In previous updates of The Exchange, I’ve profiled extraordinary Oklahomans whose ideals reflect those of Confluence. These individuals and organizations use the internet to influence others, build community, and promote what they love. They are also committed, like Confluence, to education.
I recently spoke with Advanced Academics, an Oklahoma City-based company whose mission is “to deliver to educators innovative online learning solutions that empower students to achieve their goals.”
The advent of the internet has ushered in an era of democratized influence, and also education and learning. Thanks to organizations like Advanced Academics, students have more access than ever to unique educational opportunities.
Can you explain the history and mission of Advanced Academics?
A leading national online learning provider, Advanced Academics has a mission to help students graduate from high school and succeed in life. The company is committed to creating an online learning environment that helps students realize their full potential and providing schools with the tools to make it happen.
To achieve this goal, Advanced Academics partners with schools and districts to deliver customizable online learning solutions that include a rigorous, standards-based online curriculum; highly qualified and certified teachers; 24/7 technical support and a proprietary technology platform specifically designed for grades 6-12. Since its inception in 2000, Advanced Academics has grown to offer learning programs to students in more than 30 states throughout the U.S. Click here for a complete list of Advanced Academics courses and programs.
How long have you been operating in Oklahoma City?
Advanced Academics was founded in 2000 in Ponca City and relocated to Oklahoma City in 2001. In October 2007, Advanced Academics was acquired by DeVry, Inc., one of the largest higher education companies in North America. Advanced Academics employs approximately 150 people, the majority located at its home office in downtown Oklahoma City. These include accredited teachers, experienced counselors, teaching assistants, enrollment personnel, technical support representatives, and corporate personnel.
How has the advent of the internet has helped improve public access to education?
Online learning is helping to level the playing field and ensure all children have access to a high-quality educational experience regardless of situation or location. The flexible nature of online learning programs means that school districts can create a customized program tailored to the needs of their specific student population.
Supplemental, or part-time, online programs can be used to help students make up credits to stay on track academically or offer expanded electives in areas like foreign languages or science. Full-time online programs are designed for students seeking an alternative to the traditional school environment, such as advanced students looking for accelerated learning; previously home-schooled students; or those with financial, health or personal commitments necessitating a flexible schedule.
In Oklahoma, Advanced Academics has partnered with school districts throughout the state to offer Oklahoma Virtual High School, a full-time program free to qualifying Oklahoma students in grades 6-12.
What are the benefits of a custom curriculum for an individual student?
Online learning truly allows for a personalized learning experience customized to each student’s needs and learning style. Because students complete their school work at their own pace, they are able to go faster through material they understand and spend more time on concepts with which they are struggling. To provide assistance during critical learning moments, Advanced Academics offers one-on-one instruction and support in real time from certified teachers and subject matter tutors 24 hours a day during the school week. Students are able to contact teachers for assistance via e-mail, chat and phone. Virtual whiteboards are used to demonstrate key concepts in subjects like math.
How do you see virtual education developing in the future?
One of the biggest trends in virtual education right now is the rapid growth of blended, or hybrid, learning options. Such programs typically combine a self-paced online curriculum with individualized instruction from teachers in a classroom setting. The blended learning model combines the best of both traditional and online education by offering the flexibility of online learning and the benefits of the face-to-face classroom experience.
