Innovative, virtual classrooms

Connect to instructors and classmates without leaving your home or school

Faq's

What is a Distance Education Network?

What does my school need to provide its students so they may participate in the River Valley Technical Center’s Distance programs?

Do students need a computer at home?

How much do students need to know about computers?

How do students interact with their instructors and classmates?

Will online instructors only be available to students during first block?

What materials will be provided and maintained by River valley Technical Center?

What services will River Valley’s Guidance Department provide?

Q. What is a Distance Education Network?

A. Distance Education is a method of offering programs to students

• That are not offered at their home schools,
• And may not wish to physically go to a school where the program is offered.
  
  
  

Q. What does my school need to provide its students so they may participate in the River Valley Technical Center’s Distance programs?
A. Students need a computer at school with Internet access where they can work during their first block or period of the day.
All other materials, hardware and software will be provided and maintained by River Valley Technical Center.

Q. Do students need a computer at home?
A. It is strongly recommended that students have access to a computer at home.


Q. How much do students need to know about computers?
A. Students should be able to:

• Send emails with attachments
• Print files
• And load software.

Q. How do students interact with their instructors and classmates?
A. Students use Blackboard, a sophisticated online application. Through Blackboard, during first block they will be able to:

• Teleconference
• Chat
• Receive assignments
• Ask questions
• Get immediate answers
• Take online tests and quizzes
• Submit work

Students will also be able to use Blackboard any other time of the day (or night) to:

• Review
• Check assignments
• Submit work
• Ask questions for later reply
• Take online tests and quizzes
• Access their grades
  
  
  

Q. Will online instructors only be available to students during first block?
A. Students will be able to contact or conference with instructors through:

• Private chat and teleconference at a mutually designated time
• E-mail
• Phone
• Personal visits by the instructor
• Field trips

In addition, River Valley’s instructors hold weekly face to face meetings with their Distance Ed students as well as periodic all day sessions in an effort to provide a sense of camaraderie that traditional courses offer.

Q. What materials will be provided and maintained by River valley Technical Center?
A. River Valley will provide:

• Cameras for teleconferencing
• All software necessary for each student’s particular program
• Lab kits where appropriate

River Valley Technical Center will work with your school’s IT department, so we may effectively set up and maintain the equipment.

Q. What services will River Valley’s Guidance Department provide?
A. Our Guidance Department will work with you concerning:

• The application process
• Embedded academic credit
• Courses carrying AP or college credit
• IEP and 504 accommodations