The+Online+Academy


 * Collaborative built by George Mason and 4 No. Va. school divisions
 * Wanted to do several things:
 * Tight standards correlations
 * Exciting pedagogy - problem-centered approach
 * Maximum flexibility - enter at any time, work at a negotiated pace, finish at an agreed upon time
 * Prevention of drop out and stop out problems
 * This group does not believe that it is good to try to recreate the features of traditional classrooms in electronic settings
 * ABANDONED the notion of a "class" - the entire structure is based upon a one-on-one tutorial relationship between a student and a teacher, called a "mentor"
 * The emphasis is on mastery in a way that is different than regular school because of this mentoring relationship.
 * How much do the students pay? Cost per course or per module, paid either by school division or by families
 * Courses have been designed by graduate students at George Mason who are supported by a school division
 * $695 per course, prorated by module
 * Mentors get $600 per student
 * Each student is issued a GMU email account that has no personal student information linked to it.
 * Telephone or scheduled "Digichat" allows synchronous communication
 * There are textbooks associated with the courses… often more than one from the state approved list
 * Shall we offer this in association with our program for special circumstances?
 * To teach for these folks, you have to be certified in Virginia AND be nationally certified