What to Know About Ontario’s Online Learning Graduation Requirement
Over the last few years, online learning has grown significantly as the internet and education have combined to allow people to master new skills. During the pandemic, the world realized how valuable and essential online education can be.
In fact, in Ontario, the government has introduced a new online learning requirement, in which students must receive e-learning credits to be entitled to graduation.
Below is more information about this requirement and what it means to take an online course at OES!
About the Online Learning Graduation Requirements
In February, the Ontario Ministry of Education announced a new graduation requirement for secondary students to earn two e-Learning credits. This policy applies only to students who entered Grade 9 on or after September 1, 2020. Mature students who enter the Ontario secondary school system in 2023–24 or later will likewise be expected to complete this graduation criterion unless they otherwise choose to opt-out.
What is an e-Learning Credit Course?
Online learning, commonly referred to as e-learning, gives secondary students the option to enrol in courses that are provided online and don’t ask for students to be present in the actual classroom.
This is distinct from remote learning, which substitutes virtual instruction for in-person instruction in situations impractical to do so in people, such as during inclement weather, interruptions, or emergencies.
Advantages of Using Online Learning at OES
The advantages of using online learning platforms are many. These are just some of the reasons to take an online course:
Asynchronous Learning
The main distinction between synchronous vs asynchronous learning is that it involves students learning simultaneously with their classmates, but asynchronous learning gives students greater flexibility over how quickly they learn.
Synchronous learning is the norm. In real-time, students are learning. Online learning may be synchronous as well as in-person learning, which is the norm. Synchronous online learning occurs, for example, when a teacher streams a lecture that students are expected to follow along with on laptops.
Our students at OES have much more control over the speed of their studies than they would at conventional high schools in Ontario because we support asynchronous, flexible, self-paced learning. Students can take their time with some lessons and rush through others. Additionally, they may be able to regulate deadlines more.
Wide Selection of Courses
One of the biggest reasons for taking online courses and programs being so popular is the wide range of courses available. As teachers can work remotely, there is far more access to the courses we can offer.
Whether taking courses such as Advanced Functions MHF4U and ENG4U English or more niche courses such as HFA4U – Nutrition and Health or PSK4U – Kinesiology, our online high school courses offer courses that can help everyone learn new skills and achieve their educational goals.
Many Ways to Communicate
With online learning, you’ll connect with instructors and students through many channels—email, videoconferencing, and your course learning management system, to mention a few examples. You are encouraged to participate in group projects, attend lectures in whatever format suits you best, and ask questions when necessary.
Flexibility
By being able to learn remotely, you can learn from anywhere! A student taking these online courses can do so without needing to travel to the physical campus, and can be done from the comfort of her own home. While the rare occasion of a live lecture or test period may occur, in general, these courses can be completed at a student’s own pace and during their own time.
This is especially ideal for students who work part-time and full-time jobs or mature students who may have a family to take care of.
Self-Paced Learning
You may set your learning speed with eLearning. According to research, those who study the same topic at their own pace outperform those who do so in more conventional classroom settings. When you are comfortable with an idea, you can go forward without waiting for other students to catch up.
On the flip side, those struggling do not need to feel the pressure or embarrassment of asking for help in a public setting, like in a conventional classroom where peers can observe them.
Students receive unlimited access to the material, so you may go over it repeatedly until you feel confident with it and privately communicate with your teachers through online channels.
This is a terrific benefit for review or when you want to pay closer attention to a few particular course concepts. Students at OES will receive a certified instructor for the course’s duration and 24/7 access to limitless, on-demand online help.
Elearning Offers Accessibility To Those Who Need It
Students who struggle with shyness, social awkwardness, or prejudice frequently find that they thrive in an online learning environment.
Students concerned about failing were more willing to participate than in a regular classroom.
The same was true for students subjected to bullying and other forms of discrimination.
eLearning also offers a more accessible alternative to those with physical disabilities, removing the need for a daily commute and physical obstacles that can come with an in-person school, especially older schools that structurally are not built with optimal accessibility.
About OES
Ontario eSecondary School is a private online high school that provides Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) credits. We are a globally accredited online institution that has undergone ministry inspection.
The online courses offered by Ontario eSecondary School are perfect for high school students, adult learners, and international students who want to acquire more credits or a certificate and for those looking for further preparation before they apply for university in Ontario. We create our high school courses online with the requirements of the students in mind.
Our courses enable students to succeed in their academic careers while learning at their speed. Students can enrol in our online courses & get started at any time. Once registered, individuals may work at their speed, and on their schedule, throughout the twelve months, we give each course. In other words, a student might finish the course in 4 weeks, 12 months, or whenever they like! The Ontario curriculum standards are covered in all our online courses through interactive information, PowerPoint presentations, videos, PDFs, and qualified instructors.
To learn more about our OSSD credit courses, contact Ontario eSecondary School or enrol immediately.