The importance of curriculum development. We appreciated the way that they are trying not only to integrate the curriculum but are also seeking to provide practical and authentic experiences away from the computer.
		Teaching and learning in a web-based environment does not have to be impersonal (a great fear of many instructors). Their excitement and personal stories made it clear that relationships can--and should--be built into online learning experiences.
		When moving to web-based instruction, we should not think of the typical course loads for teachers. It is a different environment and should be treated as such especially at the beginning.
		Teacher support and professional development are critical. They have provided a great model of helping teachers regularly come together to learn both technical and instructional skills and to promote productive dialogue. Obviously, their faculty has developed their own sense of community which brings satisfaction and prevents the feeling of isolation.
		As in the face-to-face classroom it is also true in the virtual classroom: the teacher is the key to learning. Not only does the teacher provide the content for learning but she/he sets the tone of the learning community and is the key to drawing in and encouraging reluctant learners.
		Careful thought and planning are critical before launching virtual courses and programs.
		Virtual learning can be a positive experience for secondary students and not only higher education and adult learners.
		Challenge "established" practices of education and be creative and inventive when developing our courses.

One example they shared of an activity that takes students away from the computer into truly active learning is the Germantown Academy's Philadelphia Math Trail. This is the kind of activity that The Florida High School develops and promotes.

The FHS presenters were:

		Phyllis Lentz	Research/Resource Specialist
		Cheryl Woods	Teacher & Curriculum/Course Designer, Algebra I
		Mary Mitchell	Teacher & Curriculum/Course Designer, Chemistry, Biology
		Mary-Alice Railey	Teacher & Curriculum/Course Designer, SAT Math

We enjoyed the FHS presentation and learned many things that will make it easier for us to develop our own virtual courses and programs. For more information on FHS see the site below.

The Florida High School
"The project's mission is to place a complete high school online by the year 2001 and will include those student services that will enable students to successfully transition to postsecondary educational institutions and to the workplace. To maintain high quality, course content will meet the requirements of the Florida Sunshine State Standards as well as important criteria such as the SCANS competencies that are supported by both the education and business communities."

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Updated January 27, 1999