Is Online Learning for me?

Online learning is a great fit for many students, but it's not right for everyone.  Please read through the list below to determine if IOA is right for you:

• The student must have an active e-mail address, daily Internet access and
  possess computer skills to include working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint or similar programs. It is strongly recommended to have high speed cable or DSL internet access.
  
• The student must be self-motivated and self-disciplined.
• The student must be able to make a personal commitment to the class.
• The student must be an independent learner
• The student must have good time management skills.

IOA recommends that a student participate in only one to two classes per session unless the student is home bound or using the program for alternative education.

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General Information

• Students can work on their IOA class anytime, anywhere that they have Internet access - at home, school, or a library, anywhere!
• Each student will receive a confidential user-name and password.
• Each course has a teacher / instructor guiding students through their journey.
• Students complete lessons at their own pace and submit them to their teacher/ instructor through a secure website.  Students have a maximum of 16 weeks during the school year and 8 weeks during the summer to complete their coursework.
• Students have online discussions and/or chats in a secure environment.
• Final exams are proctored at the student's home school of enrollment or another specified testing location.
• Credit for each class is granted by the student's home school of enrollment.
• All IOA Courses are accredited and designed according to Indiana state standards. Content meets and exceeds standards for each subject area.

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Indiana Online Academy Responsibilities

• IOA students must contact their instructor by telephone or email within the first 7 days of enrollment.  The instructor's phone number can be found on the Communicate Tab located inside each class.
• IOA students must complete the Student Orientation and at least 12% of the class assignments within the first 15 days of enrollment.  Students who do not meet this requirement within the first 15 days will be automatically withdrawn from the class, and a Withdraw will be reported to their school of enrollment. 
• Students are given 16 weeks to complete the class.  Students that do not make progress toward completion during the 16 week period will fail the class.
• During Summer Session, students are given 8 weeks to complete the class.
• Students must have at least 40% of the class assignments completed by the midpoint of the class (8 weeks during fall/spring - 4 weeks during summer).  Students who do not meet this requirement will be placed on Academic Probation with alerts sent to the school counselor and the parent/guardian.
• Target dates for work completion are set by the instructor to help students progress through the class in a timely manner.
• Students should check their IOA email daily.
• Students should consider that an online class requires additional time and effort. Time management is essential. Online classes are definitely more convenient and flexible, but are in some ways more difficult. Students should plan on spending approximately 8 hours a week working, logging in at least 5 times a week for each class.  During Summer Session, the time commitment is even greater due to the condensed time frame of the class.

• Communication - Most of online communication is done through writing.  It is vitally important in an online class that you communicate well, because your instructor cannot see the look on your face or hear your voice.  You will be responsible for being persistent about asking questions or asking for help when you don't understand something. 
• Time Commitment - 
• Make sure to “pace” yourself in order to finish the class on time.
• Commit up to 8 hours per week to work on a class. (Remember:  traditional classes meet approximately 5 hours per week.)  During Summer Session, the time commitment is even greater due to the condensed time frame of the class.
• Set deadlines for yourself and follow them!
• Schedule regular study times during the week.
• Regular, short periods of working time are better than long stints of cramming.
• Reading – Because almost all of the directions and information in an online class is in the form of written words, it is very important that you read both carefully and thoroughly.  Also keep in mind that your instructor will be reading what you write just as carefully, so take care to proofread what you have written before you submit it!
• Participate – In an online class, it is not enough just to log in.  You need to “speak up” so that your instructor and your classmates know you are there!  That means asking questions, reading and sending e-mail, and posting your comments, questions and concerns on the message boards.
• Patience – As much as you may want your question answered right away, you will often have to wait up to 48 hours for a response from your instructor.  Please try to be patient.  Make a note of where you left off in the assignment, where you had a question, and go on with something else until your question has been answered.
• Internet & Computer - Make sure that your Internet connection and computer are both working and stable!  Have a plan “B” if it is not – where else could you go to work?  Is the public library or school an option?  “My computer crashed” is not an acceptable reason to drop or fail your online class.
• Syllabus - Become familiar with the class syllabus and timeline information that is found within the class.  You are responsible for knowing about and meeting the deadlines and requirements!
• Backup - Save a backup copy of all assignments that you create in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.  You may be asked to revise or edit your work and re-submit it.
• Don't give up! – Some students may find taking an online class very challenging for a number of different reasons.  Be persistent about trying again and asking for help.  Ignoring a problem will never make it go away!

Parents are always encouraged to participate in the educational process of their children. The Indiana Online Academy welcomes parent participation and can provide access to the online environment as well as updated information concerning student progress. Parents may contact instructors via phone or email.  Parents may also request a “Mentor” account; this is called an Insight Window.   The instructions for gaining access to this account are found on the IOA website, indianaonlineacademy.org/MentorInsightWindow.aspx. Should there ever be any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the instructor.

The school counselor has a very important role in the IOA enrollment process. Not only do they assist with class selection and the decision making process for high school students throughout Indiana, counselors are the main source of contact for all IOA inquiries.

• Counselors should make sure that each IOA student is aware of the registration process, time commitment and IOA policies before the student registers for a class.
• The counselor that approves enrollment of a particular student in IOA becomes the building contact person for the students that they recommend.
• The counselor is made aware of the online registration process as well as submitting an approval via e-mail of the registering student.
• Counselors, or their designee, are required to proctor final exams for IOA students enrolled at their specific high school. IOA students take the final exam on a computer from the high school in which they are enrolled. All finals are online and will have passwords that are available to the enrolling counselor through the IOA counselor portal.
• IOA instructors will contact the counselor during the semester to discuss any concerns and/or problems with any particular IOA student.

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Enrollment / Registration

The Guidance Counselor approval is an imperative part of the IOA registration process.

1. Meet with your guidance counselor to determine if an IOA class is an option for you.
2. Complete the online registration.  indianaonlineacademy.org/register.aspx
3. Payment can be made online by credit card or mail a check to CIESC - IOA, 6321 La Pas Trail, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Payment must be made in full by the 15th day of the class.  The student’s account will be automatically deactivated if payment has not been received.
4. Once the student clicks SUBMIT on the registration form, an e-mail is generated to the selected counselor for his/her approval.
5. The student will receive an e-mail notification upon the Guidance Counselor’s approval.
6. Students will receive a user name & password on the day that their course begins.  Students will be contacted by their instructor during the first week of their course.

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Tuition

Please refer to the school list to determine the cost associated with your school. 

Credit Cards (Visa & MasterCard) are accepted online during the registration process.  Payment must be made in full by the 15th day of the class. The student's account will be suspended until full payment has been received.

If the student is paying by check, the check should be payable to CIESC and the students name should be noted in the memo area.  Checks should be mailed to:

CIESC

Attention: IOA

6321 LaPas Trail

Indianapolis, IN  46268

Schools who are participating in the State Reimbursement Program during the summer will be able to offer classes for only the $50 materials fee per student, per class. Be sure to check the school list to determine if your school is eligible for a Summer School waiver. Please contact your school counselor for more information.

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Technology, Textbooks and Class Materials

IOA students must have basic computer skills as well as the following:

• Daily access to the Internet
• A functioning e-mail address
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or access Open Office or Google Docs

In most cases, online textbooks and/or reference materials are used. Students may be assigned a password that needs to be kept confidential. Online textbook fees may apply.  Additional class materials may be necessary for some courses, and will be the student’s responsibility.  Advanced Placement students may be required to purchase a textbook.  Discount internet sites will be provided for purchasing suggestions.  Check the Course Syllabus for Required Materials BEFORE beginning the class.

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Password and Login

The student’s user name and password is provided to the student at the beginning of each class. The student’s login information is e-mailed to the e-mail account provided at the time of registration.  Students must have an active e-mail account at the time of registration in order to receive their login information.

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Final Exams

Students must take all final exams in person on a designated date in a proctored environment.  Typically, the exams are proctored at the home school of enrollment or at another specified testing location, such as a public library. Students must contact the IOA office to arrange their final exam if they are not able to take the exam at their school.

Final Exam FAQ's

• All required assignments, quizzes, tests, etc. must be completed before taking the final exam.
• IOA students must pass the final exam with a 60% or better in order to receive credit for the course, regardless of the students' prior coursework grade.
• IOA students must complete a "Student Evaluation" prior to taking the final exam.  Upon completion of this evaluation, the final exam will be automatically "unlocked."
• Final exams must be completed during the allotted time frame.  Students who attempt to continue working on the final exam after that time has ended will be penalized.
• During the final exam, IOA students are permitted to use tools such as calculators, pencil, paper, class notes if they are specified by the course instructor.  Students who attempt to use such tools during the final exam without specific permission from the instructor will be penalized.
• The final exam may NOT be printed out.  Students must complete the exam on the computer during the allotted time frame.

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Credit

The classes are equal to 1 credit hour and are awarded by the student's home school of enrollment.

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IOA Incomplete Policy

Although an Incomplete Policy is in place, the student should still attempt to finish by the targeted completion date. To remain flexible and allow for the many individual needs that exist for online students, there is a structure in place that will motivate students to finish in a timely manner. The student grade will not be penalized if an extension is approved.  Students who do not complete the class by the end of the extension period will fail the class.  No other extensions will be granted.

On rare occasions, an extension may be granted based on the following guidelines:

• The student must be at least 60% completed with the class.
• The student must demonstrate that progress is still being made toward completion of the class.  There may not be any long periods of inactivity.
• The instructor’s approval is required for an extension.
• The instructor will determine the length of the extension to be granted.  The extension of time may be no more than 30 days.
• The final exam must be taken within 10 school days from the date of the extended completion date at the school of enrollment.

There will be no extensions granted during the Summer Session.

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Withdrawal

• Should a student choose to withdrawal from a class within the first 15 days, there will be no penalty as long as they have contacted their instructor.  A “W” withdraw will be reported to the student’s high school as the grade.
• Should a student choose to drop a class after the 15 day withdrawal period, no refund will be issued.  A failing grade will be reported to the student’s high school.
• IOA students must complete the IOA Student Orientation and at least 12% of the class assignments within first 15 days of enrollment.  Students who do not meet this requirement within the first 15 days will be automatically withdrawn from the class, and a Withdraw will be reported to their school of enrollment. 
• Students must have at least 40% of the class assignments completed by the midpoint of the class (8 weeks during fall/spring - 4 weeks during summer).  Students who do not meet this requirement will be placed on Academic Probation with alerts sent to the school counselor and the parent/guardian.
• Students are given 16 weeks (8 weeks during Summer) to complete the class.  Students that do not make progress toward completion during this period will fail the class.

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Class Cancellation

The Indiana Online Academy reserves the right to cancel any class offerings listed as being “offered” when enrollment does not surpass an acceptable level.

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State Curriculum Requirements

All IOA Classes are designed according to Indiana state standards. Content meets and exceeds standards for each subject area.

• Indiana Department of Education
• Indiana Standards

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IOA Acceptable Use Policy

Participation in the Indiana Online Academy (IOA) provides students with opportunities to learn, engage, communicate, and develop skills that will prepare them for work, life, and citizenship.  IOA is committed to helping students develop 21st century technology and communication skills.  IOA’s technology curriculum recognizes the FCC’s Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) standards and includes an emphasis on online safety.
This Acceptable Use Policy outlines the guidelines and behaviors that all users (administrators, teachers, students and parents) are expected to follow when participating in the Indiana Online Academy program.

• All technologies provided within the IOA websites are intended for educational purposes.
• Users are expected to communicate with appropriate, safe, mindful, and courteous conduct.
• All activity within the IOA course Learning Management System website may be monitored and retained.
• Access to online content via the IOA websites may be restricted in accordance with IOA’s policies and federal regulations, such as the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
• IOA makes a reasonable effort to ensure students’ safety and security online, but will not be held accountable for any harm or damages that result from use of IOA websites.
• Users of the Indiana Online Academy program are expected to alert IOA’s administrative staff immediately of any concerns for safety or security.
• Misuse of the IOA course Learning Management System can result in disciplinary action.

Unacceptable Use Examples:

• Use IOA technologies in a way that could be personally or physically harmful.
• Inappropriate use of the IOA course Learning Management System, video conferencing, online collaboration, message boards, email, telecommunications, texting, Skype.
• Access, create, send or receive, store, or display obscene or inappropriate images and/or content.
• Engage in cyberbullying, harassment, or disrespectful conduct toward others.
• Create or send threatening or libelous communications or communications which include vulgar, abusive, or otherwise inappropriate language.
• Access or use other individuals' accounts, information, or files without permission.
• Access to websites, files, or resources using another individual’s passwords without permission.
• Damage, disable, or otherwise disrupt the operation of the IOA course Learning Management System.
• Violate any local, state, or federal statutes, including but not limited to copyright law.
  

Violations of this policy may have disciplinary repercussions, including:

• Expulsion from the IOA program resulting in failure of the course.
• Notification to parent and school.
• Legal action and/or prosecution.

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Code of Conduct

You, your instructor and the other members of your online class are all expected to conduct yourselves with the same level of respect, professionalism and courtesy as you would in a classroom environment.  Any and all communication that is conducted via the phone, e-mail, discussion board or chat room must be done in an appropriate manner and tone.

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Cheating and Plagiarism

The temptation to cheat while taking an online class may be especially great; after all, a teacher isn't there to watch you while you complete your work. Be fair to yourself and other students by avoiding the temptation and doing your own work.  We fully expect you to complete all class work honestly. Honesty is the IOA policy!  Cheating involves submitting work in a written assignment or exam that is not your own. Cheating includes:

• Copying someone else's work.
• Allowing someone else to copy your work.
• Having someone else complete your work for you.
• Using unauthorized material to help you complete your work.

If a class instructor detects cheating on a written assignment or exam, the instructor may recommend, depending on the severity of the cheating, that you receive:

• A reduced grade for the written assignment or exam.
• No credit for the written assignment or exam.
• A reduced grade for the entire class.
• A failing grade for the entire class (forfeiting all class fees).

Plagiarism is a type of cheating when you steal someone else's work and present it as your own. If you use the ideas, words, or statements of another person or source to support your ideas, you must always give credit to the person or source.  If an instructor detects plagiarism in a written assignment or exam, the instructor may recommend, depending on the severity of the plagiarism that you receive:

• a reduced grade for the written assignment or exam.
• no credit for the written assignment or exam.
• a reduced grade for the entire class.
• a failing grade for the entire class (forfeiting all class fees).

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Grading Criteria

The introduction section of each class will cover the specific grading criteria. A letter or number grade, as well as your instructor's comments, will accompany each assignment returned to you.  You must complete all required assignments and exams before a final grade can be issued.   When you have completed the class, the instructor will calculate and post the final grade within the class for your review.  We will also report your final grade to the high school of enrollment by the end of each applicable semester.

Grading Scale

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