2 LI schools join global e-learning network

Students at Walt Whitman High School in Huntington Station and Westbrook Preparatory School in Westbury are among 29 new member schools in 12 states and in India that will be able to take courses online with students around the world starting next month.

The schools will have access to more than 400 courses per semester because of a partnership with The VHS Collaborative. Through enrollment in courses such as AP music theory, biotechnology and Latin, students will be able to develop global citizenship, independent learning and time management skills, as well as get their feet wet in an intended major, VHS officials say.

"This is a great way to utilize today's technology and provide opportunities that we would not otherwise be able to offer because of low enrollment," South Huntington school district Superintendent David Bennardo said. "Students will be able to receive a full classroom experience and interact with their online classmates and teachers all over the world while sitting at a computer monitor right here on Long Island."

VHS, a nonprofit, aims to provide students with access to high-quality online learning experiences and courses not offered at their school. Courses are taught by active classroom teachers specially trained in online teaching practices and certified in their subject areas.

"Many schools facing budget cuts have had to cancel low-enrollment courses over the last few years. By partnering with VHS, they are now able to continue to provide the courses that students need and want while equipping them with critical skills that will be invaluable in their next level of education or careers," VSH acting chief executive Carol Ribeiro said in a statement.