Students Receive High-Tech Education Online

Students who struggle in regular classrooms settings now have another high-tech option to get their education.

Tuesday, March 3rd 2009, 3:40 pm

By: News 9


By Charles Bassett, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Students who struggle in regular classrooms settings now have another high-tech option to get their education.

The national learning program has been around nearly a decade, getting its started in Oklahoma City.

Using Advanced Academics, a virtual classroom, the students use the Web to receive the assignments, do their class work and interact with their teachers.

"I really, really enjoy my job," said teacher Mikie Gillmore. "I really look forward to coming to work every day and getting the ‘A-ha' moment when I know I've taught someone something."

Teachers are required to have three years classroom experience before they can work in the program, but Gillmore said much of her time in the classroom was spent dealing with behavior issues.

"As I work here, I've noticed that I can address students individually and personally," Gillmore said.

The curriculum offers 90 courses, including electives and college prep courses. Students work at their own pace from home and if they have a question for the teacher, they can call in or communicate through instant messaging.

"Technology is amazing today," said Assistant Principal Patricia Hoffman. "Students have embraced it, and we'd be very remiss as educations not to embraced it as well."

Student Sam Pool of Moore suffers from Autism and was doing poorly in school before trying Advanced Academics.

"I can work short hours or long hours," 16-year-old Pool said. "That is one of the great, positive aspects of this program."

Pool now receives A's in his classes and is considering college, much to the delight of his mother, Cynthia Pool.

"He's getting a true education, I believe for the first time in his life," Cynthia Pool said.

The virtual classroom has become so popular it was bought out by DeVry University and now has students in 30 states.

Advanced Academics is currently located in Bricktown and are planning on relocating to a bigger facility and hire more teachers.

 

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

March 3rd, 2009

March 22nd, 2024

March 14th, 2024

February 9th, 2024

Top Headlines

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024