Q. What is Virtual Greenbush?

A. Virtual Greenbush provides students with online high school courses by utilizing the unique capabilities and qualities of the World Wide Web.

Q. How are the Virtual Greenbush courses different from other online courses?

A. Virtual Greenbush courses are unique from other Web-based courses because of their interactivity and student-centered focus. All the tools and materials a student needs to take a course are contained within the course, with a few exceptions where a textbook may be needed.

• Students are responsible for their own learning with guidance from the teacher.
• Students make choices in the paths they take and select from many different learning activities and experiences.
• Students encounter increasing levels of complexity and sophistication within the course content so that they acquire an ever-widening understanding of the concepts being presented.

The Online courses give students the opportunity to learn using a myriad of learning tools that are unique to Web-based distance education, including dynamic learning activities, student-selected learning paths, multimedia-reinforced learning, self-monitoring of progress and the ability to create multimedia portfolios, all in a seamless learning environment not bound by time or space.

Q. What computer skills do students need?

A. A basic understanding of computers as well as the Internet is helpful. Students should know how to use the keyboard, mouse, CD-ROM drive, how to point and click, and use pull-down menus. Experience with e-mail and browsers (Internet Explorer) is also helpful.

Q. What computer system configurations must a student have?

A. Students will need the following minimum configurations in order to take a course:

Pentium running at least Windows 98 or Mac with System OS 9 or greater.
Direct network access or 56 Kbps modem with Internet access
8x or greater CD ROM
64 MB memory RAM
Hard drive with 40 mb space available
Color monitor (16 bit, 800 x 600 resolution - minimum)
Sound card/speakers
Keyboard and mouse
Internet Explorer 5.0+ or higher (only supported browser)
MAC users may need to download Firefox, as IE is the only supported browser, thus far (06), Safari and AOL do not work properly with Blackboard or many of the providers
Course specific plug-ins (also under the Plug-Ins link on our website)
Microphone for Conversational English or some Foreign Language courses

Q. What about Web security?

A. A username and password are required to access the courses.

Q. Who can take the courses?

A. These courses are open to any learner enrolled through a local school and who has access to a computer that meets the minimum configurations.

Q. Can students take a course from home?

A. Yes, if the student has access to the appropriate computer and Internet service, however, note that all quizzes and exams are password protected and should be taken in a proctored environment.

Q. What courses are currently available for enrollment?

A. Check out our online course catalog. Courses are available in many different subject areas.

Q. What type of students take online courses?

A. Online courses have been found to be a particularly valuable option for the following:

1) College bound students in need of advanced or specialized coursework;

2) Students who are homebound, have been suspended or expelled, or who are unable to attend school during traditional times;

3) Students wanting to improve their skills in specific subject areas;

4) Gifted or advanced students in need of expanded educational offerings;

5) Students in need of summer credit hours.

Q. What's included in the online courses?

A. Courses include video, audio, online quizzes and tests, and projects that students complete and e-mail to the teacher. In most cases, quizzes provide immediate feedback. Students may have an online notebook that serves as their personal note taking space as well as the tool for submitting assignments. Links, notes, pictures, and other information can be stored in the notebook. Students can use their Virtual Greenbush e-mail account to communicate with their teacher and other students taking the course. Links to the Web will provide additional information about a particular subject. Each course should include a course guide which includes information such as overview of the course, objectives, and how the course will be graded.

Q. What kind of technical support and training is provided?

A. Virtual Greenbush will provide technical support to the online teacher, online students, and local school contact. Virtual Greenbush will also provide informational sessions to high school counselors and administrators. Currently we have a section on our site called Customer Service with some helpful suggestions for some commonly known issues. In addition, if the situation calls for it, we also have a unique tool to connect and perform a web based meetings.

Q. Who facilitates each course?

A. Virtual Greenbush employs full-time or part-time certified teachers to facilitate the courses. They work with students throughout the course and are available via e-mail, fax and phone (by request of the student) for students taking a course. The facilitators have received extensive training in web-based instruction. Online teachers are the "teacher of record" for participating schools.

Q. How do students register?

A. Click here to begin registration

Q. Who grants credit?

A. Local school districts grant the credit for each course as approved by their Board of Education.

Q. How long do students have to complete a course?

A. For all half or .05 credit courses, the course cost covers a period of six months from the date the enrollment is processed. For any full or 1.0 credit courses, students are given a full year to complete. Extensions are available to students for an additional cost of $50 per month/per course.

Q. How do students get a username and password for the courses?

A. Once enrollment for the course is received, verified and processed, the student will receive an e-mail with their username and password so that they may begin the course.

Q. Are homeschoolers eligible to take these online courses?

A. Yes, homeschoolers can take individual courses on a fee basis. However, it is at the discretion of the local school district to grant credit. All students enrolling in the Online courses must work with a local school district.

Q. Are the State Assessments administered to students receiving online instruction?

A. Online courses provided through Virtual Greenbush are not intended to be an alternative to enrollment in a local high school. Classes taken through Virtual Greenbush are expanding curriculum and learning for students enrolled in participating school districts. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the local school district to administer appropriate state assessments as well as other norm referenced tests.

Q. Does Virtual Greenbush offer a diploma program?

A. Virtual Greenbush was recently accreditated to begin granting diplomas. Each case is unique, so please contact us before deciding on our diploma program.

Q. How do I contact Virtual Greenbush

A. Click here to access our contact information, or to reach one of our staff members individually, click here.