e-Learning at the YCDSB

The e-Learning Experience

In many respects, e-courses differ from traditional face-to-face classes in the delivery format only. As is the case with our regular day-school classes, e-courses are written from a distinctly Catholic perspective. Secondly, every teacher of an e-course is a full-time, qualified teacher with the YCDSB. Thirdly, teachers use a wide range of collaborative, communication and administrative tools to support student learning.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE AN e-COURSE?

Successful e-learners know they will spend as much time working on their e-course as they expect to spend in a traditional classroom. Each high school course, whether traditional face-to-face or e-course, is organized around 75 minute periods totaling 110 hours for the entire course (except for Civics and Careers, which is half of that). As is the case in all courses, students will require time over-and-above classroom time to complete assignments and homework.

WHAT ARE THE INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES MOST COMMONLY FOUND IN e-COURSES?

There are no textbook for most e-courses. All e-course resources are available on-line, and all activities, assignments and course work are completed on-line. One course (Studies in Literature-ETS4U) requires hard copy readers. Regardless of the course, you will engage in lots of reading and writing, but you also do lots of listening and viewing of non-print resources. You will apply new understandings and develop the learning skills and work habits necessary for success. Activities and assignments include, but are not limited to, quizzes, projects, and participation in chats and threaded discussions.

While logged-in, you may work on assignments or communicate with your teacher or classmates. You may also submit assignments into the drop-box. The Learning Management System (LMS) also keeps track of all electronic interactions so your teacher has a continuous record for evaluation purposes.

To get familiar with the LMS and the types of interactions and tools available in an e-course, view a webinar entitled, “Help! I’m Taking an On-line Course and Don’t Know What to Do”.

WHEN ARE TEACHERS AVAILABLE TO PROVIDE INSTRUCTION AND SUPPORT?

Teachers are available during their scheduled e-period. You may access your teacher through scheduled chats and e-mails throughout the week. In order to be successful in an e-course, you must stay “up-to-date” on assignments and be involved in discussions. Your teacher may schedule chats, assignments and provide threaded discussion opportunities in which your participation and attendance is mandatory.

HOW OFTEN DO I HAVE TO LOG-ON?

Commit to logging-in regularly so you don't fall behind. Your teacher will have a record of all your log-ins. If you won't be logging-in because you're sick, notify your teacher by using the communication tools within the course. If there's no communication between you and your e-teacher for three (3) consecutive school days, your e-teacher will attempt to contact you and your parents and you will be considered "absent due to non-communication" for all three days. If you are absent for five (5) consecutive days, your home school administrator will be contacted.

IS ASSESSMENT, EVALUATION AND REPORTING DIFFERENT FOR e-COURSES?

Teachers of e-courses abide by the same assessment, evaluation and reporting policies and schedules as apply to all day school courses. The final mark is broken down into 70% for term work and 30% for a final, summative evaluation. Tests may be written either at your home school under supervision or may be completed on-line at a specific time, again, under supervision. Final exams are supervised and written at your home school. You will be provided with all important dates, including assessment dates, in the course syllabus.

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