FCPS 24-7 Learning

One of the most difficult things to deal with in Fairfax County is the fact that there are so many resources. It is a challenge to learn how to use them effectively to improve instruction.

The purchase of the Blackboard service for teachers originated with the high use of the free “open” site by FCPS teachers. The logic followed that if the teachers viewed this site as one that would benefit them and their school community, then providing a reliable, secure source for online learning should a priority for FCPS. Starting with the 2002-2003 school year, the FCPS 24-7 project provides that source to every teacher and student through a contract with Blackboard.com.

Teachers who have been using Blackboard before we had fcps.blackboard.com found that it enabled students to check the homework assignments when they were out sick and actually come to the next class with the assignments completed.

Blackboard offers a quality, no-advertising site in which teachers at all levels can not only enrich their class but provide students and their parents with class orientation documents that our transient student population needs all during the school year. Not only can Blackboard be used in teaching students at all levels, it is being used in Staff Development and as the core of the FCPS Virtual High School. Soon this area of online learning will be expanded.

Exciting changes are coming to FCPS Blackboard this summer as FCPS adopts Blackboard version 6. Teachers will have more flexibility to customize courses to meet the needs of students and their parents.