Educational Technology and Media
- About
- 21st Century Media Centers
- Bring Your Own Technology
- Canvas Information
- Digital Citizenship
- Digital Platform Status
- Digital Resources
- Educational Technology Staff Directory
- Online Learning Law - SB 289
- Responsible Use Guidelines
- School-based Educational Technology Team's Role
- Technology & Information Services Department Home Page
-
Online Learning Opportunities
In July 2012, Senate Bill 289 was passed by Georgia Legislators and signed into law by the Governor. The new law established guidelines and expectations for how local school districts offer and provide notification to students and parents about online learning. While the legislation does not require an online course to graduate, it does provide an option for students to take an online learning option.
Below are some important points about Senate Bill 289.
- A student may take an online course even if the course is offered by Forsyth County.
- If the online course is taken in place of a course during the regular school day, there will be no cost incurred by the student or parent. If the course is taken outside the school day, the student is responsible for the cost of the course. Withdrawals from GAVS courses are only allowed in extenuating circumstances and students/parents are responsible for payment of all fees associated with the course incurred by the district.
- The availability of online courses during the school day is subject to the availability of personnel to supervise online students and the capacity of the school to accommodate online learners. Check with your school counselor for more details regarding availability.
Online Clearinghouse
Full-time and part-time online learning opportunities may be accessed through Forsyth Virtual Academy, Georgia Virtual School, or vendors and virtual schools listed on the Georgia Online Clearinghouse. The clearinghouse will assist parents and students in finding online courses, online course providers, and research guidelines that constitute high-quality online courses.
Request Online Courses
Requests are subject to counselor and administrative approval. Parent/guardian approval must be obtained for students to take an online course. Parents/guardians of high school should complete the FCS Georgia Virtual School (GAVS) Intent to Participate form found in Parent Portal to approve. Parents/guardians of middle school students should reach out to their student's counselor. GAVS course requests for the 2024-2025 school year must be submitted by July 10, 2024.
Online Learning Notice:
Parents/guardians have been given the option to have their student participate in online instruction. Disclosure of student information in person or online is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The written consent of a parent or eligible student (18 years old or older) is required before personally identifiable information contained therein may be disclosed. There is the potential for future Forsyth County Schools (FCS) and/or statewide virtual learning days. When your student is participating in online learning, our staff members would like to continue meeting with their classes using a live group feed online platform. This platform would allow students to participate in group lessons as well as to turn off their cameras and microphones when they choose to do so for privacy. FCS staff will continue to support and provide educational access to all students. FCS staff have been advised not to disclose any students’ specific program or disability information, and all live group sessions will be general in nature and focused on educational instruction.
