With schools closed and high school students looking to stay on track for graduation, there has never been a better time to explore the merits of e-learning. Virtual classrooms represent an opportunity for students of all stripes to continue earning required credits, preventing them from falling behind.
Parents of high schoolers, or mature students looking to complete or upgrade credits, should take this time to consider the opportunities e-learning has to offer.
Remote learning through a Ministry of Education approved virtual high school gives students at all stages of their high school career a chance to continue learning — even if classrooms remain closed. Anyone looking to gain credits through a virtual should consider the following criteria in order to make an informed choice.
Look for Interactive Lessons that Keep Differentiated Learning in Mind
Students interested in enrolling in an online high school program should look for interactive, virtual lessons designed and recorded by Ministry-approved teachers. It’s imperative to remember that different learners have different learning needs. Students assimilate knowledge at their own pace and bring their own unique set of skills and needs to every course. Some students will want to move quickly through each module, while others will need to take their time, consulting with their teacher often.
The right e-learning curricula from a school like Ontario Virtual School will cater to the individual needs of its students by:
• Giving students a flexible window to complete their credit (from 4 weeks to up to a year)
• Returning assignments and tests back to students within a few days so they can review the work while it’s still fresh in their minds
• Employing a student success team comprised of Ministry-approved teachers and guidance counsellors who help track and encourage consistent student progress
• Constantly revising lesson content to keep the curricula fresh, relevant, and engaging
Find a School that Keeps Students Accountable
A key component of learning is self-reliance and personal accountability. While teachers and lessons are irreplaceable elements of schooling, education is also about being accountable.
For individual assignments, the right virtual school should hold students responsible for:
• Devising plans and processes for completing their tasks
• Time management and priority establishment
• Following instruction with minimal supervision
• Approaching new tasks with a positive attitude
For group assignments, students should be held accountable for:
• Responding positively to the values, opinions, ideas, and traditions of other students
• Maintaining healthy peer-to-peer relationships
If you know a high school student looking to stay on track and continue to earn credits, or you’re thinking of earning OSSD credits yourself to upgrade your career path, look for a virtual school that puts caring first. Find a school with a student success team made up of dedicated and accredited guidance counsellors and teachers who help track student process and keep them on the path to graduation.