Social Studies ClassTools^®

View detailed information about the Social Studies ClassTools:

• *AP Macroeconomics
• *AP Microeconomics
• *AP U.S. Government and Politics
• *AP U.S. History
• Geography and World Cultures
• Honors Geography and World Cultures
• Honors U.S. and Global Economics
• Honors U.S. Government and Politics
• Honors U.S. History
• Honors World History
• U.S. History
• U.S. and Global Economics
• U.S. Government and Politics
• World History

Register: ClassTools

About Social Studies ClassTools by Apex Learning

Based on the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) standards and aligned to state standards, Apex Learning's online Social Studies curriculum provides dynamic content to actively engage today's students in the study of history and geography and encourages them to apply what they learn in meaningful ways to the world in which they live. Through the use of multimedia, direct instruction tutorials allow students to actively explore and develop their understanding of key concepts.

The Apex Learning online Social Studies curriculum takes full advantage of the potential for technology to provide students with a range of resources to support their learning including primary sources, maps, timelines, and graphic organizers. Multiple representations address the needs of different learning styles. Receptive exercises reinforce student learning of new concepts. Directed web explorations, document based questions, and writing assignments provide opportunities for students to apply what they've learned, doing their own research and integrating up-to-date primary source information not typically found in textbooks.

Formative assessments are embedded throughout the content. Interactive self-check exercises allow students to gauge their understanding of new material as they learn. Computer-scored practice problems and lesson quizzes provide timely feedback on student progress. Unit tests and semester exams provide summative assessment opportunities in Online Courses. Diagnostic tests for each unit in both ClassTools and Online Courses reveal strengths and weaknesses for a whole class and individual students. Automatically generated study plans direct students to relevant tutorials for remediation

We evaluate the usual grade level at which a course is to be taught and then write the course at one year below that grade level. We have a distinct writing policy to keep sentences and paragraphs short and to keep pages short in overall length. This approach is very helpful to those students not reading at grade level. In addition, we use various forms of multimedia to help convey the message on a page; allowing even challenged readers to interact meaningfully with the content.

User Support

Apex Learning provides email and phone support for all participating teachers, mentors, administrators, students, and parents. This support goes beyond technical support and also includes instructor guidance and knowledge of the curriculum. In addition, there is 24x7 access to online help for all of the most frequently asked questions. Apex Learning's support team answers all emails and voice mail messages within 1 school day; 75% of all issues are resolved within the same school day. Phone support is available Monday - Friday, between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM Central Standard Time.

Orientation

Apex Learning provides orientation resources to ensure every participant (including students, teachers, mentors, site-coordinators, and tech coordinators) is prepared for their online learning experience.

• System Checkup. This online tool ensures each participant's computer is set up with an appropriate browser, plug-ins, and settings.
• Guided Tours. Each participant has access to an online overview that explains how the learning program works and describes the responsibilities associated with his or her particular role.
• School Readiness Kit. Online course mentors, site coordinators, and tech coordinators receive online or printed Getting Started sheets as well as access to an online School Readiness Kit with extensive instructions and information.

Technical Specifications

Apex Learning Web-based courses operate on both PC and Macintosh computers. PCs must have at least 16 MB Ram and run Windows 98, 2000 or preferably XP. Macintosh systems must have at least 32 MB RAM and run Mac OS 9.2 or preferably OS X v10.2.4 or higher. Browsers supported include Internet Explorer 6.0 and Safari 1.2 or higher, reliable Internet access at 56.6 Kbps or higher, an email account and at least 20 MB available hard drive space. See http://www.apexlearning.com/systemrequirements for a complete list of requirements.

Apex Learning, the Apex Learning logo, ClassTools, and Beyond Books are registered trademarks of Apex Learning Inc.