Student Participation

Cobb Virtual Academy students are expected to attend and participate in their online education courses as fully as they would attend and participate in a traditional classroom course. At a minimum, students are required to login and perform work in their online education courses daily.

Students will need an inexpensive headset with microphone to use Wimba Classroom to communicate with their instructor and classmates. During the mandatory online student orientation, students will complete a setup wizard that checks their computer for all the components needed to participate in Wimba Classroom and use Voice Tools.

Students WILL BE EXPECTED to participate in synchronous Wimba Classroom sessions as part of their course work.  Students will be notified in advance of the dates and times of the Wimba Classroom sessions.  Wimba Classroom sessions may be considered assignments or assessments by the instructor.  Students who do not participate in the Wimba Classroom sessions may receive zeros for the assignment/assessment.

Course Work Policy

All course work is to be completed by assigned dates as given by the Cobb Virtual Academy instructor in the Course Schedule.  Course work submitted late may be subject to a deduction in grade.

Students MUST submit all course work electronically through Blackboard, Cobb's Learning Management System.  Cobb Virtual Academy will not accept any work not submitted through the course.

All coursework must be completed before the administration of the final exam or End of Course Tests. 

Students are required to take final assessments at the date, time, and location posted on the CVA website.  There are NO makeup dates for EOCT or final exams.

Characteristics of Successful Cobb Virtual Academy Students

Research and experience indicates students taking online courses need regular computer and Internet access; basic technology skills; good study skills and habits, including a willingness to communicate regularly with instructors and classmates; high motivation to succeed; good writing skills; and strong time management skills. Students must also be willing to spend more time to complete requirements of online courses, as they are not easier than face to face courses.

The University of Georgia's SORT, the Student Online Readiness Tool (http://www.alt.usg.edu/sort/), addresses areas that research has found relate to student success in the online environment.   Students and parents are encouraged to use SORT to assess student readiness, goals, and learning preferences.   Student responses to SORT questions and the feedback provided on the personal readiness profile will assist students in making the right decision about enrolling in an online course.

A successful Cobb Virtual Academy student is:

• Self-disciplined. You do not need to rely on your parents or teachers to keep you on-task and involved in the class.
• Able to communicate through the computer. Remember that all your communication takes place through a written format.
• Well organized.
• Willing to ask questions immediately if a problem occurs with either technology or the course content.
• Comfortable reading information. Remember that you must read all coursework and communications from your instructor.
• Willing and able to work in their Cobb Virtual Academy course for 5 to 7 hours per week for each .5 unit course and 10 to 15 hours a week for each 1.0 unit course during Fall and Spring Terms.
• Willing and able to work in their Cobb Virtual Academy course 10 to 15 hours a week for each .5 unit course and 20 to 30 hours a week for each 1.0 unit course during Summer Term.
• Prepared to participate in their Cobb Virtual Academy course at least four days a week Fall and Spring Terms and daily during Summer Term.
• Be able to complete assignments on time.
• Aware that an online course is not easier than a traditional course. In fact, many students say it requires more time and commitment. The successful student views online courses as a convenient way to learn - not an easier way.
• Comfortable working alone without daily teacher and student interaction.

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