Parent Teacher Magazine Union County Public Schools May/June 2016 | Page 14

Success of UC Virtual linked to one-on-one time with teachers

UC Virtual, Union County Public Schools’ online learning program,
have students) on a rotating basis. “I might have 20 science students,
has just completed its largest enrollment since it began in 2013.
but at nine different schools. So when I go to one school, I’m there to
The program, with seven full-time teachers and three adjuncts,
see maybe two students, but when I go to another, I might see 10. It all
currently offers 35 courses, which includes everything from honors and
depends on the courses we’re teaching.”
advanced placement courses, to Spanish and art appreciation.
What makes UC Virtual different from other online programs is the
“We touch all parts of the curriculum,” said Garrett Williams,
face-to-face learning that students have with their teachers.
E-Learning Program and Development Coordinator. “We have more than
“That really sets us apart,” Williams said. “There’s no other program
770 course enrollments for the spring semester. This is an enrollment
like it in the state. A lot of school systems are starting to offer virtual
increase of about 42 percent from the fall semester.”
learning, but a student will never meet his or her teacher in real time.”
“Our numbers have really skyrocketed,” said Kathy Glasheen, a UC
“Our teachers actually meet with students in the lab,” Williams
Virtual science teacher, who noted that
added. “They sit down one-on-one and
there are lots of reasons students take
in groups to help the students enrolled
online courses.
in their classes, and they provide general
The program offers courses that may
support to all UC Virtual students in the
not be offered at the student’s home
lab, as well.”
school. Some take online courses during
Another difference: all the virtual
the school year because they want to
courses are created by Union County
graduate early. Many students just like the
teachers. “We are creating community
self-paced aspect of online learning.
solutions for online learning that fit Union
“It works really well for me,” said
County,” Williams said. “You have Union
Central Academy of Technology and Arts
County people building a Union County
junior Alyssa Levine, 16, who is taking a
product for Union County students. Union
course on biomedical technology.
County knows what’s best for Union
“I’m able to pace myself better and
County students.”
focus and spend more time on the stuff
Brenda Drye, E-learning administrator,
that I need to,” Levine said. “I’m also able
said virtual learning allows students to
to research more and look into stuff I don’t
choose the type of learning methods that
understand.”
work best for them.
CATA junior Dakota Kiker, 16, likes
“We have some students who thrive in
Kathy Glasheen, a UC Virtual science teacher, at left,
being able to set his own pace, but is also assists a student at Central Academy of Technology and the online environment, who do not thrive
happy there is a teacher close by in case
in a face-to-face classroom,” Drye said.
Arts in a biomedical technology online class.
he needs additional help.
“This provides them that opportunity.
“This is my first online course, but I’ll probably take more next year; It also provides students the opportunity to take courses that are not
maybe more management courses or Spanish III,” Kiker said. “I’m
taught at their home school.”
taking Spanish II right now and it’s a little harder for me. I think online
Levine said the caveat to online learning is -- students who take
would be a better route for me to take Spanish or other languages.”
online classes have to be disciplined.
UC Virtual is an educational opportunity taught within the school
“It’s so easy to say, ‘Oh, I’ll do my work later.’ Then you run out of
system, and serves students in every high school in the county, and
time.” Levine said.
even in some middle schools.
UC Virtual is currently taking enrollment for the summer of 2016,
“We’re an organization that offers online learning through a learning
and fall and spring of the 2016-17 school year.
management system to offer flexibility and rigor to all students in Union
For more information, go to the UC Virtual web site at http://www.
County once they reach a certain level,” said UC Virtual teacher Andrew
ucps.k12.nc.us/page/2903
Starnes. “We’re in a unique position because there is nothing else like it
—This article was provided by the Union County Public Schools
in the county.”
Communications Office.
Glasheen explained that teachers visit all the schools (where they

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