Distributed Learning

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Distributed Learning (DL) takes place when:

• a student is primarily at a distance from the teacher,
• whether he/she is at home; or
• connected to teachers from another learning facility.

DL gives both rural and urban students in British Columbia improved access, more choice, and flexibility to learn outside classroom schedules.  The vision for DL is to provide a quality, dynamic and engaging learning environment that all students in the province can access. 

DL, where a B.C. certified teacher instructs the child’s educational program, is different from Homeschooling, where the parent or guardian is responsible for the child’s educational program.  See Distributed Learning vs. Homeschooling for differences.

The B.C. Government and its partners have created a DL framework that enables:

• A flexible funding model so that all students can enrol anytime in the calendar year and students in Grades 10 to 12 can cross-enrol in more than one school.

• A set of Policies that focus on equitable and quality services for students:
  • Active Policy
  • Homeschooling Options Policy
  • BC Residency Policy
  • Special Needs Policy

• Accountability mechanisms that include:
  • District Agreement (PDF, 80KB)
  • Data reports
  • Standards for K-12 Distributed Learning in B.C. (PDF, 625KB) outlining the expected services and Standards for Digital Learning Content in B.C. (PDF, 706KB) outlining expected levels of quality in online course materials
  • DL Satisfaction Survey for parents and students,
  • Commitment to quality, and; information and support services for students, parents and educators through LearnNowBC, which includes a list of over 50 public distributed learning schools, courses, advising and tutoring services.

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