NCSSM Online includes experiences unavailable at most schools, including the summer symposium where students connect to study an emerging global problem.

 

Our Core Academic Experience

NCSSM Online is more than just a “course” but a program that advances students towards a better informed and smoother transition to the independence of college academics. The main academic programs include

• year-long and semester courses---many focused on sciences, engineering, and math.
• weekly evening videoconferences with your instructor.
• weekend visits to NCSSM once or twice a semester associated with each course.
• The ability to enroll in the Student Summer Symposium for rising seniors in the program.
• Opportunity to work with mentors and research labs in our summer internship program

Accepted students must enroll in at least one course per semester both junior and senior year. Seniors may take two courses per semester. The NCSSM Online  program staff assists in the course enrollment process after they are admitted. See the Student Support services for more information.

 

What type of credit do you receive?

You receive course credit and a transcript from NCSSM based on NCSSM’s grading and evaluation criteria. Students that dual enroll with their local school receive honors or AP credit from their local school. You can request this transcript be forwarded to college during the application process.

 

What is the Course Rigor?

All NCSSM Online courses are designed and taught to the same high standards that has guided the NCSSM residential program for the past 30 years, and are all taught by NCSSM faculty. The college level content and pacing dictate at least 10 hours per week for study and participation, but may take more depending on each student’s abilities.

 

What is Learning in a NCSSM Online class like?

Assignments. You complete your assignments using Brainhoney, a course management program provided by NCSSM Online. Online courses are divided into "lessons." Each lesson may contain text, video, or audio files, animations, pictures, and interactive exercises. Instructors also assign extended assignments, which are done individually or in groups online.

 

Class Time.  Classes have weekly deadlines and flexibility in when you study and interact with the class materials. Online courses demand independent study skills and a mature motivated individual. Each class requires on average 10 hours of time per week; as a result having time to work independently during the school day is critical to success. See the Student Support services for more information on scheduling class time.

 

Expectations.  NCSSM Online courses equal the academic expectations of residential program courses.  The freedom that comes with the flexibility of online learning also entails significant responsibilities. Students will need to study and complete course material at home, and they will need to be prepared to engage in collaborative learning activities in the evening and sometimes on weekends.

 

Weekly Videoconference. Using Cisco WebEx (used by other UNC campuses) web-based videoconference software, students must connect one evening per week with their classmates to collaborate. Sessions typically last one hour and focus on an interactive whiteboard rather than video cameras.

 

Lab Exercises Colleges and high schools are integrating more virtual, interactive laboratory components into science courses. NCSSM emphasizes the importance of face to face laboratory and collaborative activities in all academic areas. NCSSM Online instructors draw on existing and new technologies to provide laboratory and collaborative experiences.

 

Weekend Visits. All courses have at least one hands-on, laboratory or collaborative activities that are completed on NCSSM's residential campus. These visits are an opportunity to meet many other students in the program.

 

Tests and Exams  Major tests are always proctored, and are conducted under the supervision of a designated facilitator at each local school. Minor tests may be completed online in an open-book fashion but with a time limit. NCSSM Online works with students and with local schools to identify proctors. The course management system and additional software tools allow students to complete and submit homework online.