Summer School 2012 Will Launch Online Classes

As school lets out this time next year, Muskego-Norway Schools are looking to incorporate hybrid classes as part of their summer school program.  Such classes use traditional teaching techniques along with online classes to allow students to learn without having to leave home to get to the classroom.

"We're workin on an online course platform right now, and we have a lot of technology issues to work out," said Kelly Thompson, Assistant Superintendent with the district.

The focus for the first classes to be offered include economics, Physical education and health, American issues and business.  Students at the high school level will be the first to take these classes, which could be extended to other grade levels as well as other courses in the future.

The key is to make the courses as effective as it is in the classroom, said Thompson.

"We want to maintain the same learning in this platform," she said. "We therefore are working with many strong educators who are blazing a trail for us in developing the courses."

Thompson said the program will be fine tuned over this summer, and teachers will be undergoing training to make the adjustments to teaching in a virtual classroom.  In addition, practical issues like office hours available to students with their teachers will be worked out.