Technologies & Tools
PGAVA curriculum is delivered by highly qualified teachers through the internet. Students log onto PGAVA website and receive assignments and communications from the teacher. The student then completes the assignments and submits them electronically. The student communicates with each teacher in an interactive classroom, where both teacher and student can speak and be seen via a webcam.
PGAVA uses the following technologies and tools to enhance student learning:
VoIP
Students use a headset to talk with teachers and other students using the Internet, rather than a telephone.
Interactive Classroom/Meeting Space
Students and teachers meet in an interactive classroom where they communicate using VoIP and webcams. The teacher can also demonstrate on an electronic whiteboard. This is especially useful in the area of mathematics. The teacher can also have students “come to the board” but granting them access to write on the whiteboard. The students have the ability to chat via text and to raise their hand. The environment also allows the students to quickly answer yes/no questions and send emotes (emotion indicators) to the teacher. The teacher can also ask interactive questions and post the results anonymously to facilitate class discussions.
Discussion Boards
A discussion board is a great tool to involve all students, including those that may be less inclined to speak in a group setting. Discussion boards allow students to express their opinions with the luxury of time to formulate their thoughts. Discussions range from literary topics, to social concerns through current events.
Live Chat
Students can communicate with teachers and other students using live chat. This feature is similar to an instant messenger, but limits the student to participants in PGAVA. This is an excellent tool for getting help and feedback immediately when both student and teacher are online during office hours.
Voice Boards
Voice boards are similar to discussion boards except they use VoIP technology instead of text. Voice boards can also be made private which makes them an excellent tool for assessing students. This tool is used in a variety of subjects, including, but not limited to, world languages, English (public speaking), and music (singing or playing an instrument).
Voice Instruction
This tool allows teachers to instruct a lesson using VoIP technology. The teacher records the lesson and the students can play the lesson at any time. Students also have the ability to listen to the lesson multiple times, if necessary.
Video Presentations
Videos are inserted into the PGAVA courses to enhance instruction. Videos can be played at any time by the students and can be watched as many times a necessary.
Virtual Labs
Science in the traditional classroom is very dependent on labs. PGAVA uses virtual labs to give the student a similar experience to a “live lab.” The virtual labs also give PGAVA students the opportunity to do labs that might not be possible in the traditional setting due to cost and safety.
Blogs
Students can use blogging tools native to PGAVA to produce blogs relating to assignments. The blogs can be made public (for the entire class) or private (just for the teacher). The teacher and students have full control over the privacy of the blog.
Wikis
Wikis are similar to blogs, except that instead of having a single author, multiple authors are responsible for the content. Wikis are an excellent tool for projects that involve collaboration. Students work together to produce the end product, while learning valuable 21st century technology skills.
Electronic Assignment Submission
All assignments in PGAVA are submitted electronically. Students have the freedom to submit the assignment any time before the due date. This reduces the chance of losing the assignment while waiting to hand it in.
Digital Portfolios
Portfolios are a powerful tool for showing others the skills and talents of students. PGAVA digital portfolios can be shared with outside sources such as recruiters and college admission officials with student and parent permission.
Digital Assessments
Students have the ability to take online tests and quizzes at any time before the due date and, in most instances, get instant feedback.
Online Textbooks
Many of the PGAVA courses use online textbooks which contain valuable resources that are not found in a traditional textbook. Students always have access to the materials anytime they have access to the Internet without worrying about carrying a heavy textbook
Podcasting
Podcasting is similar voice instruction, but takes accessibility to the next level. Instead of having to log into PGAVA to get the voice lesson, students can subscribe to the podcast of the lesson. Every time a new lesson is posted, student will receive that lesson when they synchronize their MP3 player. Student can now listen to the lesson anywhere at anytime using an MP3 player.
Internal Messaging
At PGAVA, an email address is recommended, but not required! Students can message the teacher and other students in the class using the built in messaging system. It works the same way as email except it is all internal. This prohibits the outside world from contacting the student and eliminates spam to the students’ inbox.