The Missouri Virtual Instruction Program is still "feeling birthing pains," but parent Rose Nanney is doing her best to work through the kinks. Her son, Eric, is past the midpoint in all his MoVIP semester classes and getting into the groove of learning virtually.
Problems with functioning computer links and textbook availability were worked out in the first two weeks of school. Envelopes for mailing portfolio assignments arrived this month, so Eric could send his assignments in for grading.
"It was real tough at first. But we are getting into a routine now," Nanney said...
The program, run by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, is designed for students who wish to take classes their school does not offer, for students who have been expelled or for families wanting to homeschool but needing direction. It is also for students whose medical problems prevent them from attending school, like Eric.
Last year, Nanney's son missed 14 days at Woodland Elementary School in Marble Hill due to asthma attacks. Eric also has a severe peanut allergy, which forced him to eat lunch outside of the cafeteria.
"If he was going to be that excluded, he might as well be at home," Nanney said.
Nanney tried homeschooling Eric in kindergarten and first grade but had a hard time coordinating material. At Woodland Elementary, however, she wished a foreign language was offered, that less time was spent on test preparation and that her son would receive more personal attention.
She now has the flexibility to take him outside to see the changing leaves or visit a lake. Wednesday she and Eric traveled to Beggs Pumpkin Patch near Blodgett, Mo., for a field trip.
When she initially signed up for the program, she imagined Eric sitting in front of the computer all day. In reality, he only spends about 25 percent of his time online.
The other 75 percent is spent reading novels, completing science experiments, researching for social studies reports or computing math problems on paper.
When he does get online, it is to complete short quizzes, submit test answers or watch animated lessons. There are also online videos and games that are part of his lessons.
"You can do it at your own pace and finish it faster. I get done around 1 or 12:30," Eric said.
Nanney can choose her son's schedule to meet her needs. On Fridays, for example, Eric completes one English lesson and one science lesson. He doubles up on math on Mondays and social studies on Wednesdays.
Full article at Getting into the groove of virtual learning.
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