By Jennifer Eisenbart
Editor
In the past few years, as the concept of a classroom has grown beyond the “brick and mortar” building, more students are taking advantage of e-learning opportunities.
One of those is available at Burlington High School, with its VANguard distance classroom offered through Gateway Technical College.
This is the second year of the program at BHS, and there are four different courses currently being offered: medical terminology, American Sign Language, Chinese and health care customer service.
“This is one of many ways our students can earn college credit while still in high school,” said BHS Assistant Principal Mike Raether. “They don’t have to drive anywhere to take the courses like they often have to do for youth options.
“The schedules usually align so these classes work right into the student’s daily schedule.”
Students use a small classroom adjacent the BHS library for most of the classes. A video link and television are in the classroom, and connect with other schools beyond Gateway.
In the sign language classes, Westosha Central High School has students participating, and the instructor from Gateway also participates via the remote link.
But in addition to the classroom education, the VANguard link is also used for enrichment opportunities. To that end, Room 168 at the high school is set up to accommodate up to 70 students.
Josh Dow’s psychology class discussed cultural norms recently with students in India, while Senators Herb Kohl (past) and Ron Johnson (present) have done speeches.
With other districts using the technology as well, Raether sees a great opportunity for growth.
“It’s very early, and we’re just starting to promote it a little bit more,” he said. “This is a vehicle for us to offer more opportunities to students.
“And it also allows our students to tailor their high school experience to their career path.”
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