Online education is an efficient, cost-effective and convenient way to deliver instruction. Virtually every college, regardless of size, offers online courses. Even high schools are starting to join this trend. Online programs are relatively easy to start and are fairly inexpensive to implement. Building an online program into a full-blown school is also possible with a little knowledge and some legwork.
Instructions
1. Gather your team. Choose educators who have the appropriate grade level and subject matter credentials. If you are starting a K-12 school, recruit teachers with NCLB (No Child Left Behind) Highly Qualified Teacher authorization, as this is a requirement for potential federal funding.
2. Develop your curriculum. Use state-adopted texts and plans for grades K-12. For college or technical schools, search the websites of popular and well-reputed schools for ideas on course offerings and requirements.
3. Write a business plan, site plan and budget. The California Department of Education website offers a good general template for accomplishing this. Be sure to know the education laws and requirements for your state.
4. Determine the technical requirements. Choose whether to use a company such as Blackboard to host your online courses, or to create your own online environment using web design software. Use database software to track students, grades, tests, assignments and quizzes.
5. Start the accreditation process. Decide which accreditation agency you are going to apply to and contact them. If you are starting a high school, choose an agency whose accreditation is accepted by colleges, trade schools and universities. Accreditation is a lengthy process, so do not put it off.
Tags: online courses, your online