From Schools: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Concerning Online Course Implementation

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 if a school is in need of an online course after the deadline has passed?
Contact the System-Level Coordinator, Judy Campf, at 8918 to determine if special arrangements can be made.

Q: Can the Site Coordinator and the Mentor be the same person?
Yes, especially if only one online course is offered in a school building. It can be helpful to the System-Level Coordinator if the same person functions as both roles.

Q: Will Mentors receive training on their specific role as support to students taking online courses?
Yes, Mentors are strongly encouraged to participate in an online course, The Essentials of Online Learning and Mentoring Online Students. This course is offered several times during each school year. The 2-credit MSDE approved online course helps mentors better understand their role, the role of the Online Teacher, the responsibilities of the online student, and the responsibilities of the course provider. Contact the System-Level Coordinator for more information about this course offering.

Q: Why do students need to complete an Academic Integrity and Ethics Agreement?
This is a requirement established by the Maryland Virtual Learning Opportunities Program (MVLO) at MSDE and students cannot take an online course without this agreement in place.  

Q: Why do students complete both a paper registration and an online registration?
The online registration form is used by MVLO to determine the necessary seats required for each approved course. The paper registration is documentation used by BCPS.

Q: Who handles the ordering and delivery of the required materials for each course?
The System-Level Coordinator will obtain the required materials and distribute them to each school, as necessary.

Q: What are the minimum computer system requirements?
Students must have regular access to a computer with reliable Internet service and an e-mail account to maintain communication with the online instructor.  The computer should have a Java Capable Browser (i.e. Internet Explorer, Netscape, Safari, etc.)  The MVLO Technical Requirements link provides more specific information.

Q: What is the cost to the student?
Approved online courses, in most cases, are provided as part of the regular school day. Therefore, there is no cost to the student. Students are expected to adhere to the withdrawal timeline (10 calendar days) if they decide they will not be completing the course.

Q: Are Mentors compensated?
Yes, pending funding, Mentors are provided a stipend for responsibilities and support that extends beyond the instructional day. Mentors are compensated according to the TABCO negotiated rate of pay for tutoring/mentoring.

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

Q: Now that my student has registered, what do we do next?
Once enrolled in the course, the Mentor and the student will receive an email to confirm registration. Use the Access Online Courses link to locate the login page for each 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.  During the first few days, the Mentor should be providing support to the student in order to ensure the student is using the online site properly and is completing the initial assignments for the course.

Q: Does the online student have a real teacher?
Yes! A highly-qualified certified teacher will be the instructor for the course(s). Students will communicate with the Online Instructor via the course site, email, and phone.  Remember, the instructor could be located anywhere.  Students should be encouraged to communicate with the Online Teacher and/or the Mentor should they experience any problems or delays in the course.

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