Norwin Online Academy
OverviewThe Norwin Online Academy (formerly called the WIU eAcademy) is an online learning option for students who reside in the Norwin School District and are entering grades K-12. The Norwin Online Academy provides children and youth with online learning along with the opportunity to participate in all District activities, sports, clubs, and programs.
The Norwin Online Academy curriculum has been developed in collaboration with online learning experts and is based on current research and best practices for online learning. The goal is to bring flexibility and options to the resident students of Norwin, while building necessary skills for success. Students who participate in the Norwin Online Academy will enjoy all the benefits of being a Norwin student, including earning a Norwin School District diploma and participating in graduation ceremonies, while receiving an online education that meets individual educational and social needs.
Flexibility & Student-Centered Choices
Imagine a school day where students are not directed by busses and bell schedules. Because the Norwin Online Academy is part of a consortium, students have the option of taking a wide range of online courses in all areas of the curriculum. Students can choose a schedule and courses that suit them, their goals, and to fulfill the credits they need for graduation with a Norwin diploma. When students are working remotely, they will have access to teachers and technical support both online and over the phone. Whatever path your child takes, you can be assured that his or her education will be well supported.
Benefits of Norwin Online Academy
- Students remain Norwin students
- Personalized education plan
- Norwin diploma
- Participate in Norwin graduation
- Access to Norwin teachers for instructional help
- A robust and rigorous curriculum
- Wide variety of courses
- Ability to attend CWCTC
- Can play sports
- Can join clubs
- If needed, a laptop and/or internet will be provided
- Dedicated technical support for online students
- Guidance counseling for career and college planning
- Access to counselors for social and emotional health and well-being
A Quality Online Education Begins Here
Teachers - All courses offered through the Norwin Online Academy are taught by highly-qualified, Pennsylvania-certified teachers from Norwin or surrounding school districts in Westmoreland County. Currently, nearly 40 Norwin School District educators participate in the Norwin Online Academy as teachers. All teachers have received comprehensive training in best practices and pedagogy for online teaching and interactive learning.
Core Curriculum — Each Norwin course fully incorporates the academic standards set forth by the PA Department of Education for that course. This means that your child can move between online courses and the traditional Norwin classroom without experiencing gaps in the curriculum. When your child takes an online course, he or she will cover the same high-quality material and objectives as students in Norwin classrooms. Due to the online nature of learning, students may not be using the same instructional materials such as textbooks and online resources.
Course Rigor - Each course is designed with the same rigor and quality instruction of a traditional classroom. Lessons and assessments are designed to challenge students and encourage inquiry, while meeting individual needs and learning styles. Because students have more flexibility in an online course, they move through material at a more customized pace.
Socialization - The Norwin Online Academy believes in the importance of developing a sense of community and socialization within learning experiences. Each course integrates the use of several multimedia tools designed to engage students in the course content, as well as with their peers. This provides students with the ability to discover and share with their online classmates, while building critical skills for interacting and collaborating online.
Engaging Students - Courses are offered to students through an online environment using both asynchronous and voluntary synchronous instruction. Content is presented in a variety of engaging ways using multimedia and collaborative tools. Teachers use the digital tools and emerging technologies to bring course content to life, which results in lessons that appeal to the preferences of today’s digital learner.
Computer and Internet Access - In the Norwin Online Academy, students are provided with an iPad. If a course requires a laptop, one will be provided. Hotspots for internet accessibility are available to Norwin Online Academy students upon request. All devices are loaded with needed programs, accessible to the internet, and supported by the Norwin School District technology department.
Core Curriculum — Each Norwin course fully incorporates the academic standards set forth by the PA Department of Education for that course. This means that your child can move between online courses and the traditional Norwin classroom without experiencing gaps in the curriculum. When your child takes an online course, he or she will cover the same high-quality material and objectives as students in Norwin classrooms. Due to the online nature of learning, students may not be using the same instructional materials such as textbooks and online resources.
Course Rigor - Each course is designed with the same rigor and quality instruction of a traditional classroom. Lessons and assessments are designed to challenge students and encourage inquiry, while meeting individual needs and learning styles. Because students have more flexibility in an online course, they move through material at a more customized pace.
Socialization - The Norwin Online Academy believes in the importance of developing a sense of community and socialization within learning experiences. Each course integrates the use of several multimedia tools designed to engage students in the course content, as well as with their peers. This provides students with the ability to discover and share with their online classmates, while building critical skills for interacting and collaborating online.
Engaging Students - Courses are offered to students through an online environment using both asynchronous and voluntary synchronous instruction. Content is presented in a variety of engaging ways using multimedia and collaborative tools. Teachers use the digital tools and emerging technologies to bring course content to life, which results in lessons that appeal to the preferences of today’s digital learner.
Computer and Internet Access - In the Norwin Online Academy, students are provided with an iPad. If a course requires a laptop, one will be provided. Hotspots for internet accessibility are available to Norwin Online Academy students upon request. All devices are loaded with needed programs, accessible to the internet, and supported by the Norwin School District technology department.
Benefits of Hybrid Learning
Onsite Curriculum—Students who elect a schedule that includes a hybrid learning environment will have options in the courses they take on campus. For some learners, attending in-person classes at a Norwin school and taking several remote classes is a good fit.
Advanced Placement Curriculum—Students who choose a schedule that includes a hybrid learning environment will be able to select from all advanced placement courses on campus.
College in High School—The College in High School Program allows students to earn college credits and a transcript from several different universities while taking classes in the Norwin High School. The College in High School classes have a tuition fee.
Vocational Technical Programs—In partnership with the Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center, which provides over 20 half-day technical programs, students will have the option to pursue courses in skilled labor and industry-based technology programs.
Post-Secondary—Students and families will be able to take advantage of college and career planning by participating in assemblies, programs, career and scheduling fairs, onsite visits from college and university representatives and from military personnel.