Distance Education for High Schoolers |
Related Content
Take the courses you want every time
Every fall, students face the frustration of missing out on a required course because it has filled up or it can't fit in with the other classes that they have selected. For students in British Columbia's elementary and secondary schools this type of situation could be a thing of the past.
By visiting an educational portal such as www.learnnowbc.ca students can have online access to over 2500 accredited courses. Available at no cost to British Columbians, the service allows learners to not only get many of the courses they want and need but also the ability to take them when they want.
While this option is a bonus for almost any student it's a real advantage for learners who need flexibility in their schedules. Elite athletes, artists or even kids with part-time jobs can now take a variety of required and elective classes in a way that works best for their timetables.
"We know that kids are living in a very technologically-focused world," says Virtual School Society president Gordon Milne. "They're very comfortable operating in an online environment to get information, to meet with friends, to play games, so why not provide them with access to their education in this way or in some other form of distributed learning?"
Distributed Learning (DL) is a choice for B.C. students who need or want to learn at a distance from a school. Students can start school throughout the calendar year. They have access to learning opportunities outside conventional school timetables-and DL works for adults who are juggling many responsibilities and would like to complete their secondary education. DL has surged in British Columbia with enrollment reaching an all-time high of 33,000 in 2007 compared to 17,000 in 2006, according to statistics from the B.C. Ministry of Education. Numbers are projected to hit 48,000 in the fall 2008.
** Distance learning is available in most other provinces across Canada. Check with your own Provincial distance education department for local information. For Ontario residents visit the Government of Ontario Ministry of Training.
