Why would I want to take an elearning course?
Often times, special circumstances dictate the need to take an elearning course. These special circumstances could include:

• Scheduling conflicts
• Home school does not offer the course Work schedule or other responsibilities make it impossible to attend day school
• Only one or two credits are required for graduation
• Physically unable to attend the local high school
• Travel away from home
• Elite athlete training program conflicts with day school schedule
• Need for a learning environment that is different from the typical classroom

How much computer expertise and skill do I need to be successful in an elearning course? Students should be comfortable with the basics of using a computer – saving and printing files, managing email, using the internet, organizing folders, downloading files, etc.

What equipment do I need to take an elearning course from the TVDSB Virtual Academy?
You need:

• PIII, 256 MB, Macintosh G3, or better (minimum: PII 128MB)
• Windows XP Service Pack 2, OS 10.3, or better (minimum: Windows 98, Mac OS 8.6)
• Internet Explorer 6.0 or better (minimum: Internet Explorer 5.5.)
• Adobe Acrobat Reader 6 or better (minimum: Reader 5)
• Windows Media Player 9 All Macromedia plug-ins (including mandatory: Flash 8 and Authorware Web Player).
• A current version of the Java virtual machine.
• A modem, DSL or better connection to the Internet.
• Speakers or headphones when working in public places or in groups. Monitor (screen resolution 800 x 600, 16 bit colour) or better.

Please be aware that these are minimum requirements. The power of your computer and the speed of your internet connection will have a substantial effect on your ability to move through the units of the courses.

What software do I need to take an elearning course from the TVDSD Virtual Academy?
You need:

• A typical “Office” suite of applications; specifically, a word processor application, spell checker, equation editor, and a spreadsheet application are mandatory.
• Some courses may require access to some OSAPAC software, specifically at this time Geometer’s Sketchpad, Simply Accounting or Smart Ideas
• It is recommended that up-to-date virus, spyware, and adware protection be implemented, as required by the school board.

Can I begin a course at any time?
Most courses are offered in a semestered environment similar to regular day school. However, some courses are offer on a continuous intake basis. Check with your Guidance Counsellor for more information.

Is there any cost involved?
There is no tuition fee for Thames Valley District School Board or Ontario eLearning Consortium students. Please contact the Registrar at registrar@tvdsb.on.ca for more information.

What kinds of teaching and learning strategies are used in an elearning course?
As an elearning student, you will be required to participate in threaded discussions, guided tutorials, group work, online chats, instant messaging, video conferencing, etc. You will use the Internet as a tool for your studies.

Who teaches the elearning courses at the TVDVA?
All TVDVA teachers are registered with the Ontario College of Teachers and are currently employed by the Thames Valley District School Board. eTeachers teach regular face-to-face classes in a TVDSB high school as well as online classes.

Is attendance taken for an elearning course?
Attendance is taken for elearning courses. To be marked as "Present", a student must demonstrate active participation in the elearning course during each week. Your teacher will have access to data that documents the amount of time you spend working on your course as all student activity is monitored and recorded by the Learning Management System (LMS). Your teacher will be in contact with you consistently by phone, email and online.

How will teachers know if the student is actually completing the work?
Students will be required to participate in course work which involves a high degree of online collaboration. In addition, teachers will make regular contact with their students by telephone, and may also require face-to-face meetings. An proctored face-to-face final examination may be required in some courses. How many elearning courses can students take? Students may take up to 4 elearning courses per semester.

How do I apply?
Please see your Guidance Counsellor. Only Guidance Counsellors can register students for TVDVA courses.