Our whole world has changed – impacting education forever. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, technology and worldwide events have come together as a catalyst for remote and e-learning in Canada. It’s the way of the future!
 

Virtual education allows online providers to offer students many advantages that regular brick-and-mortar classrooms cannot – but not all e-learning providers are the same. As a parent, it is up to you to do your homework before choosing a school for your child.

Established providers, like Ontario Virtual School (OVS), offer fresh approaches for student success and learning. OVS is an online private high school, offering OSSD credits for not only Ontario students, but students across the country and even internationally. This school has been growing steadily for more than a decade, with accredited teachers, administrators, and guidance counsellors all working together to ensure that students get the best educational experience possible.

 

What’s so great about virtual education?

There are many benefits of e-learning, but first and foremost it’s the commitment to students. Everyone learns differently, and schools that offer asynchronous or “on demand” learning create more flexibility for students to work towards their goals at their own pace. No one is locked into a nine-to-three schedule. Some of us do our best work in the early morning, while others will happily work late into the evening. For students with demanding extra-curriculars or part-time employment, online learning can take the stress out of scheduling, while still ensuring teachers are there when you need them.

What’s more, the costs associated with traditional day schools can prevent them from delivering a greater selection of courses. This is not the case with online providers. For example, OVS is able to offer over 120 OSSD-certified courses in everything from French language, to STEM, to Photography. So, if you’re a student looking for a broader range of courses to choose from, or rolling enrollment when a class is full (hello, Grade 12 University English!), virtual education offers an excellent alternative.

 

But it’s not just about the curriculum and the credits: E-learning teaches students valuable skills like digital literacy and time management, which are crucial for success in the working world.

Finally, during the pandemic, many folks have recognized, and become accustomed to, the convenience of working from home. This flexibility is perfect for students overseas or those looking to better prepare themselves for high school or update their credits. The ability to log in anytime – from anywhere in the world – removes a major barrier to education.

 

How you can help your child succeed

As a parent, you want the best for your child. A good place to start is to sit down and help your child prepare for a future that aligns with their goals. Then, you can begin the search for an e-learning provider that best supports those needs.

In today’s world, it’s important to encourage learning at all stages of life, and to keep learning, so no one is left behind. By connecting them with accessible education, you afford your child a head start on the road to a fulfilling profession that allows them to make the most of their talents, interests and natural abilities.

 

I took Grade 12 Physics and English online with Ontario Virtual School [OVS] and, both times, I felt that the practical application of things learned was emphasized. I think a big part of this journey with OVS was getting prepared for university. - Wajiha Fatima Syeda, Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University