Dubai American Academy students gain access to over 200 Online Courses

DAA will expand the student's 21st century learning skills by offering their students access to over 200 online courses to obtain credits, to get ahead or simply to learn about a subject that interests them.

This new program is made possible by a partnership with Virtual High School, the pioneer of online learning for high school students and online course design and instruction for teachers.

Starting with the 2006-2007 school year, DAA will be supplementing their physical course offerings with rigorous VHS Net Courses. These courses will, without social barriers, enable students to freely share their thoughts with students and educators all over the world and increase their knowledge of collaborative online learning (e-learning) that will be a critical component of their college life and future careers.

Students can access the courses from the school terminals or from any other internet connection at their convenience, and a dedicated site coordinator, Amy Smith - also the IT Director, will act as a liaison between students, teachers and VHS assuming the position of VHS Coordinator.

"Virtual High School not only provides a way for DAA to diversify the curriculum, but it gives students an opportunity to gain valuable e-learning skills that they will inevitably need in their university and professional careers. I helped implement Virtual High School at a previous institution and it was - and continues to be - a great success. I expect the same great success for DAA," commented Amy Smith.

Founded in 1996, Virtual High School is a non-profit collaboration of high schools, teachers and students consisting of over 6,000 enrolled students, 324 member schools and 204 teachers in 27 states and 24 countries. Teachers who are certified in their specific discipline and, who have completed VHS's rigorous 15-week minimum professional development program, facilitate and continually monitor all courses.

In addition, VHS students benefit from a comfortable, real world simulated learning environment, small classes and personalized one-on-one attention from active high school teachers, while mastering subject matter and 21st century and ICT (Information and Communication Technology) skills that will aid in the success of future work and higher education. According to VHS statistics, 90% of VHS students complete their courses, as compared to a lag of 18-20% for traditional online courses, and 76% receive a grade 'C' or better.

"We are incredibly excited to have DAA as part of our consortium," said Liz Pape, President & CEO of Virtual High School. "VHS exists because of the support of schools like DAA and their staff and students which continue to foster the growth of our community."