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Q
Why Global Online Academy?
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A
Online education is becoming an integral part of learning in schools and colleges throughout the world. You will learn vital skills that are important for college and for your chosen careers. Electing an online course through the GOA ensures that you are connected with students and teachers from independent schools around the world. It’s a great opportunity to learn and have an impact that expands beyond your school community.
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Q
How do GOA classes work?
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A
GOA classes are very similar to classes you take at your school now, just online and with students from all over the world. You will work on projects, collaborate with classmates, read, research, watch videos, participate in discussions, take quizzes and tests, and use innovative new tools to guide your learning. There is an emphasis on assignments that allow you to connect with other students. (These are not the types of courses where you log in once each week, work alone, and take a test!)
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Q
Are these classes extra to what I’m already taking?
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A
No. These are regular classes and should not be taken on top of a full load. These classes are intended to be a part of your course load and are considered to be just like any other course you take.
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Q
What do colleges think about these classes?
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A
1 in 3 college students are taking a course online! You will most likely take an online course in the next few years, and colleges will like the fact that you’ve been prepared to take one of them. You’ll be a step ahead of other students in understanding how to reach out to an instructor who isn’t on your campus; how to work with classmates who aren’t in the same room as you; what it means to publish work online; and how to organize your time so that you keep up with assignments.
College admission officers know about Global Online Academy and are impressed with what we’re achieving with our students.
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Q
When will my classes meet?
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A
You will have a lot of flexibility with these classes compared to a face-to-face course. In a GOA class you do not attend regularly scheduled lectures or online class meetings. You'll do similar work in an online class that you would in a regular class at your campus; it just isn't at a set time each day. You will, however, need to log in regularly to get your assignments or to participate in a discussion, take a test, work with a classmate, etc. It’s up to you, though, to figure out when to do this.
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Q
Will this course count as credit?
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A
Yes, but the kind of credit depends on your school. Many member schools are offering graduation credit for these courses, while others are only offering elective credit. Check with your Site Coordinator if there are certain courses you need in your schedule for graduation.
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Q
How many students are in a class?
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A
Classes are capped at 18 so that every student knows each other, and so that each student receives individual attention from her/his teacher. We place a high value on getting as many students from as many different schools into each class as possible.
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Q
How much time each week will I spend on this class?
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We’ve surveyed a lot of students and most report spending between 4 and 6 hours each week. This is similar to the amount of time you would spend with a class that meets four days a week for 45 minutes (plus homework).
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Q
What else should I expect?
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You should expect the same high quality learning experience that you would have in any class you’ll take in high school. Expect a similar level of intellectual engagement and challenge, as well as workload, to that of your home school. You can expect to be able to take advantage of the latest in online learning: courses will evolve as quickly as the tools that are used to create and deliver them. And, expect to get to know your online classmates and instructors. At the end of the
day, you should also expect to have fun.
At the end of the day, students should also expect to have fun and learn a lot.
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Q
How do I talk to my teacher?
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A
Every teacher has regular office hours where they are available to Skype or talk with. Just like a teacher on your campus you can also schedule meetings to discuss something or ask a question. And of course, you can email your teacher at any time.
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Q
When do semesters start and end?
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We offer GOA courses for the fall and spring semesters. Fall classes begin in early September and end mid-December. There is a week-long break in late November.
Spring semester classes begin around the second week in January and end at the end of April. Because the timing of spring and mid- winter breaks is different for everyone we don’t have a common time off. Instead teachers consider the calendars of those students in their classes and make accommodations accordingly.
GOA semesters are 14 weeks long.
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Q
What do I do if my school schedule has conflicts with the GOA calendar?
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There may be times where you have school breaks and the GOA is not on break or when school may be in session but the GOA is on break. By planning ahead, you can coordinate your time accordingly. Also, there may be times when you have exam days at school while GOA classes are in session. You should be sure to communicate with your teachers in advance so they can help you structure your time. You can also work with your school’s site coordinator if you aren’t sure how to manage your busy schedule. Remember, every GOA teacher also teaches at one of the member schools; they understand what your schedules look like and will work with you to make sure you’re successful.
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Q
Do I receive a grade for this class?
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You will receive a mid-semester grade and comment for your class as well as a final grade and comment. You will need to check with your home school to see how GOA courses will be represented on your transcript. Separate transcripts from GOA are available to students who need them.