e-Learning & v-Learning Courses

eLearning

eLearning is another name for online learning and has become an important part of education in all pathways, including college, university and in the workplace. eLearning courses may allow for more flexibility in a student’s timetable and may allow students to access courses that will complement their timetables but that are not available in their school. These courses provide students with the opportunity to build independent learning skills, which will help them be successful in any post-secondary pathway.

eLearning options are available to all students registered with the District. eLearning requires the same time commitment as a traditional day-school class. However, the method of delivery allows for flexibility in the schedule, and students may choose to complete the coursework outside of the traditional school day or traditional school environment. Their teacher may or may not be located in the same school that they attend, and they may not both be working on course at the same time. However, the course will follow the same semester start and end dates as a traditional face-to-face class, and there will be timelines for completing tasks, assignments and other assessments within the course. Being successful in an eLearning course depends on the self-motivation of students. It is highly recommended that eLearners spend their scheduled eLearning time in the school library or in Student Success, as these areas are relatively free of distractions.

The RCDSB currently offers a wide variety of online courses taught by qualified teachers within and outside of our board, who provide innovative, relevant and engaging eLearning experiences. All eLearning courses meet the same curriculum requirements of face-to-face classes, as set out by the Ontario Ministry of Education. In addition, RCDSB is a member of the Ontario eLearning Consortium, which allows students to access specialized courses from other school boards.

vLearning

In addition to eLearning, RCDSB offers vLearning courses in order to provide more availability of real-time teacher-led courses but where course enrollment may not be sufficient for one school to offer.

In this case, two or more schools are paired to deliver the course. A teacher will instruct the class from one location, and there will be students present both in the room of the delivering school and by video in the receiving school(s) within the District.

Course offerings through vLearning will vary from year to year and from school to school based on the specific needs of the system.

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