Frequently Asked Questions

Topic

Open School BC Course Information & Credit

Are Open School BC courses real school courses?

Yes. All OSBC courses have been developed by instructional design specialists that include certified teachers, content experts, and media specialists. All courses are based on the learning outcomes determined by the British Columbia Ministry of Education, and as outlined in the Integrated Resource Packages (IRPs) or curriculum guides.

How does a student receive course credit?

A student must register with a BC school or their regional Distance Education School or local school to receive course credit. OSBC does not provide course credit.

How does a home school student receive credit for completing courses?

A home school student must register with a BC school (the school their home school program is registered with) or their regional Distance Education School to receive course credit. OSBC does not provide course credit.

How many credits is each OSBC secondary course worth?

OSBC secondary courses are worth 4 credits each. Some course credits can be split and combined. Credits should be determined as part of the student's learning plan in consultation with their counselor.

What are Open School BC's course entry requirements?

There are no entry requirements to take OSBC courses. Students must be registered with a BC school or a BC Distance Education School to receive course credit.

How many OSBC courses can be registered for at one time?

OSBC does not restrict course registrations. It is the responsibility of the student in consultation with their counselor to make sure the course load is within their means.

What is the difference between OSBC online and print courses?

There are differences in terms of learning activities between the online and the print course versions. These differences are related to the kinds of activities that work best for learning in online and print environments. Contact OSBC Customer Service regarding specific course inquiries.

Teaching & Learning Open School BC Courses

What is the role of the teacher?

The teacher's role is to support students in their online or print courses and provide assessment and tracking. Teachers will need to assist students in setting and meeting schedules and appropriate timelines.

What is expected of the student?

Expectations of an OSBC student are the same as a classroom student - complete the coursework within the assigned time with the support of a teacher.

What teacher support does Open School BC provide?

OSBC provides supplemental course materials such as textbooks, videos, and CD-ROMs that can be purchased from OSBC. OSBC also offers Instructional Guides containing marking keys, blank masters, and answer keys for tests. These can be purchased through our OSBC Customer Service.

OSBC's online program, the Online Consortium Hosting Service (OCHS), provides access to course management software, technical support, central hosting, and online courses. To learn if your school district is an OCHS member, or how your district can become one, please contact OSBC Customer Service.

Taking an Open School BC Course

How long does a student have to complete a course or course modules?

The time allowed for a student to complete a course or course modules is at the discretion of their teacher and school. OSBC online course accounts are valid for the current school year only.

What if the student wants to quit taking a course?

The student should consult their teacher.

What if the student disagrees with their course marks?

The student should consult their teacher.

How is a student's course progress tracked?

Course outlines are provided with each OSBC course to suggest a convenient way to track student progress. Assignments and exams offer the clearest indictors of a student's strengths and weaknesses.

How does a student find out about their grade transcript?

The school at which the student is registered provides course credit for their OSBC course. The school submits the student's grades to the Ministry of Education and provides grade transcripts.

How do students submit assignments in courses?

How students submit their assignments can vary according to their teachers instructions. Students can submit hand written handbooks, email test documents, or post documents on a server for retrieval by the teacher.

Can assignments and activities be varied to suit the needs of students?

OSBC courses are designed to be flexible. The teacher and student choose which activities and assignments to focus on.

Open School BC's Online Courses

How does a student take online courses?

OSBC's Online Consortium Hosting Service (OCHS), provides member school districts with access to course management software, technical support, central hosting, and course content. Students must be registered with an OCHS member school district in order to access OSBC online courses.

To learn if a school district is an OCHS member, or how a district can become one, contact OSBC Customer Service.

How does a student start an online course?

Students access their OSBC online courses through a web-based browser such as Internet Explorer and Netscape. Depending on the course, there may be an accompanying set of materials and resources.

A login id and password from a teacher or an Online Administrator will be provided to the student. The Online Administrator will also open an account for the student.

Once the student accesses their course they should read the online Getting Started Guide and the required course information to ensure that they have everything necessary to begin.

Does a student need to know all about computers to take an OSBC online course?

Students need a basic understanding of computer operating functions and how to use a web browser like Netscape or Explorer to take an OSBC online course. Students should also know how to use a word processor and email. Some courses use Adobe Acrobat files.

Can students do their OSBC online courses completely online?

Most OSBC online activities and assignments are online. However, many courses use supporting materials (i.e. textbooks, audiotapes, and videos) that are not currently available electronically, but can be ordered from the OSBC Online Catalogue.

How can home school students and adult learners take OSBC online courses?

Access to OSBC's online courses requires a school district's membership in OSBC's Online Consortium Hosting Service. The easiest way for home school students and adult learners to access OSBC online courses is through either a Distance Education School or a local district's online education program. Contact your Distance Education School or local district to find out how to access.

How are online assignments and tests marked?

Student work is informally assessed in the online lesson activities. Most lessons provide an activity that prompts students to respond to, build upon, or create content. Students can click on a button to see hints and answers as they work through activities. At the end of each section, there is a formal assignment that the student is to complete and submit to their instructor for marking. Some courses have tests at the end of each module, and at the end of each online course. Instructional Guides contain the tests and can be obtained by contacting OSBC Customer Service.

What happens if a student does not complete their online course within the school year?

If a student does not complete their online course within the school year they must register a second time in the following school year. The teacher will decide if there are any consequences to the student's grade.