Outline Example for VLA students

Below is an example of an outline put together by one of our VLA teachers. Mr. Ed Trifonoff was kind enough to let us use this as an example. This exceptional outline really points out some specifics that he expects from his students. Please review this when you get an opportunity, and try to incorporate it in your welcome messages to your new students.

Virtual Learning Academy

Social Studies Course Outline

Mr. Ed Trifonoff

Expectations and Completion

            It is expected that you complete all coursework in a timely manner.  Although you do not have specific deadlines for individual units/lessons, you should complete a unit/lesson each week.  The Academy permits you one calendar year from the time you are enrolled to complete your coursework.  Your school district or school may establish specific dates for when you need to complete your coursework.  Please remember your school district or school policies override the policies set forth by the Academy or myself.  To ensure you are able to fully complete all of your coursework, it is expected that you turn in weekly assignments.

Redo

            One function I have is to permit you the ability to redo certain questions that you incorrectly submit.  I will permit you the opportunity to redo questions that require an extended response answer.  If I send an assignment back to you and there are questions marked for redo, you will need to correct those questions and resubmit your assignment for grading.  I will not permit you the opportunity to redo objective questions (multiple-choice, true/false, etc.), because a possible answer is already provided for you. 

Bonus/Extra Credit

            Throughout the course, I may provide you with opportunities to earn bonus/extra credit.  You need to remember that bonus/extra credit is not a required component of the course and it can only improve your average in the course. 

Forum/Threaded Discussion

            The forum/threaded discussion is one way the teacher and student(s) can communicate.  You will need to frequently check the forum to see if I have posted messages that require a response.  I may also use the forum to give you the opportunity to earn extra credit/bonus points.  It will be your responsibility to check the forum for messages.

Personalized Messages

            There may be times where I need to send you a personal or individualized message.  If I do send you a personal message, I may require you to give a response to my message.  Please respond to these messages in a timely manner.

Grading

            Once you complete a unit/lesson, I will grade that assignment within one calendar day.  If I mark any question(s) for redo, you will need to redo those questions and then resubmit the unit/lesson.  After I grade a unit/lesson you will receive a grade in percentage form.  You will not receive a letter grade for an assignment or final grade for the course from me.  If you would like to know your letter grade for an individual unit/lesson or final grade for the course, please refer to your school district or school grading policy. 

Questions/Confusion

            At any time during the course you have a question or you would like me to explain something, please do not hesitate to send me a message.  I will reply to your message as soon as possible so you can continue working on your coursework.  I want to make this experience in the Academy as enjoyable as possible and I will help in any way that I can so you can be successful throughout your course.