Introduction
This page covers, briefly, some information regarding virtual education in Ontario.
Please note that I have found most of these wonderful links from a recent article written by Peter Ledwon entitled, 'Get the Overview on Virtual School: Is distance Education really here?' from the March 2002 issue of Toronto Families.
For the strongly independent and enthusiastic learner, virtual education could be a dream come true. This form of education would also work well with homeschoolers who would like some assistance teaching subject which may stretch their own abilities. As well, I can imagine that virtual education would also be a great adjuct to educating the exceptionally or profoundly gifted child who may be either too young or uncomfortable attending high school with much older peers. In this latter situation, however, it remains a challange to have your much younger child register officially and recieve proper credit for these courses.
It would appear from two of the virtual high schools that the costs are high for each of the courses unless your school board has already registered with the high school. Because most of our children require special education needs to be met, these courses could be considered requirements for appropriate education of our children. As such, the school board which our child attends might support the cost of the course if they are unable to otherwise provide appropriate educational resources.
Any information that you may have which could add to this I would greatly appreciate as I am new to this field and would like to learn as much as possible too!
Please contact me at: ontario.gifted@sympatico.ca
General Distance Education Sites:
Canadian Education on the Web. This is THE SITE for education information on the web that I have yet to come across. The result of hard work by OISE (thank you!)
Distance Education Links. This is from OISE's wonderful, and comprehensive site. Lists links to all distance education sites in Canada.
EPGY: Education Program for Gifted Youth This distance education program is widely used for its math program. The program can be expensive, but some families swear by it. Based out of Stanford University, USA.
TDSB's Online Course Success Test. This site will help you decide whether or not virtual learning is for your child. Click on Main Office and scroll down the list until you see the Course Success Test.
Alberta's strategy for on-line success. Self explanatory.
Virtual High Schools
Ontario High School.Com. A whole on-line virtual official High School. However, the cost is 2,500+ per course.
Open School. This web site, based in BC is accedited with the BC Distance Education and as such students in the province of BC may recieve credit for these courses. One of the only sites that I was able to find which included a curriculum for students from grades K to grade 9 (and up). Should one (or more!) of these courses be just what your child and you were looking for, I would approach your school board and (if applicable), your child's school and teacher to request that the child recieve credits for these courses as well.
Toronto District School Board Knowledge Network. This page includes a link to the TDSB Virtual School program.
Tutorial On-Line.Com. This is a web site and service which provides (for a fee) tutorial assistance to students who are working in grades 7 to OAC. Associated with, but also opperates indepently from ontaroiohighschool.com.
Virtual High School.Com. Another virtual high school which offers OSSD credit courses. This high school is a private school in Ontario charging tuition to all students.
The Avon Maitland District Education Centre (AMDEC) is an online secondary school credit program administered by the Avon Maitland District School Board. AMDEC's program includes both a secondary school program and an extensive adult education certificate and skills acquisition program. The principal of AMDEC is Laurie Hazzard (as quoted directly from the site).
Virtual Universities (coming soon!)