Advanced Virtual Studies (AVS) courses are designed for students to improve critical thinking, reading for meaning, writing across the curriculum, textual analysis, and educational technology skills. These skill sets will allow students to succeed in meeting core high school standards while preparing for the rigors of college. AVS courses require significantly more student-teacher and student-student interaction and time than a general high school course.
Each AVS course is divided into modules, each of which focuses on Common Core elements. Students will be expected to then meet additional learning standards specific to the topic. These standards may include researching, integrating research into written assignments, experiential learning, highly engaged team projects, and STEM specific labs. Students will interact with the teacher and other students via Discussion Boards, Skype sessions, Blackboard Collaborate, or other medium deemed appropriate for reaching targeted learning objectives.
Introduction to Computer Applications is designed to familiarize students with computers and their applications. It will also emphasize the use of computers and technology throughout their middle school, high school, college, and future careers. Students will learn fundamental concepts of computer hardware and software and become familiar with a variety of computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and multimedia presentations. Students will also investigate Internet-based applications, working with email and learning how to browse the web.
The creative writing curriculum is designed to give students experience in many different writing formats including poetry, plays, journals and more. They will also learn how to critique, edit and revise their writing as well as the writing of others. Included in the curriculum is the opportunity to study well-renown authors in each genre for inspiration.