whether they are prepared and have the means to complete online assignments at home. Students then fill out an application.

More than 16,000 applications were filed at the beginning of the 2008-09 school year, but only 13,000 were approved, according to the state Education Department.

Once accepted, students are on their own to keep up with course work and maintain contact with the teacher.

The school steps in only during finals to administer end-of-course exams.

Not every student will be successful, Mr. Nelson said.

"Students sign up and think because they are failing in a regular class that this can be an easier path, and it isn't," he said. "This works best for the good student."

Each course meets state curriculum standards and contains video content or e-books in place of textbooks. Online sites also offer videoconferences.

"I would definitely take another (online) class," Jesse said. "It's really good because I can e-mail my instructor when I need her and just do my own thing otherwise."

The program also offers content recovery courses for students who are behind in school, and it is available to home schools.

Visit blackboard.ed.sc.gov for registration.

Reach Julia Sellers at (706) 823-3424 or julia.sellers@augustachronicle.com.

VIRTUAL SCHOOL ENROLLMENT

Aiken County's numbers for 2008-09:

Source: Aiken County School District

* W/D designates that the student withdrew from the class.