Frequently Asked Questions
Is DL the right choice for our family?
Can International students take courses?
Can adults take DL courses if they have not completed their K-12 Education?
Can I just take one course through DL and still be registered in another school?
Can a student use DL courses to Graduate or earn a Dogwood Diploma?
Can I transfer back to regular school from DL?
What are the benefits of enrolling in an online course?
What is a PEN and how is it different from a MyEducation BC number?
Are DL courses easier than the courses in regular high school?
Is it true that some universities and colleges may not accept DL credits?
How many hours a week should I expect to spend on the course?
Do I have to attend regularly?
Is DL the right choice for our family?
The decision to be involved in DL should not be entered into casually. Parents facilitate their child’s educational program ensuring that: assignments are understood; work is completed to an acceptable standard; and, work samples or assignments are submitted on an ongoing basis.
Parents need to be patient and prepared to take the time needed to constantly motivate their children to learn and achieve goals.
Who can take DL Courses?
We provide courses to Grade 10-12 students in School District 79. Students may complete courses through DL for many reasons:
- To take a course not offered in your school;
- To take a course that doesn’t fit your timetable; or,
- To complete a course at your own speed
No. All courses are free for School District 79 students who are resident in British Columbia or temporarily traveling out of the province. International students can take courses but are subject to a course fee. For some courses we require a refundable textbook deposit
Can International students take courses?
In many cases, yes. Particularly if a course is not available to a student in their school.
Can adults take DL courses if they haven’t completed their K-12 Education?
Yes.
Can I just take one course through DL and still be registered in another school?
Yes, if you are in Grade 10 to 12 or an Adult student you can be cross enrolled to DL.
Can a student use DL courses to Graduate or earn a Dogwood Diploma?
Yes. We can help students earn a regular Dogwood or an Adult Dogwood. All of our courses are fully accredited with the Ministry of Education.
Can I transfer back to regular school from DL?
You may transfer back to regular public school at any time. At year end, the transition is automatic upon completion of a grade or courses. During the year, students may transfer in or out of DL, and the matching of curriculum will be determined by DL teachers for incoming students. The match for student leaving DL and entering regular schools will be the receiving school’s responsibility.
Information and DL registration forms are available through secondary school counselors or here.
What are the benefits of enrolling in a DL course?
Our staff are well-trained to work with students to develop a learning plan suited to your needs.
What is a PEN and how is it different from a MyEducation BC number?
PEN is short for Provincial Education Number. This number is provided to each student in British Columbia and is used to identify your student records with the Ministry of Education.
MyEducation BC is the common K-12 student information system for the province of BC and is used to identify your student records by BC schools.
Are DL courses easier than the courses in regular high school?
All DL courses must meet the same Ministry of Education curriculum expectations as regular schools. You should expect the same time commitment as students in regular schools. Teachers follow the same curriculum and assessment practices. There is more flexibility in how you can take DL courses and we may have some courses that students cannot get in their home school.
Is it true that some universities and colleges may not accept DL credits?
The British Columbia transcript does not distinguish between classroom courses and distance education 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 many hours a week should I expect to spend on the course?
The actual amount will vary depending upon the course, and will be equivalent to the time you would spend in a face-to-face course plus additional time for studying and homework. However, not all of this time will be online. Your time will be spread between course reading, and assignments. Your teacher will provide you with specific expectations of daily or weekly assignments that you must complete.
Do I have to attend regularly?
Regular communication with your teacher is necessary. Attendance is not necessary except for testing.
DL courses can be started at any time. Course results are sent to students upon completion of a course. Regular progress reports are also issued for DL teacher directed courses.
Students taking secondary school courses usually work independently on their courses in consultation with their teacher. However, home educated children often depend upon their parent(s) to structure day-to-day learning. Parents or guardians are expected to provide an email contact and should expect emails from teachers to inform them about how the student is progressing. Parents and guardians can assist students by monitoring time and work completed. Parental help may not be possible in some courses and may not be required but parents play a huge role in helping their child be successful. Note that parental and student emails are only used for school purposes.