Online learning has been around for a while and has had some challenges in the past. Whether due to technological restrictions or just generally experiencing growing pains as a new and emerging way of learning, we know it’s not for everyone. We all know there are benefits of being in a classroom such as one-on-one direct instruction for students in need or the ability to learn more in a more hands-on environment, to name a few. But, there are many benefits to online learning. Flexibility in learning on your own schedule, the availability of courses that may not be available at your local school, or the option to learn from anywhere in the world are all benefits. If you’re an international student or a student athlete that is on the road often, online learning can offer you an alternative to get some much needed credits. 

The ability to learn remotely has never been more prevalent than in 2020 and the need for alternatives in education continues to expand. Even before a global need for alternatives, a record 87% of high schools in Ontario have students enrolled in e-learning and that is expected to rise. As the world of education leans toward a larger focus on online learning we wanted to debunk some of the myths of online learning. So, we asked some Ontario eSecondary School graduates what they thought about the courses they took through us, where they are now and what they liked most about the courses. Take it from real students, Ontario eSecondary School offers a great experience that is accessible and led by some amazing teachers!

Venetsiya

Venetsiya is a graduate of Ontario eSecondary School. She was an international student that  earned her Ontario Secondary School Diploma through OES and was able to apply to study medicine as a result. OES is a great option for international students who need to earn credits from a Canadian institution or an Ontario accredited institution in order to be considered for some post-secondary studies. Don’t just take it from us though, hear it from Venetsiya!

Q&A with Venetsiya

What are you currently doing after graduating secondary school?

I currently work as a barber at a barber shop.

Why did you want or need to take an online course?

I took the online course because I needed grade 12 Chemistry and Biology credits for the program I was applying for abroad.

What course did you take or are taking with OES?

I took SCH4U (grade 12 chemistry), SBI4U (grade 12 biology), HFA4U (grade 12 Nutrition, and the English Literacy Course, OLC4O.

Why did you choose to take your courses through OES?

I chose OES because it was online, they offered the courses I needed to take right away, and I also got a discount because I chose to study in the summer!

What did you like about OES and what was your favourite part of online learning?

The administration work was very quick and the administrator was always prompt, responding to all of my questions prior to signing up. As soon as I finished the entrance assessment I was able to start studying!  

My Chemistry teacher, Ms. Li was a miracle worker. She was also very fast with feedback and  marks because they all knew I was on a tight timeline to complete the courses successfully so I could apply to University abroad. The courses I took were recognized by the University in Europe, which I applied and got accepted to!

What did you find easy?

What I found easy was the ability to submit all my work at the end of each lesson. The overall online platform is easy to use and the fact that the entire course is online and available when I needed to travel abroad was helpful. I was still able to access my OES courses.

Would you recommend online learning through OES and why?

To all future OES students, my advice is look no further. It is a great way to continue on with your education, no matter if you are a traditional high school student or a non traditional one like myself. I was able to complete four grade 12 courses in less than 3 months, while I was working a full time job. 

I’m very thankful to OES for working with me, for understanding the urgency that I was facing. Thanks to OES I got the opportunity to apply to study medicine in Europe and I got accepted! Another great feature of the online courses was that I was able to access them for 6 months, so you can do it at your own pace and complete the courses you didn’t take in high school and make your dreams come true.

Mary

Mary is a former OES student. She took MAP4C – Grade 12 College math with OES and currently works as a medical coder. She registered with the course through Ontario eSecondary School because she needed the opportunity to earn a high school credit online.

Q&A with Mary

What are you currently doing after graduating secondary school?

I am currently in the workforce as a medical coder. 

Why did you want or need to take an online course?

It created the option for me to go back to school.

What course did you take with OES?

I took MAP4C (Grade 12 College Math).

Why did you choose OES for this course?

I liked the convenience of the course being online.

What did you like about OES and what was your favourite part of online learning?

I enjoyed being able to do it at my own pace. Some of the lessons could have been more descriptive.

What did you find easy?

Communicating with my teacher was really easy.

Would you recommend online learning through OES and why?

Yes! It was very convenient and informative.

So… why OES?

If you’re currently attending high school in Ontario, or if you’re looking to upgrade your marks as an international student, OES has a wide range of courses available. From ENG4U to MHF4U, the amazing teachers at OES are ready to support you and help you meet your goals all over the world.

The Ontario eSecondary School has been inspected and accredited by the Ontario Ministry of Education. What does this mean? As a virtual school, all of our courses are recognized by and can be used toward an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and are also recognized as part of your OUAC application.

This makes OES a great partner for upgrading ontario secondary school credits online and is also perfect for international students looking for Ontario secondary school diploma credits.

For the same reason, our courses are perfect for international students who are looking for credits that are required for post secondary institutions in Ontario.

Learn more about our courses at oeshighschool.com/courses