OUR APPROACH TO STUDENT LEARNING
Here at Vanguard Preparatory Academy, our students are always at the heart of what we do. That’s why our online learning program is easily adapted and customized to meet every student’s needs, no matter where they are located. With a passionate team of certified teachers and staff, every course comes with full support through phone, email, and live video sessions.
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OUR GOAL IS TO...
EDUCATE
In order for students to be well equipped and prepared to be successful in life, they must continue to educate themselves in a world that is ever-changing. Vanguard Preparatory Academy helps lead students towards their future goals through the milestone of graduation. Virtual learning is the future...and the future is now.
INNOVATE
Innovation allows students and instructors to research, explore, and utilize tools to make new discoveries. This concept creates higher-level thinking for the learner and encourages the use of new technology. We aim to create an atmosphere where this type of learning can occur.
COLLABORATE
Education should not take a one-directional approach. Instructors and students collaborate to discuss their perspectives on various topics. They all are encouraged to ask difficult questions and take a growth mindset approach to challenge their world views which influences how they think, feel, and behave in any given situation.
PLANNING & PREPARATION
When creating an environment that encompasses student-centered remote learning, the staff at Vanguard Preparatory Academy strive to incorporate three interactions for students:
-Student-content interaction, where instructors provide active learning experiences for students (meaningful learning activity plus reflection)
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-Student-student interaction, where instructors structure the learning community and make it clear to students how they should interact with others in the class
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-Student-instructor interaction, where instructors create a framework for how they will interact with students during the learning experience
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By placing an emphasis on the student-centered approach, educators must constantly evaluate their own classroom and teachings to ask themselves the following questions to create an optimal learning environment for students:
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1. How will my students interact with the course content? Beyond reading, listening to/viewing lectures, what will students actually DO with the course content? And how can they do so in their homes?
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2. How will my students interact with other students? Beyond completing assignments and assessments independently, how will students work together to ensure that they feel like they are part of a learning community and have the opportunity to collaborate, think critically, be intellectually challenged, and make meaningful relationships with others? And how can students work with others while they are isolated in their homes? How will my students interact with me, their instructor? Now that they are not in the classroom with other students, how will students be able to interact with me?
3. How can I guide student learning while also being flexible and trying to accommodate different student needs? What assignment expectations do I need to convey? What information do I need to clarify for students?
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TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Basic Technology Requirements
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-Standard laptop or desktop computers with Windows or Mac OS are supported. Chromebooks and iPads are also supported. Smartphones and other mobile devices are also supported but not recommended for live instructor classes.
Up-to-date versions of Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and Edge browsers are supported.
High-speed internet connection (Cable, DSL)
Satellite internet service and cellular wifi hotspots may be subject to speed and reliability issues and could result in unsatisfactory performance.
World Language courses require speakers and a microphone, or a headset with a microphone.
A printer and scanner are recommended but not required.
Some courses may require additional software described in the course introduction.
Need Technical Support?
Vanguard Preparatory Academy provides technical support for students and parents via toll-free phone service and email. Technical support staff are available by phone during regular business hours (8 am to 5 pm Eastern Standard Time, Monday-Friday). If you may require technical support after business hours and on weekends, you may leave a message and a technical support representative will respond to you the next business day.
There are two ways that you are able to contact tech support:
Contact the technical support team by calling 855-765-4872 ext. 805
Contact the technical support team via email: techsupport@vanguardprepacademy.org
ONBOARDING
Up to two weeks prior to each semester enrollment, students will receive access to our online orientation course. During the onboarding process, students and their families will receive all of the necessary tools and knowledge to successfully transition to online learning.
Students and families will learn additional information about the following during the orientation:
-The mission and vision of the school
-Student expectations while enrolled at Vanguard Preparatory Academy
-How to navigate through their courses and understand the grade book
-Time management tips and additional ways to maximize their learning
-Additional ways to collaborate with students within the school community
All students will be required to complete the orientation when enrolling in Vanguard Preparatory Academy. For any additional information or to begin the enrollment process, please call 855-765-4872 ext. 803 or enroll now.
