Online learning, also known as e-learning, offers secondary students an opportunity to take courses that are delivered entirely using the internet and do not normally require students to be physically present in the classroom. Students may be required to go into school to take a final exam or if they need to use the internet, devices and other school supports (for example, guidance, mental health and well-being supports).
This is different from
remote learning where classes are taught virtually
when in-person learning is not possible (for example, on snow days or during other interruptions or emergencies).
Students in Grades 9 to 12 can use online courses to gain experience with online learning and help prepare for life after secondary school, where learning and working online is becoming the norm in many sectors.
The RRDSB is part of the Ontario e-Learning Consortium (OeLC), giving its students access to a wide range of online courses from grades 9 through 12 to meet their interests and academic needs. To get an idea of the range of courses available, visit the OeLC site at:
https://ontario.prismsis.com/oelc
Why enroll in an eLearning course?
-
More options:
- Students can access a wider variety of courses that may not be available in their home school
- Students can access more courses that fit their individual pathway planning needs and goals
- Be better prepared:
- Students will be better prepared for the independent learning modes they are likely to encounter in college and / or university, as well as in apprenticeship and workplace training programs.
- Flexibility:
- Students are provided a flexible alternative to the face-to-face classroom or when matching student preferred learning styles to programming needs.
Online Learning Graduation Requirement
Beginning with students who entered Grade 9 in the 2020-21 school year, all students must earn at least two online learning credits as part of the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), unless they have opted out or been exempted.
This online learning requirement also applies to adult learners entering the Ontario secondary school system starting in 2023-24 school year, unless they have opted out.
How to opt out
Parents who wish to opt out or exempt their child from the online graduation requirement must complete the opt-out form available from their child’s school board.
Exemption from the online learning graduation requirements can be requested by:
- the parent or guardian of the secondary student
- students who are 18 years of age or older
- students who are 16 or 17 years of age and have withdrawn from parental control
Find out more and get started
Students can speak to their Guidance counsellor for information on what courses are available, and how to enroll in online courses.
Visit the Ontario e-Learning Consortium (OeLC) site to learn what courses are currently available through the OeLC.
Preview some online courses here.