From Students: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
about Student Online Courses

Q: When are classes offered?  What courses are available?
Classes are offered during three semesters each year: fall, spring, and summer. Use the MVLO Course Catalog link to find out about course offerings approved by MSDE. Use the BCPS Approved Courses link to find out about online courses available to BCPS students.

Q: What is different about online courses?  How are they different from my regular classes?
Online courses are structured just like conventional classes, with a few unique differences.

You’ll Be More Independent
Right from the beginning, you’ll have all the course materials available online.  The course syllabus includes assignments and due dates.  You’ll need to develop a work plan of what’s due when and submit your work on time.  Your online teacher will help you keep on schedule, answer your questions, and grade your work.

You’ll Interact with Your Class Primarily Online
Your teacher will interact with you primarily through email, online discussions, and comments on your assignments.  You’ll read your teacher’s feedback on your returned work, ask questions through email, and participate in the online discussions.  You can also get questions answered over the phone by calling your teacher during your teacher’s office hours.

You’ll Go Online to Learn
Every course requires both online and offline work.  For instance, you’ll go online to watch multimedia presentations, do computer-graded online exercises, or participate in online discussions.  Other times, you might go online to pick up an assignment, then study or work offline.  You might read a chapter from a book and write an essay, or do a set of math problems and then submit them to your Online Instructor for grading.

You Can Check Your Progress at Any Time
You can check your progress and grades online.  Your Mentor is a teacher or administrator in your school who has been assigned to help you through the course.  Your Mentor will meet with you regularly, check your progress and grades online, and stay in contact with your Online Teacher.

Q: Is there an orientation session for online courses?
Directions to access the orientation module will be included in the course materials, if applicable.  Some courses may require a face-to-face orientation meeting. You will receive more information about the orientation session from your Mentor or your School Counselor.

Q: Is there a cost for courses?
Course costs are listed in the MVLO Course Catalog.  The Baltimore County Public School System covers the cost of courses and materials. 

Q: Do I need to physically sit in a school building to take a class?
Yes! In most cases, you will take the online course during your normal academic day. The online course is built into the daily schedule. Check with your School Counselor and/or Site Coordinator for more information. (Note: If you are taking courses during the summer, you may not have to be in a school building.)

Q: What are the technical requirements for accessing the online course?
You must have regular access to a computer with reliable Internet service.  You must also have an e-mail account to maintain communication with your online instructor.  E-mail accounts are not for personal use and should be used for the online classes only.  Lastly, your computer should have a Java Capable Browser (i.e. Internet Explorer, Netscape, Safari, etc.)  Click on the MVLO Technical Requirements link for more specific information.

Q: Do I have to login to my course every day?
Yes! You must have daily access to a reliable computer with Internet connection to enter your course.  You’ll need at least 50 minutes of Internet time every school day, plus extra time for homework.  Plan to spend 10-15 hours a week, including homework, for each AP course and 8-10 hours for other subjects.  And, if you’re taking an AP course, be prepared to tackle college-level work!

Q: How many courses can I take at one time?
You will work with your School Counselor, parent/guardian, and Site Coordinator to determine the number of classes you may take online as part of your regular school schedule.  The MVLO program is for supplemental instruction - students cannot earn a high school diploma solely completing online courses.

Q: Now that I have registered, what do I do next?
Once enrolled in the course, you will receive an email to confirm registration. Use the Access Online Courses link to locate the login page for your course site.  Once on the login page, test the Username and Password provided by the online course vendor or the online instructor.  Directions to access the orientation module should also be included, if applicable.  Some courses may include the date and location of a face-to-face orientation meeting.  Check with your Mentor about your course materials and/or textbook before the start of the course.

Q: Will I have a local person to contact with questions about the course or problems I am encountering?
Yes! Each school will have a staff member assigned to work as a Mentor to help answer questions, solve problems, and check to make sure work is completed.

Q: Do I have a real teacher?
Yes! A highly-qualified certified teacher will be your instructor for the course(s). You will communicate with your Online Instructor via the course site, email, and phone.  Remember, your instructor could be located anywhere.  Please communicate with your Online Teacher should you experience any problems or delays in the course.

Q: What is the structure of a course?
Your Online Instructor will contact you via email and post announcements on the homepage of your course(s).  All course work will be delivered and completed via the Internet.  Every course requires both online and offline work.  For instance, you’ll go online to watch multimedia presentations, do computer-graded online exercises, or participate in online discussions.  Other times, you might go online to pick up an assignment, then study or work offline.  You might read a chapter from a book and write an essay, or do a set of math problems and then submit them to your Online Instructor for grading.

Q: What are the student’s responsibilities during the MVLO Registration process?
The student will:

• Work with staff at the school and the parent/guardian to determine whether the desired online course is appropriate.
• Indicate interest by completing the MVLO Student Enrollment Request form.
• Read and review the MVLO Student Responsibilities document with a parent/guardian.
• Complete the MVLO Student Participation Agreement form and MVLO Academic Integrity and Ethics Policy form if the school approves the request.  Turn the completed forms into the guidance counselor.
• Complete the Online Registration form with help from the Mentor or Site Coordinator if needed.
• Review the enrollment email and login to the online course.  Complete the online orientation module or attend the face-to-face orientation, if applicable.
• Review the course expectations and course calendar with your Mentor.
• Set up a regularly scheduled class period and a dedicated computer to use during the class day.

Q: What are the parent/guardian’s responsibilities during the MVLO Registration process?
The parent/guardian will:

• Work with staff at the school to determine whether the desired online course is appropriate.
• Review and sign the MVLO Student Enrollment Request form.
• Review the MVLO Student Responsibilities document with the student.
• Review and sign the MVLO Student Participation Agreement form and MVLO Academic Integrity and Ethics Policy form if the school approves the request.  Turn the completed forms into the School Counselor.
• If the course will be accessed from home, help to determine that the computer meets the technical requirements displayed.
• Complete the parent online orientation module or attend the face-to-face orientation, if applicable.
• Communicate with staff at the school and/or Online Instructor as appropriate.

Q: What is the local school system’s commitment to the MVLO program?
Each participating school will be responsible for coordinating the following MVLO services at the local school:

• Work with staff at the school to determine whether the desired online course is appropriate.
• Coordinate securing of student services.
• Coordinate proctoring of MVLO exams.
• Support and monitor provisions for technical assistance.
• Oversee student access to necessary course materials and functionality.