According to the National Educational Technology Standards and Performance Indicators for Students (2007), there are seven criteria on which schools should focus in their use of educational technology: creativity and innovation, communication and collaboration, research and information fluency, critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making, digital citizenship, and technology operations and concepts. (NETS for students, 2007) In order to meet these standards, schools must consider ways to best utilize the technology resources in meeting the diverse needs of all its students.
Apex Learning provides on-line learning solutions for K-12 education. This product has been purchased by Forsyth County Schools and is used as a supplement to in-classroom instruction and as a remediation solution. In a published interview with the current CEO of Apex Learning, it is revealed that its target audience has increasingly become students who have not been successful in the traditional classroom. The company believes that on-line learning can play a key role in helping schools differentiate instruction to address the unique needs and increase the educational opportunities for all of its students. The programs assist in original credit, credit-recovery, and intervention. (Nash, 2009) At North Forsyth High School, there are currently five classes each day that strictly utilize APEX online learning for credit recovery for struggling upperclassmen. This is an excellent alternative for schools to assist struggling students in the mastery of the standards.
In 2010, Forsyth County schools announced the opening of I-Achieve Virtual Academy for the 2010 -2011 school years. I-Achieve Virtual Academy will best serve students who are looking for a high quality, technology-based alternative to their current learning environment and who are seeking flexibility in their school schedule. Previously homeschooled or private school students seeking an academically rigorous, accredited, middle and high school education could benefit from this option. (I-Achieve Virtual Academy, 2010)
In partnership with Lanier Technical College and Communities in Schools of Georgia, Forsyth County Schools opened the Forsyth Academy, a non-traditional high school, in the fall of 2005. Forsyth Academy is another route to graduation for those students who are not successful in a traditional school setting. Students are allowed to work at their own pace using an online, computer-based curriculum, supplemented with offline projects and assignments. The curriculum is rigorous and relevant and ensures that all Georgia Performance Standards are met. The academic schedule is flexible, which helps students overcome personal obstacles that have previously prevented academic achievement Students can develop marketable skills in preparation for college and the workplace through internships, dual college enrollment and technical training. Non-instructional needs will also be addressed by an on-site service provider. (Forsyth Academy: Charting Pathways for Student Success, n.d.)
The Forsyth County school system has a Teacher and Parent Resource Center where materials are available for teachers working with ELL (English Language Learners), students, and parents. Helpful materials are available for check-out through the Transition Service Center. These materials include bilingual dictionaries (Spanish, Bosnian, German, etc.), Spanish/English dictionaries for school terminology, reading materials for students, and parenting books, tapes, and videos. (Transition Services, 2010) North Forsyth High School also offers an afternoon computer literacy class for the community’s Hispanic population.
For students needing assistive technology to aid learning, each school is equipped with a variety of tools to empower this segment of the student population.
Forsyth academy: Charting pathways for student success. (n.d.). Retrieved June 13, 2010 from http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/1325207216473310/site/default.asp
I-Achieve Virtual Academy. (2010). Retrieved June 13, 2010 from http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/129410616212035640/lib/129410616212035640/iAchieve/Microsoft%20PowerPoint%20-%20iachieve.pdf
Nash, S. (2009) Interview with cheryl vedoe, apex learning: Innovators in e-learning series. Retrieved on January 21, 2010 from http://elearnqueen.blogspot.com/2009/03/interview-with-cheryl-vedoe-apex.htm.
Transition services webpage. (2010). Retrieved June 13, 2010 from http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/12941061621547467/blank/browse.asp?a=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&c=73687&12941061621547467Nav=|&NodeID=1508
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