We asked Ryan Fuller, Director, to tell us more about Cobb Virtual Academy. Here’s what we learned:
Q: What’s one innovation or tool you’ve implemented that has made a significant impact on your students or staff?
A: In conjunction with a strategic partner, CVA developed a comprehensive course development process that has allowed us to expand our course offerings, ensuring high quality and flexible costs. Additionally, this process has served as the backbone of joint curriculum development projects between our program and the District curriculum department.
Q: What’s a success story from your program that you’re especially proud of?
A: CVA has provided access to a high school diploma for students whose life circumstances would otherwise prevent them from earning one. These students are all considered success stories.
Q: How has being part of DLAC shaped your approach or inspired your work?
A: DLAC has been invaluable to CVA because of their rich and diverse collection of resources and networking opportunities with others in our field. It is enriching to be with people who understand what we do because they do
it too. The ability to share successes and challenges has been incredibly beneficial.
Q: What’s something you wish you had known when you started with digital or hybrid learning?
A: The value of feedback as personalized instruction.
Q: What’s one thing you hope the future of digital learning will achieve, and how is your program paving the way for that vision?
A: Our goal is to provide equitable and accessible education by breaking down traditional barriers. Cobb Virtual Academy supports this vision by leveraging the flexibility and convenience of asynchronous learning, allowing students to learn anytime, anywhere. Engaging and interactive content, including embedded self-checks and practice opportunities, fosters deeper understanding and knowledge retention. We expand access to expertise by offering virtual sessions with field experts and bringing real-world perspectives directly to students. Through multiple communication
pathways, such as video calls and text-based messaging, we ensure personalized support and stronger student-teacher connections. We prioritize accessibility through universal design principles, ensuring equal opportunities for all students to learn and thrive, regardless of background or circumstance.
Q: What’s one challenge your program has overcome, and how did you tackle it?
A: CVA was challenged to provide a solution for dual-language immersion students who were transitioning from elementary to middle school. Although CVA is primarily asynchronous, we adopted a hybrid approach for these students and supported a solution that allows them to continue to grow in their bilingual skills. CVA teachers meet virtually with the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students 1-3 times per week and use existing curriculum that has been modified to be grade-level appropriate. Called the “Advanced Language Opportunity,” participating students will receive credit for three years of high school Spanish upon successful completion of the program.
Q: What’s a unique aspect of your program or approach that sets it apart?
A: The Student Support Team at the Cobb Virtual Academy is unique because it provides personalized, flexible, and comprehensive support to students in an online environment. Specialized resources include a face-to-face learning center, virtual chat feature, and “Start Strong” presentations with students and families. Beyond academics, the team helps with time management, motivation, and digital literacy, preparing students for success in the online environment. The Learning Center provides in-person and virtual support available to students with a wide range of open hours.
Q: What’s one innovation or tool you’ve implemented that has made a significant impact on your students or staff?
A: The Student Support Team at the Cobb Virtual Academy is unique because it provides personalized, flexible, and comprehensive support to students in an online environment. Specialized resources include a face-to-face learning center, virtual chat feature, and “Start Strong” presentations with students and families. Beyond academics, the team helps with time management, motivation, and digital literacy, preparing students for success in the online environment. The Learning Center provides in-person and virtual support available to students with a wide range of open hours.