What does my child need to do to sign up for a course? Every student must first seek information and advice from his/her school counselor in order to ensure that the desired DOLA course meets the student’s academic requirements.  The counselor will also provide the student with information to properly register for/log into DOLA courses.

What happens on the first day of a virtual online course? The first day of class is vital to a student’s success in an online course. On the first day of class, students log in and receive their content and instructions for the online course. These instructions help students learn how the online course operates. Because this is an online environment, there are no face-to-face meetings.   

How does the End-Of-Course Test (EOCT) work with online courses? A student who takes an online course during the school year will take the EOCT at his/her home school.  Students/parents should check with schoolhouse personnel to determine dates and times for EOCTs that are given during the school year.  A student who takes an online course during the summer will take the EOCT at a central location. Students and parents should examine the DeKalb County School District homepage to determine dates, times, and locations for EOCTs that are given in the summer.

What is the cost of a course with DeKalb Online Academy? Each .5 Carnegie Unit course with DeKalb Online Academy costs $250.00. Students not currently enrolled in a DeKalb County Public School pay an additional $50 “Out of County” fee.

Do I have to login to my course every day? Online students should log in at least five times a week during Fall and Spring Semesters and every day during the summer sessions. An online course requires between 8 and 10 hours a week during the regular school year and 20 hours a week per course during the summer.

How many courses may I take at one time? DeKalb Online Academy allows a student to take up to two .5 unit courses in addition to a student’s regular schedule during the Fall and Spring Semesters and up to four .5 unit courses during the summer, providing a student is not taking any other courses during the summer school session.

Now that I have registered, what do I do next? It is important that you go to the DOLA homepage and complete the following tasks:

1. Carefully read all of the information on the DOLA homepage so that you are familiar with general DOLA practices and expectations.  Be sure to click on all of the tabs and thoroughly read the information under each one.
2. Attempt to log into your course.  If you’re not able to log in, please call the DOLA Office (678) 676-1106
3. Carefully read all of the information on the course homepage.  The material on the homepage will give you directions about navigating your way through that particular DOLA course.    

What is a class like? An online class is similar to a face-to-face class in the following ways: there is a teacher; you have lessons; you have homework, due dates, class discussion, live classroom discussions, and tests. The difference is that these activities occur over the internet and students may attend class at any time of the day.

What is the structure of a course? Online courses are just as rigorous as face-to-face courses. However, you will receive instruction, participate in discussions, submit assignments, and take tests online. 

Are you the type of student who can learn online? Students who choose to participate in online courses need to examine their personal skills and aptitudes for taking a class online. It is not recommended for a student to take an online class in a subject area of weakness. The following attributes will greatly contribute to a student's success:

1. Self-motivation - Students can direct their own learning environment and methods to fulfill course requirements and achieve individual academic success. Students are responsible for their own learning.
2. Independent learner - The online environment enables students to learn at their own pace, relieving the stress of feeling rushed or pressured and providing enjoyment in the learning process.
3. Computer literate - Although it is not necessary to have advanced computer skills, students should possess a working knowledge of electronic e-mail as well as basic keyboarding skills.
4. Time management - Students must be able to organize and plan their own best "time to learn." There is no one best time for everyone, but the key to learning is to make the time to learn.
5. Effective written communication skills - Students must use electronic e-mail to communicate with their peers and the instructors. The ability to write clearly and to communicate ideas and assignments is essential. This method provides the learner with rapid feedback as well as a means to inform instructors of any concerns or problems that they may be experiencing.
6. Personal commitment - Since there are no bells that begin and end classes, students must have a strong desire to learn and achieve knowledge and skills via online courses. Making a commitment to learn in this manner is a very personal decision and requires a strong commitment to perform in order to achieve academic success.

Take the Quiz titled, Is Online Learning for Me?  It is located under the Student tab.  The quiz will help you to determine if online learning is for you!
What online learning opportunities are available? Currently, DeKalb Online Academy offers select Advanced Placement (AP) and core courses to DeKalb County high school students.  Be sure to examine the Course Catalog for a list of courses that will be offered this school year.

What is the purpose of the DeKalb Online Academy? The DeKalb Online Academy wishes to provide students with access to standards-based courses that meet the instructional needs of DeKalb County students. The online program is designed to help schools meet the following goals:

• expand both their core and AP curriculum offerings;
• meet difficult scheduling needs;
• ensure that students are being taught by certified, in-field teachers;
• help seniors graduate on time;
• give students another viable school choice option for instructional delivery.

For whom are the online courses designed?  Typically, the online courses offered are for self-motivated, self-disciplined and well-organized students who . . .  

• desire a course that is not offered at the home school;
• desire a course that conflicts with other commitments;
• have transferred from another state or school system;
• are Hospital/Homebound;
• desire to “catch up”.

Which students should NOT take an online course?  Online courses are NOT for students who . . .

• think that online classes are an easy way to pass a course;
• want to "see what it's like" to take an online course;
• do not like the teacher who teaches that same course in their school;
• think it would be fun;
• are unmotivated and need a lot of direction, prodding, and "hand-holding";
• do not have adequate and reliable access to computers and Internet access.

Which students are eligible to take online courses? There are a variety of courses available to all public high school students; however, specific eligibility requirements differ by individual course. Students should seek guidance from their counselor in order to determine course eligibility. 

Can my child retake a class that he/she previously failed? Online courses are available for students who have previously failed a course.

What courses are available? Core and AP courses are available; the course selection changes each semester. Students should see their counselor for a current list of course offerings.

How many hours a week can I expect my child to spend in an online course? Students are expected to attend and participate in their online education course as fully as they would attend and participate in a face-to-face classroom course. Core courses will typically require an average of 8-10 hours per week "in class" (i.e., online and doing homework) and AP courses an average of 10-12 hours per week.

Does the grade my child receives count? Online courses will be treated like any other course offered at the local school. These courses will be listed on the student's transcript and will become a part of his/her GPA.

How can I be sure that the courses are of high quality? Members of the Georgia eLearning Consortium, Cobb County, Columbia County, DeKalb County, Gwinnett County, Forsyth County, Fulton County, The Florida Virtual School, or Apex Learning, Inc. have developed course content. Many of the courses are taught by Georgia teachers. Core courses are developed to ensure that Georgia Quality Core Curriculum standards (and Georgia Performance Standards) are covered.  AP courses are developed using College Board standards. All Course Content Providers have been selected based on the high quality and rigor of their courses and sound reputations earned through extended experience in developing and delivering online courses.

Whom do I contact for more information? For more information about, please call the DOLA Office at 678-676-1106.