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Mandatory online courses in Ontario high schools raise concerns for educators

thespec | March 23, 2019

Is Ontario's move to mandatory e-learning off the mark?In a massive shift to digital coursework, Ontario will soon require high school students to earn four online credits before they graduate — a first in North America.But with few details about the move, which begins in 2020-21, critics are questioning the rapid push to so much virtual learning so soon."Although e-learning classes provide a modernized learning experience for students, these courses are not a good fit for everyone," said Amal Qayum, president of the Ontario Student Trustees' Association, which found in a 2017 survey of teens that three-quarters felt online lacked when compared to a regular classroom setting. The group called on the Ford government to "reverse the rule mandating that all secondary school students take four e-learning courses" out of the 30 required for graduation "as different learning styles cannot be accommodated by an all-encompassing change in graduation requirements." The government's plan would see teens earn one e-learning credit a year in online classes with an average of 35 students.

Spotlight

Is Digitalizing Education Really A Conversation

Angelo Maduli is an educator and lifelong learner. He is the founder and Lead Learner at Learning pitstop. He says that we are missing the real purpose of education in the hyper of technology and digitalisation.

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Spotlight

Is Digitalizing Education Really A Conversation

Angelo Maduli is an educator and lifelong learner. He is the founder and Lead Learner at Learning pitstop. He says that we are missing the real purpose of education in the hyper of technology and digitalisation.

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