Technology Opens Global Classrooms to RBC Students

Today’s teenagers have much of the world’s knowledge available to them with a few keystrokes. The technology that supports activities like “virtual” meetings and computer gaming has made its way into the classroom.  Students at Red Bank Catholic now have the opportunity to expand their choice of course offerings via “Virtual High School”, or “VHS.”  According to RBC principal Robert Abatemarco, the school started offering virtual courses several years ago so that highly motivated students would have the opportunity to pursue areas of particular interest.  “VHS allows us to offer a more extensive course load on the AP level.” It also helps in the case of a scheduling conflict. “Even if we offer a live class in one subject but that class time will not fit the student’s schedule, we are still able to accommodate the student’s choice through VHS.”

Mary Russo, Associate Director of Integrated Technology Services, says, “We are always looking for innovative ways to expand learning opportunities for students.”   She notes that VHS is geared “to provide highly-motivated, self-disciplined students exposure to potential careers and the 21st Century skills colleges are expecting.” After researching the available virtual schools, Mrs. Russo recommended VHS for many reasons:  “VHS is a sophisticated program accredited by Middle-States and the NCAA.  Its very rigorous curriculum, developed to core content standards, is taught by teachers from around the world who are required to pass the VHS teaching course and to have the highest degree possible in the subject they teach.”

According to Mrs. Russo, the approximately 300 courses offered are structured like discussions and because of the international population of students taking the courses, the students gain a global perspective on the topics covered. Senior Katie Bogan completed a course in Academic Writing last semester and is now taking Kindergarten Apprentice Teaching.  She likes how the teachers “make the class as interactive as possible. Part of our grade is how we respond to other students’ posts. Last semester there were students in my class from Germany and Switzerland. ” As part of the curriculum, Katie will spend one class per week student teaching in a kindergarten class at St. James Elementary School. “I think I will have a leg-up when I get to college, because I will already have experience in the classroom.” 

Senior Christina Thompson takes AP Environmental Science and says VHS “puts more of the responsibility for learning on me. I am learning how important time management is.  This is my most rigorous class, but I am really enjoying it.”

Mr. Abatemarco views the use of VHS to augment quality face-to-face teaching as an excellent way to provide the best overall education to students.   In his view, “the ability to tailor a student’s educational experience makes this an exciting time to be an educator.”