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Student Guide to Distance Learning
Updated Jan 2020
vvschool.ca
©Copyright 2019 Vista Virtual School
IntroductionThis guide is intended for students (elementary, junior high, senior high and adult learners) who are interested in taking courses through distance learning. The content in this guide is most relevant to high school and adult learners. Also see the Alberta Education Online Learning Student and Family Guide: https://education.alberta.ca/media/3795650/online-learning-student-and-family-guide-january-2-2019.pdf
This information combines best practices and common knowledge from teachers, students and educators that have experience with distance learning.
Distance learning is a great option for many students, it can be very effective; however, it is quite different than traditional classroom learning. This guide will help you to understand the differences, what you are committing to, and what kind of supports you need to be successful in online education through distance learning.
What You’ll Learn
Is distance learning right for me?
What makes other online and distance learners successful?
How you can prepare for distance learning and online education?
Where Vista Virtual School can support you through your learning.
Social MediaFollow Vista Virtual School (VVS) on Facebook and Twitter for the most up-to-date information on events and activities. Visit vvschool.ca often to see event and activity updates, information about your courses and deadlines, to learn more about VVS, access the monthly newsletter and stories about other student experiences, log in to your courses, and more!
Student Guide to Distance (Online) Learning
Questions You Might Be Asking...
Why do I Want to Take an Online Class Through Distance Learning?
Why do Students Take Distance Learning Courses?
What do I Need to Think About Before Deciding to Enrol in a Distance Learning Course?
- Online Learning Readiness Rubric (developed by Michigan Virtual)
How do I Decide What Course(s) is Right for Me?
What Kind of Supports Will I Have?
Should I Take More Than One Distance Learning Course?
How do I Prepare Myself for Taking a Distance Learning Course?
©Copyright 2019 Vista Virtual School
Why do I Want to Take an Online Class Through Distance Learning?
Students take courses through online education and distance learning for many different reasons—some academic, some athletic, some personal.
Why do you want to take a class through distance learning?
Many students are drawn to distance learning because you:
• Learn at your pace...
• Use advanced/current technology skills...
• Can get a jump on your post-secondary andcareer plans...
• Can get caught up or get ahead in school, orupgrade a course...
• Can achieve or finish your high school diploma...
• May be taking courses your traditional school does not offer...
• Have flexibility while doing other activities (athletic committments,family commitments, travel, balancing school and work, etc.)...
• Can accommodate health or social challenges...
• Can learn anytime, anywhere, while still completingAlberta Education curriculum...
©Copyright 2019 Vista Virtual School
Why do Students Take Distance Learning Courses?
Learning about distance/online courses is easy.
The best way to get started is to talk with your parents and/or guardian(s) about why you think you’d like to take your classes outside of a traditional school, and why it may be a good fit for you.
You can speak to friends or family, that already have or are currently taking courses through distance learning. You can talk to an Academic Counsellor at Vista Virtual School, or teachers can also help you understand what distance learning involves for their courses.
There are many reasons students want to learn online through distance learning, and every situation is unique.
Many of the advantages include that the learning material, teacher support, and study options are:
• Flexible • Interactive • Accessible
• Collaborative • Relevant • Self-paced
• Personalized • Challenging • Supported
©Copyright 2019 Vista Virtual School
What do I Need to Think About Before Deciding to Enrol in a
Distance Learning Course?Because distance learning and the online education environment can be very different than in traditional schools, it is important to understand what is involved before you enrol in a class. All courses appear on your Alberta Education transcripts, meaning it is part of your permanent school record.
Talk with your parents and/or guardian(s) about what you need to take courses through distance learning, and talk to an Academic Counsellor to ensure your readiness. Consult the Online Learner Readiness Rubric.
There is a significant commitment to distance learning, so the following may assist you in determing if it is a good fit for you:
• Are you interested in the class? Why do you want to take thiscourse?
• Do you have a dedicated place to study? Is there a time that worksbest for you? Can you commit the hours needed to work on thecourse each day/week?
• Do you have good reading, writing and computer skills? Are youcomfortable communicating in both spoken and written language?
• Do you have access to a computer and the Internet so you canwork on your courses at home and outside the school day?
• Do you have appropriate support and parental/guardiansupervision (as applicable)? Do you have the discipline to workindependently for all parts of the course (without being in aclassroom)?
Student Guide to Distance (Online) Learning
©Copyright 2019 Vista Virtual School
How do I Decide What Course(s) is Right for Me?
Just having interest in a course does not always mean it is a good fit for you. Make sure to research what you need, outline your future plans, and understand the time commitments required to complete the course:
• Is the course content something that interests you? Will you bemotivated, and engaged, to continue learning about the subjectand course materials?
• What prerequisites are needed? Do you have these? Do you haveany prior knowledge that may be applicable?
• What kind of assignments and exams are required? Are you ableto travel to the campus or arrange supervision for exams?
• How much contact will you have with your teacher and/or otherstudents? Are there activities or events that will help your learning?
• Do you have any special needs that require additional assistanceto complete the course work?
• When does the course start? Can you complete it by the assigneddeadlines? Do you have the time necessary to commit to it?
Schedule an appointment with an Academic Counsellor to discuss your personal situation and to make sure you
understand the requirements needed to complete your course(s). An Academic Counsellor can help you determine if distance learning is a fit and which courses are best for you to take—depending on your goals and outcomes.
Student Guide to Distance (Online) Learning
What Kind of Supports Will I Have?
Taking a course through distance learning is fully-supported by your teacher. They are accessible through email and during normal school hours by phone or Skype/Google Hangouts. There are other supports including your parents/guardians, friends and other family members, and if you choose to employ a tutor. Peers can also be of assistance, or if you have access to anyone who can mentor you. Your parents and/or guardian and your teacher are your primary supports.
Vista Virtual School staff are here to help you succeed and have the best experience through distance learning.
VVS Support is available for you to help with course registration, booking exams and processing payments.
Academic Counsellors are here to assist you in your course planning.
Teachers are here to guide you through your course, provide feedback on your cousework, and to answer questions you may have.
Technical Support staff is available to help with technology questions or any problems you have.
Your success depends on your willingess to complete course materials, to dedicate time to reading course materials,
completing assignments and exams, and staying in contact with your teacher.
Student Guide to Distance (Online) Learning
Meet Steve*, 47, married with one child— he is looking for options for his 10 year-old son.Steve wants to be more involved in his son’s education. Jerry (his son) is a shy 10-year-old and has not done as well in the traditional school environment. Steve is looking for an alternative that is still supported by a teacher, but is flexible so he can supervise his son as he completes his schoolwork, assiting and tutoring him as needed to ensure Jerry learns the required materials. Steve has a strong background in science, so he would also like to expose Jerry to more concepts and learning opportunities at his work to complement his schooling. Vista Virtual School is a good fit for Steve/Jerry, as it allows both flexible learning and parents/guardians can be involved as much as they choose to be, supervising or tutoring.
Meet Carey*, 16, currently a full-time grade 10 student at a traditional high school—he is often late getting to school because of the early start time, and he is consistently bullied by his peers in the classroom. This has led to increased anxiety and additional stress during exams. Carey can consider Vista Virtual School as a full-time student. This means this will be his high school for the school year. He can take courses in both semesters and complete these during the typical school year of September through June. Because coursework is flexible, he can start his work later in the day. And because the work is done at his own pace (usually at home), he won’t be influenced by the students that bullied him at his traditional school.
Meet Kendra*, 17—She is an elite hockey player, looking to take the next step on a pro career or post-secondary scholarship. She is currently in grade 11, but also has to commit to daily practices and workout schedules. Kendra is an elite athlete looking to take the next stepin her career—whether that is through a professional opportunity or a full scholarship to a university. Due to her training schedule, she finds it hard to keep up with her schoolwork in a traditional 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. schooling. As such she is looking for flexible options. She can take courses through Vista Virtual School as either a full-time or part-time student. Her courses are teacher-supported and can be worked on anytime day or night (depending on her training schedule).
* Names changed - basic student profiles
©Copyright 2019 Vista Virtual School
Should I Take More Than One Distance Learning Course?
Courses taken through distance learning require a significant time commitment—sometimes it can be the same as (or more than) in a traditional classroom. Each student is unique in their learning style, time available for coursework, and their individual needs and circumstances.
Before embarking in a full-time distance learning program, ask yourself:
1. Have you had success in distance learning in the past(e.g., have you taken any previous courses online)?
2. How many credits is the course(s) you are taking? What are therequirements for each course? How many courses can you handle?
3. Do you have the time necessary to take on more than one courseat a time? What else occupies your time while you are taking course(s)?
4. Have you attempted this course or other courses in the classroomenvironment, have you taken the necessary prerequisites?
5. Is this a course you require, or one you enjoy? How easy are youmotivated to complete the coursework? Can you handle thecourse schedule?
6. What are your future plans for this course? Does it fit withgraduation requirements or post-secondary entry? Do you haveenough time to complete the course(s) if your timelines arecondensed because of this?
Student Guide to Distance (Online) Learning
How do I Prepare Myself for Taking a Distance Learning Course?
Many students think they can jump right in to a distance learning course, they don’t always realize the time and work required is very similar to a traditional classroom course.
Talk to other students who have taken courses through distance learning or a VVS Academic Counsellor; ask about the technical requirements and understanding needed; ask about working independently; ask how much time they spent on assignments and activities; ask about the course structure; ask about any challenges they experienced in taking a course; ask why they chose distance learning.
How full is your schedule with other classes, work commitments, extra curricular activities, employment and other duties?
Do you have the time necessary to complete your coursework?
Do you have access to appropriate technology (computer and Internet access)?
Do you have the technology skills to complete your coursework electronically?
Contact an Academic Counsellor or [email protected] if you have questions
or need more information about VVS.
Student Guide to Distance (Online) Learning
Meet Ronald*, 28, married with one child— he is considered an adult student.Ronald is looking to complete high school diploma after being out of school and in the workforce for more than 10 years. He has worked in a number of fields, but wants to continue in the trades after receiving his diploma. Ron can take up to 10 credits (courses) at a time. He may be eligible for Skills Development Bursary to help subsidize his costs. If he takes one 5 credit course at a time, that is $600. He can complete this over six months. Depending on his work experience and current role, he may be able to apply for work experience credits or a bulk credit option through our adult academic counsellors.
Meet Jessica*, 17, currently attending grade 11 at a traditional high school—she is considered a part-time student, and can take courses without additional tuition costs (just paying for books and materials). Jessica is a current senior high student and she wants to finish sooner so she can start post-secondary earlier. She is looking to complete an extra course in the next three semesters and two courses in the summer so she can start university in the winter session. She can take any course she is not currently registered in at another school (in the same semester). She can also take up to 10 credits (courses) over the summer, and she can upgrade her previous courses taken at another school and rewrite the diploma exam (if necessary).
Meet Darcy*, 18—She is a current grade 12 student but had a tough year due to a family emergency and needs to upgrade courses to get into post-secondary. Darcy is looking at improving her marks from the previous semester at her traditional school. She needs to increase her grades to get into the polytechnic she applied for earlier in the year. Darcy is considered a part-time student and can take up to 10 credits (courses) at a time. She can upgrade without additional tuition fees until she is 20 years old and considered an adult student (she only pays for books and materials). Darcy can take courses over the summer (as five credit courses have six month completion deadlines). The courses she completes appear on her Alberta Education Detailed Academic Report (DAR), and can be used for post-secondary entry.
* Names changed - basic student profiles
©Copyright 2019 Vista Virtual School
What Does Vista Virtual School Offer Students?
Vista Virtual School is an accredited Alberta Education public school for grades 1-12 offering high-quality education through distance learning.
• 100s of courses, including core elementary, junior high, and high school classes—see our course catalogue for what we offer.
• Full-time, part-time (under age 20), and adult learning options:- Complete your schooling, achieve your diploma, upgrade
courses for post-secondary, balance your school workload, while taking courses at other schools in Alberta or in the summer.
- Traditional school year (semester format), or three and six month course completion (for part-time and adults).
• Flexible learning, field trips, and school activities/events.
• Courses fully supported by certificated teachers that are accessible year-round:
- Courses appear on your Detailed Academic Report (high school transcripts).
- $130 per course credit vs. other upgrading and distance learning options.
• Supportive and flexible learning environment:- Learn at home or on the go.
Learning Without Limits
“You don’t have to interact with people [if you don’t want to] and that is a big thing, the staff are really nice and it is way more fun!”
- Rowan C. (Grade 8)
“I like that I can pace myself, that the teachers are really nice and fun.” - Aurora F. (Grade 12)
“It really brings out the individual students’ true self.
Unlike the (traditional) school setting, where you become a number or a student
without a real face—they know you, but they don’t know you.” - VVS Parent
“It is a little easier when you can concentrate a bit more.” - Joshua F. (Grade 8)
“I honestly prefer it to a traditional school. I feel I have more control over
the work that I am doing overall.” - Jeremy P. (Grade 10)
“The first year was a little hard, but the more time spent with it and the more comfortable I got,
the better I got at studying—I am really good at studying now—I love being
with the school, I really enjoy it, attending for the past three years.”
- Anika P. (Grade 9)
“The [studying] skills my daughter gained was pretty awesome. I don’t know if in a traditional school environment she would have learned the
skills for studying and getting her work done. School seems pretty easy now, when she is going at her own pace and focused 100 per cent on her
school work.” - VVS Parent
“I like working at my own pace and when I have time—
especially when you are work-ing part-time and upgrading,
it helps when you can do your work when you have time.” - Cassandra D. (Grade 12)
“The learning pace is great, the teachers don’t hold you back or rush you—they are
always there to help!” - Nancy W. (Grade 11)
vvschool.caPlease contact your Academic Counsellor or Off-Campus Coordinator for further assistance and planning—see the contact page on the VVS website.
Hours of OperationMonday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All campuses are closed on all statutory holidays.
Fax: 403-265-0814
Calgary Campus341 58 Ave SE Calgary AB T2H 0P3Toll-Free: 1-855-974-5333 x6200
Edmonton Campus300-10055 106 St NW Edmonton AB T5J 2Y2Toll-Free: 1-855-974-5333 x6100
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