The courses originate at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon and are transmitted over the Internet to classrooms in nine counties and two cities in Southwest Virginia. This is a virtual classroom that connects all the schools in the area through Learn-Link software. All tests and quizzes are taken on-line with immediate feedback. The video link allows students and teachers to see each other in a pop-up window or to work together on documents or white boards, something like a chalkboard. These methods of disseminating information and education are unique and advantageous for Tazewell County students.
All students have the same access to classes taught at each county middle or high school.
For example, Advanced Placement Computer Science was available at one county high school only. Through distance learning, students at all four county high schools are enrolled in the class taught by one county certified teacher. While the school system cannot hire one teacher to teach 20 students, distance learning opportunities allow these students to build their own curriculum based on their needs. The county's financial limits do not hinder their education. Up to 35 miles separated the different groups.