FAQs For Parents
I’m interested in a distributed learning (DL) course for my child. What are my options?
If your child will be in Kindergarten to Grade 9, he or she can enrol with one Board only. If they are already enrolled in a school, you can ask your school about making arrangements to take part of the educational program in another school, but the final decision will be up to the Board.
A student in Grades 10-12 and ordinarily resident in BC, whether school-aged or adult, does not need their local school's permission to take a distributed learning course from another school. Students in these grades may take more than one course, from more than one school. However, a distributed learning school is not required to accept every enrolment request. Schools work together to coordinate the transcript, provincial examinations, the Passport to Education, and other services. Each school will issue its own report card.
Aren't DL completion rates low?
Students have more support than ever before in distributed learning, but there will be some students that will still have difficulty in DL courses, just as some students have problems in classrooms. If you are concerned about completion rates, talk to the DL school to find out what it is doing to improve student performance and what can be done to support students who want to learn in this way.
Aren’t distributed learning courses easy credits?
Many students believe these courses are easier, and then drop-out once they realize what is expected of them. In distributed learning surveys, student frequently say they had to work hard when taking distributed learning. Students have to complete assignments and tests, write essays and do group work. They sometimes have to attend ‘virtual classes’ and sometimes have to attend a school one day a week. They also have to write the same provincial exams as their classroom peers.
Is it true that some universities and colleges may not accept distributed learning credits?
The British Columbia transcript does not distinguish between classroom courses and distributed learning courses. Any course that follows the provincial curriculum is identified the same way. Successful distributed learning students demonstrate the same qualities as successful university students.
How does a DL school know that the students have done their own work?
This is also an issue for classroom teachers who expect students to submit homework done on their own time. DL schools typically ensure that major tests are written under supervision. Teachers also often create assignments that require more than simple responses. Teachers in a distributed learning environment work very closely with students and know their abilities. Teachers also develop this sense through occasional face-to-face meetings, home visits, participation in interactive online chat sessions, and ongoing computer-mediated communications. Most distributed learning teachers ensure there is more than one way to assess a student on a regular and continuing basis throughout the course.
Where does my child go for academic advising?
Every distributed learning school has academic advising support. You can use this list of advisors to find one at the school that interests you. LearnNowBC also provides an academic advising service .
How do I sign my child up for a course?
There are two ways to sign up for a course or program. You can enrol your child through the DL school directly or sign up through this website. If you choose to sign up through this website, an email will be sent to the school you choose and one of their advisors will contact you.
Are DL courses the same as courses taught in regular BC schools?
Yes. DL courses are delivered differently but they follow the same provincial curriculum; schools must comply with the BC School Act.
Are all courses done online? What if our family would prefer correspondence courses?
There are a variety of choices in DL. Some courses are offered primarily online, some combine online and print material and others use print materials only. The Course Finder will provide the information you and your child need to help decide what works best for you.
Do students in DL have to write provincial exams? Can they get their Dogwood Diploma?
Yes. DL students have to meet the same requirements as other BC students and they receive the Dogwood Diploma when they graduate.
How do students get their marks?
Teachers are responsible for providing marks and feedback. Each school will produce its own report card. Final student grades and course credits are submitted automatically from each enrolling school to the Ministry of Education. At the ministry, this information is combined with the provincial examination results to produce a provincial transcript which is then made available to students.
Can my child repeat a course through DL?
Yes.
Can a student already enrolled in a school also take DL courses?
Yes. A student in Grade 10, 11, or 12 can now take courses from a local school and DL courses at the same time. For example, if your young adult wants to take Physics 12, but it’s not offered at your local high school, there may be a Physics 12 course offered in another part of the province through the Course Finder. The student does not need permission to do this. This year, students in BC have more choice than ever. The main restriction is that you cannot enrol to take the same course at the same time from two different schools.
Can a student unable to attend school due to illness take DL courses?
Yes.
Can adults take DL courses if they haven’t completed their K-12 education?
Yes.
What are the prerequisites for taking DL courses?
Requirements vary from school to school. Ask the distributed learning school about its requirements.
Can my child sign up for a course if we don’t live in British Columbia?
No. Distributed learning courses are available only to BC residents. BC students who are travelling or temporarily living outside the province can take DL courses, but proof of residency will be required.
What if the course we want isn't listed?
If you and your child are interested in a course that isn’t listed in the Course Finder, contact the distributed learning schools in the Course Finder to see if they can help you.
What is the difference between distributed learning and homeschooling?
For a comprehensive description of the difference between distributed learning and homeschooling, click here.
Do homeschooled children get a Personal Education Number (PEN)?
Yes, homeschooled children get a PEN when they "register" as a homeschooler.
Can homeschoolers access the services on LearnNow BC, including the free tutoring?
Yes. Any child in BC with a Personal Education Number (PEN) may access LearnNow BC's services, including the free tutoring once they create a username and password.
Who do I contact if I have questions about homeschooling or distributed learning?
If you have questions about homeschooling, please contact:
Lynettte Jones or Lisa Talsma, Homeschooling and Independent School Distributed Learning
Email address: EDUC.independentSchoolsOffice@gov.bc.ca
Phone: 250-387-0963 or 250-356-0785
If you have questions about distributed learning, please contact:
Tim Winkelmans, Manager, Distributed Learning
Email address: tim.winkelmans@gov.bc.ca
Phone: 250-356-7039
Where can I get more information about homeschooling?
Click here to learn more about homeschooling.
Where can I find more information on the policies for homeschoolers?
This link will provide you with more information about the policies regarding homeschooling.
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