Online student instruction continues in Hampton Roads. English 9, Earth Science, U.S.Government, and Survival Economics are currently available to participanting school divisions. Englich 10 and Algeba I are the next 2 courses to be developed. The Hampton Roads Virtual Learning Center (http://whro.hrvlc.org) is funded by a number of the schools that own the Hampton Roads Educational Telecomunications Association, Inc (HRETA), WHRO's parent company.

While online student instruction courses have been available in Hampton Roads for a number of years, this is the first time that the school divisions in the region have pulled together to mutually determine needs and to cooperatively develop course content “from the ground up.” All of the courses are aligned to the VirginiaStandards of Learning; have been created and reviewed by content experts from across the region to assure the highest quality; and are modular in nature to allow for maximum delivery flexibility.

Upon completion, the courses have been made available to each participating school division to further customize and use as they see fit within their divisions. In the not too distant future it is even possible that regional courses will be offered so that students in any school division can take, regardless of location.

1. Curriculum - Online curricular offerings will be challenging, relevant, and aligned with the Virginia Standards of Learning. Curriculum will be written by teams comprised of content experts, instructional designers, technical experts, and reviewers.

2. Instructional Design - Online courses will be informed by and reflect the most current research on learning theory. They will be designed to take advantage of the special circumstances, requirements, and opportunities of the online learning environment and support the development of 21st century learning skills. The various learning styles of students will be considered. 

3. Assessment - Assessments will be authentic, formative, and regular, providing opportunities for students to reflect on their own learning and work quality during the course.

4. Course Structure - Guidelines have been developed regarding standards for course development, design, and delivery. Courses will be designed with a consistent structure, easily discernable to students of varying learning styles.

5. Content Review - Course development will be approved through a broad peer review process.

For more information on this exciting, forward thinking initiative please contact

Jacque Dewey, E-Learning Manager at WHRO and Project Manager for course development at

jacque.dewey@whro.org or 757.889.9400.

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