Anna Lee Gibson has more than twenty-eight years experience as a high school, college, and online internet instructor and earned her MA from East Tennessee State University. At present, Ms. Gibson is enrolled at Antioch University where she is pursuing a Degree as an Online Professional Development Specialist. She has received numerous awards for her innovative teaching techniques, including two Excellence in Education Awards from Virginia Tech. With a rich background in History and English, Ms. Gibson's literature study comes alive for her satellite audience. She is a published author and one of her writing textbooks is often used as a teaching guide in the English program. In addition to teaching the satellite course, Ms. Gibson is VSEN’s instructor for the new Online AP English course which is presented through the internet. The AP English Online course is presented in either block or two-semester form and all lessons, tests, quizzes, and submissions of essays are carried out in a completely paperless environment.

PREREQUISITE
Students will need access to an internet-enabled computer and a functioning email address, with software programs which include Microsoft Word and Media Player. To be able to function in this online course, students and/or schools must have a computer with adequate memory to multi-task; in addition,  Windows 98, Windows ME, or XP is recommended.

Students enrolling in Online AP English should enjoy reading and must exhibit an advanced vocabulary and knowledge of the mechanics of language; in addition, online students should be comfortable with the internet environment.

Students must have a strong background in history, display an interest in current events, show initiative and demonstrate the ability to work independently. An overall average of at least a "B" in previous English classes is required.
 

COURSE DESCRIPTION
AP English Online is designed to challenge the student's ability to think critically, to synthesize literature, and to write effectively. While the teaching environment is the internet, the same strenuous demands are placed upon the student. In fact in the internet environment, the student is responsible for even more of this individual, directed learning challenge.

The course will emphasize British literature, but will include literary works from many countries. In addition, information concerning cultural, historical, philosophical, and psychological backgrounds will be addressed. The genres will include epics, dramas, novels, and a major focus on poetry. AP English will refine and improve writing styles. During the first semester, special attention will center on personal and critical essays. The course's writing unit design will focus on these areas: thesis statements, proof paragraphs, transitions, epiphanies, parallelism, paragraph unity and coherence, and common mechanical errors. Students will analyze literature independently and will correlate concepts with literary backgrounds. In addition, each student will prepare a research paper using the current MLA standards. The AP English course will prepare students for the College Board Advanced Placement Exam through curriculum and similar testing procedures. Students can earn college credit for this course by scoring from 3 to 5 on the College Board Examination.

SCHEDULE
At the convenience of the student and school, all scheduled assignments, tests, quizzes, and lectures are carried over the internet and can easily fit into any schedule. The course may be taken in a one semester block course or in a two-semester course. The URL for the course is http://www.svetn.org/angel/frameIndex.htm  

After registering, students will receive a valid password and begin class work online.

Origination Site - Wise, Virginia