A Vision for Distributed Learning

Distributed Learning (DL) takes place when a student is primarily at a distance from the teacher, whether the student is at home or connecting to teachers from another learning facility.

The Goal

The Ministry of Education aims to create a coordinated, high quality, public distributed learning system that will make BC the best educated, most literate jurisdiction on the continent.



The Challenge

Classroom-based education does not provide, in itself, sufficient flexibility to meet the learning needs of all BC students. Schools in rural communities may have great difficulty offering a range of courses. As a result, rural students may be denied important education choices enjoyed by students in urban centres.

The Vision

Distributed Learning in British Columbia will be a quality, dynamic and engaging learning environment that all students in the province can access. It will not be limited by schedules, calendars, facilities or location.

DL will provide equitable access to education, specifically providing choice for students who have restricted options, especially students in rural communities, students with special needs, and Aboriginal students.

A Framework for Action

Government, with its partners, has created a framework for action that will see:

  1. A flexible funding model so that students can enrol anytime in the calendar year and cross-enrol in more than one school;
  2. Policy that will focus on equitable and quality services for students;
  3. Accountability mechanisms that include a District Agreement (80KB), data reports and Standards (147KB) outlining the expected services;
  4. Better information for parents and students through LearnNow BC, which will provide online information and eventually online services like tutoring for students.