Evidence

Apex Learning

A High School Classroom of Credit Retrieval
An example of Blended Learning for today's student....

     

Access:
Apex Learning allows students to recover their credits online and is a great opportunity for high school students.  Kids work at their own pace and can work at both school and at home.  Some of our students take more than one class at a time.  Students at Desert Oasis High School are enrolled in Apex Learning classes for many different reasons.   Students first meet with their counselor and typically after credit checks enroll into Apex courses.  (See list of courses offered below)  Students take classes for a million different reasons - everything from failing a class, choosing not to do the work in class, a conflict with a teacher, excessive absences, and finally a we had student who actually tripped over the family dog and ended up in the hospital for over a month.  Our biggest success is a high school senior who has recovered over 4 credits so far this year.

Duration of usage:
When students enroll they are either assigned to a regular class period with an Apex Teacher or they can take Apex classes after school as a virtual class.  There is a teacher present during 7th Hour if they want to work in class but otherwise they are able to do most of the course online at home or in another part of the building.

The beginning is critical for students.  They need about a 20 minute session of direct instruction to know where, how and when to access Apex Learning.  The units, lessons, and activities for each class are explained and a demonstration of a journal, project, quiz, and online discussion is given before students are allowed to work on their own.  Additionally they are told to email their teacher to test that they know how to get support.  The students do very well as long as they take the time to understand the basics of Apex Learning.  One additional thing they can use are the Apex Help sections.  These are outstanding and very helpful to the students.  Most include video instruction and a place or resource to get instant direction. 

Response of students, parents, & administration:
Students:
Students have responded quite well to Apex Learning at Desert Oasis High School.  They enjoy the blended learning concept and seem to enjoy the way Apex Learning is designed.  One of the things the students have told me that they like this year - different from previous years - is that they are able to speak to the teacher grading the work.  In the past the teachers were off campus and having teachers who are at Desert Oasis has become very beneficial.  They dislike waiting for quizzes / tests to be reset.  The issue is usually that they need more direct instruction to move on and sometimes the instant gratification is not there - something they really dislike.
Parents:
Parents have been very supportive of Apex Learning.  It would be helpful for all Apex students  and their parents to attend a question and answer support presentation.  I think a lot of their concerns could be addressed and they would be strongly supportive in helping their son or daughter succeed in credit retrieval.

Administration:

My principal is very supportive of incorporating technology and online learning into the curriculum. I’ve been given many opportunities to help others and to give instruction as needed.

What would I continue or discontinue?
Everything is full speed ahead for Apex Learning.  Technology is a vital part of Desert Oasis High School and will continue to be.  Below are examples of Apex Forms and items used with students to help in making them successful in credit retrieval.  A vital resource is the district resource of professionals who help to make us successful in the schools.



1.  List of classes offered by Apex Learning and CCSD 2014-2015

2.  Overdue Assignment Example 

3.  Example of Apex Completion - What the students receive..