Online learning is not a new thing, but not many people have taken a course online. Sure, people have tried things like Rosetta Stone or Duolingo for learning languages, but those aren’t for grades and don’t really have anything at stake. What about other subjects that provide you a grade that goes towards a high school diploma, or even a university degree? Seems a bit scary, no?

According to the CBC a record 87% of high schools in Ontario have students enrolled in e-learning though only “about five per cent of students are taking those courses.” That doesn’t seem like a lot, but studies have shown that online courses provide more access to education for students across the country. According to a report released in 2018 by the Canadian Digital Learning and Research Association, 1.36 million Canadian students have gained improvements in diversity, access, and opportunities through online courses. In other words, online learning has offered more variety of course options and more accessibility of those options to students across the country!

Have you ever thought about taking a course online but have had reservations about doing so? We understand that online learning comes with some real and perceived barriers for some people such as access to technology or lack of access to teachers, so we asked some students what they thought about the courses they took through the Ontario eSecondary School, where they are now and what they liked most about the courses. Take it from some real students, Ontario eSecondary School offers a great experience and accessible and amazing teachers!

Shazaib

Shazaib is a current Ontario eSecondary School student and current University of Waterloo Physical Sciences student who is looking to improve the grades of his previous earned credits. He is enrolled in several science and math courses through OES, including SPH4U, SBI4U, MCV4U, MHF4U. Shazaib is taking these courses in order to get a better understanding of the concepts after taking the course through a different institution and not fully grasping the concepts. He chose Ontario eSecondary School to take all four course 

Q&A with Shazaib

1. What are you currently doing after graduating secondary school?

I am currently in progress for starting a new education pathway through the University of Waterloo majoring in Physical Sciences.

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

I wanted to take an online course to strengthen my understanding and grasp of a course that I was previously not able to at the best of my ability.

3. What course did you take or are taking with OES?

The courses I have taken are SPH4U, SBI4U, MCV4U, MHF4U.

4. Why did you choose to take all four courses through OES?

I chose OES for the courses because of the flexibility and open schedule that it offered when studying.

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

The experience through OES was phenomenal and my favourite part was how quick or slow you could finish. The learning experience provides you with enough time to learn at your pace.

6. What did you find challenging about taking a course online?

Some things I found challenging about taking an online course is that you are responsible for your own learning at all times and you have to rely on yourself to understand the material. But then again you are provided with amazing teachers. I had the pleasure of working alongside Mr. Brady Nooren who guided me through every question and concern I had so that I could apply to Waterloo University confident in my ability to recall the information when I so need it in the future.

7. What did you find easy?

The course content was presented in a manner which was easy to understand and digest.

8. Would you recommend online learning through OES and why?

I would highly recommend learning through OES as it is a pleasurable experience with amazing teachers guiding you at every step of the way, till the very end!

Kristin

Kristin is a former Ontario eSecondary School student and is currently in college studying Early Childhood Education. She chose to take ENG4C – English for College – Grade 12 through Ontario eSecondary School because our courses were recognized by her school board. OES is an Ontario Ministry of Education accredited

Q&A with Kristin

1. What are you currently doing after graduating secondary school?

I’m in college studying Early Childhood Education.

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

I needed to take this course to get into college.

3. What course did you take with OES?

I took ENG4C – English for College – Grade 12 

4. Why did you choose OES for this course?

I read reviews and it looked like a great school that was recognized by the school board 

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

I thought it was very easy to navigate and understand the expectations. The instructor was an amazing teacher and I was able to always have my questions answered in a timely manner. I also liked the feedback so I could improve.  

6. What did you find challenging about taking a course online?

I found some of the chapters to be a little long but completely understand it’s needed.

7. What did you find easy?

I found the website very easy to navigate.  

8. Would you recommend online learning through OES and why?

Absolutely! It was an awesome experience.

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