Online learning or virtual learning happens through eLearning courses, which are considered asynchronous — this means there is no live session with a teacher and learning is done solely under the motivation, drive, and discipline of the student. A very wide selection of eLearning courses are offered at PHS through the eLearning Ontario consortium. These courses are delivered entirely using the internet and do not require students to be physically present in the classroom. 

 

As of the 2021-2022 school year, all students are required to complete two eLearning courses as part of their OSSD. However, schools recognize that this form of learning is not conducive to each student, and as a result, students can opt out of the OSSD requirement. To do so, please see your guidance counselor who will provide the paperwork necessary to opt out of taking any eLearning courses. Parent/Guardian signatures are required. 

 

The eLearning teacher will be available for guidance and extra help. Some eLearning teachers have set office hours when students can connect through a Google Meet, while other eLearning teachers request that extra help be set up after a conversation via email.

 

Each day, students enrolled in an eLearning course will have a period designated to be working on their course. Students may choose to work on their eLearning course in the library or cafeteria, or Student Success classroom. Although there is no physical classroom to attend, DAILY logging into the virtual learning platform, and working on the assigned course materials is required. Course material will be organized into units where students are expected to complete assignments, discussions, and maybe quizzes as a demonstration of their learning/understanding. 

 

Attendance is taken on a weekly basis by the eLearning teachers. Contact will be made with home when one week of not logging into the eLearning course. After three weeks of not logging in, a student is automatically removed from the course. Please note that it can be incredibly difficult to re-enroll. Don’t be absent from eLearning!

 

The virtual learning environment is offered through D2L and is known as Brightspace. Access is through your WRDSB pal at https://wrdsb.elearningontario.ca/ 

 

There is always support at PHS for eLearning students. This support can be: 

  • BLST
    • Jill Mullen (this teacher is a liaison for students who are struggling to connect with their eLearning teacher, struggling to focus, would like help with organization and accountability). You can find Ms. Mullen in the guidance department. 
  • IT issues
    • Nathan Kugler (office is off the Crush)
  • Librarians
    • They have great strategies for staying focus. 
    • The library is also a great place to work on your eLearning course. 
  • eLearning teachers
    • There are about 10 different PHS teachers who have an eLearning course. These teachers can help with the layout of the virtual learning environment.

 

Tips for Success … eLearning students who excel in the following areas, generally are more successful with earning the eLearning credit. Your guidance counselor, or BLST can help you work on these skills!

As an eLearning student, prepare to be…

  • Organized
  • Self-motivated
  • Able to manage your time
  • An effective communicator
  • A good multi-tasker
  • A problem-solver
  • Computer savvy

                 

A very helpful slide deck that is useful to problem solve some issues you may face can be found here: Starting your eLearning course