It may not be sliced bread, but in an academic setting it may be just as good when it comes to leveling the playing field.
Odysseyware is catching on at all levels of Warren County’s education system. The web-based educational tool, according to Carl Curtis of the high school annex, is allowing students who may slip behind to catch up online.
“There are many ways it can be used,” Curtis told the Warren County Board of Education. “It is K through 12 and includes 176 courses and counting.”
Presently there are 661 students enrolled in Odysseyware in Warren County Schools. It is used daily at the high school annex.
Curtis explained students can move at their own pace using the Odysseyware system. And, perhaps most importantly, they can use the online tool any time of the day or night, as long as there is a space available.
Curtis noted the school buys so many “seats” or places on the software so only so many can be logged in at one time. However, the spaces normally open up after school hours.
One important use is recovering grades on classes a student may have failed during regular school. During the past school year, there were 53 credits recovered over the summer in science, social studies and English. This is an improvement over 11 credits recovered the summer before.
While Odysseyware can be used to recover a credit that may have been lost through failing a class, it can also be used to keep students on pace with their course work. The software can be used by teachers to help prepare lesson plans or to work with a student.
It is also used for homebound instruction, alternative education, dropout prevention and in cases of scheduling conflicts.
In the relatively short amount of time it has been used in Warren County, Director of Schools Bobby Cox said it has grown and had a perceptible impact.
“I think it’s quite an asset to education here in Warren County,” Cox said following the briefing.
According to Cox, any parent who would like their student to get access to the software, or who wants more information on the system, may contact their student’s guidance counselor or may contact Carl Curtis at 473-9850.