Background
A pilot project was initiated in the 2010-2011 school year to determine the practicality of administering the OSSLC by using e-learning and hybrid learning models. Based on the overwhelming success of this initial pilot, all school boards are now able to offer the OSSLC via online or hybrid learning delivery. This guide provides some additional support to boards using the blended and e-learning delivery methods.
Relevant Policies
Policies concerning the OSSLT and OSSLC are contained in PPM 127 and they apply to the online course as well. In June 2004, the policy was modified to allow principal.s discretion for permitting students to enroll in the OSSLC before a second opportunity was offered to take the OSSLC, if the principal believes that is the student.s best interests. However, a student must still take and fail the OSSLT at least one time prior to eligibility for the OSSLC. The only exception to the policy is mature students; they may enroll in the OSSLC without taking the OSSLT first.
There are two criteria that need to be met when administering the OLC40 by online or hybrid blended delivery:
Protocols in place must underscore academic integrity of the student.s work submissions.
At least 30% of the student.s grade must be based on a proctored exam or final performance assessment.
Benefits of e-learning include flexibility, and administering the OSSLC beyond a school board.s boundaries may occur. Boards which intend to do so must submit to e-Learning Ontario (eLO) a basic outline of the board.s proposed process to ensure academic integrity of the credits potentially awarded to those students outside their jurisdictions.
Critical Infrastructures and Supports
Each of the district school boards that were involved in the pilot projects identified supports and infrastructures they deemed critical to successful implementation of the online OSSLC and they are outlined below.
Policies Promoting Academic Integrity
The OSSLC replaces or substitutes for the OSSLT, so academic integrity is vital.
- The Ministry provides a webinar on the topic for understanding and implementation.
Assessing student work in the OSSLC is different from assessing other courses, including achievement charts, levels, and descriptions that outline the literacy standards in the OSSLC.
- Access Growing Success:Assessment, Evaluation, and Reporting in Ontario Schools. This report will give you additional information about plagiarism and assessment policies.
Recommendations of those pilot boards which initially offered the course for the OSSLC online in 2003, reporting principles were established.
- Ministry of education mandated that a proctored final exam or performance assessment will make up 30% of the student.s grade.
Pilot school boards suggested that frequent conferences between teachers and students would aid comprehension, learning, and success, when done in real time over the Internet.
- Adobe Connect has been instituted in all of the boards. It permits teacher-student conferences, audio sharing, whiteboard abilities, and file sharing.
Teacher Professional Support and Development
Similarly to students, the teachers should participate in orientation and receive technical and administrative help as needed. Teachers are encouraged to personalize their courses to meet individual and local student needs. OSSLC teachers can use the resources available to differentiate their classes.
- E-Learning Ontario offers numerous training opportunities in the form of webinars and face to face sessions. These URLs can help with training.
- http://edu16.elearningontario.ca/p61159801/
- http://edu16.elearningontario.ca/p38683287/
- http://edu16.elearningontario.ca/p86848103/
In-person or virtual training is suggested for teachers new to online teaching.
- Regional e-Learning contacts provide support and small group training.
Technology and Tech Support
Online courses and hybrid learning courses require reliable access to computers and the Internet during class and later for home assignments.
- Technical assistance is available through the vendor at 1-877-325-7778.
Teachers and students alike benefit by having access to software products for word processing, concept mapping, and speech-to-text, as well as additional equipment like tablets, speakers, and microphones, plus support for these products.
Boards can buy or pay for access to a wide range of software applications and hardware to help with online learning.
