2. How long does it usually take to complete a distributed learning course?
Your teacher will tell you that if you complete one or two assignments per week, you should easily be able to complete a distributed learning course in 4 to 5 months, or in a regular semester's worth of time at your neighborhood school. Remember, however, that you have one full calendar year to complete your distributed learning course before it expires. One of the benefits of completing course work through Rocky Mountain Continuing Education is your ability to work as quickly or slowly as you need to. This will help you understand the course content and achieve the grades you want.

3. Is Online or Distance Education right for you?
Before deciding whether online learning with RMDLS will fit your educational needs and personal circumstances, students and parents need to consider:
— who is likely to succeed with distance learning
— whether you have some of the characteristics to be a successful online student
— the expectations of the parent or guardian as facilitator in their child's education

The information that follows is based on feedback from both teachers and parents who have been involved with the RMDLS Online program. As in all schools, we want each student to feel successful and to be successful. We realize that not all students can accomplish this on their own without the positive influence and support a parent or guardian. Successful online learners are:
— motivated
— work independently and are willing to learn
— know how to organize their time and tasks
— supported by a responsible adult who will work with them and supervise their progress

Questions to ask yourself as a student:
— Am I interested in doing my schooling online?
— Am I motivated to do my best?
— Do I have enough self-discipline to get my work done?
— Am I willing to work with my DL instructor and/or parent?
— Am I an organized person (or willing to learn to become better organized)?
— Do I enjoy working independently?
— Am I willing and confident to contact my teachers when I have questions?
— Am I comfortable communicating in writing?
— Do I enjoy reading?
— Am I comfortable using the computer for writing and research?
— Can I commit a consistent effort and time to my studies?
— Can I stay focused and "get the work done"?
— Am I good at meeting deadlines for getting work completed and handed in?

4. What are some 'helpful hints' to successfully completing my program?
The most successful Continuing Education students:
— have a daily study schedule that they stick with to achieve their own, personal educational goals over the long run
— find ways to motivate themselves, with the help of their parents and teachers
— let and commit to short term goals like "I will complete this math assignment by Friday"
— set and commit to long term goals like 'I will complete my Math course by Christmas break"
— write down their goals and chart their progress towards them
— resist the 'temptations' of working at home (the telephone, TV, chat rooms and such) and stay focused on completing their education
— use many supports such as email contact with their teachers and help from their parents and friends
— find ways to reward themselves for success

5. What are the computer requirements for an online course?
If you are successfully able to view this website, your computer will be sufficient for most online courses. High-speed internet will make your learning experience more enjoyable and speed up your progress when downloading or sending files. Some CoolSchool courses will require you to download Flash player and Adobe Acrobat Reader, which are both free downloads.

6. What if I do not have my own computer?
If you do not have your own computer at home, you may use a computer at a nearby school or library to complete your unit work, and send and receive your assignments.

7. How much schoolwork should my child complete everyday to make sure he/she finishes his/her program by the end of the school year?
Lessons and practice sessions with you should be part of your child’s daily school schedule. There should have a quiet place to work under your direction and know when 'breaks' are and are not to be taken. Most of our students successfully complete their school programs when they have a set structure to their day.

8. What does it cost?
There is no cost for British Columbia citizens resident in British Columbia or temporarily traveling out of the province. All resources required for specific courses are supplied on a refundable deposit basis. Refunds are issued when resources are returned in good condition and within two years of receiving the course. We are a public school operating in British Columbia.

9. What do I need to graduate?
— If you are working on a Regular Dogwood then it will be based upon 80 credits starting with your Grade 10 courses and following the Ministry of Education requirements. (Visit the Ministry of Education website for more details).
— For a BC Adult Dogwood the requirements are one Grade 11 Math, one Grade 12 English and three Ministry authorized or Board Authorized electives. (See our website for course availability).

10. Do I have to write Provincial Exams?
Yes! All RMDLS curricula meet the B.C. Ministry of Education requirements. This means that you will need to write Provincial Exams in the same course areas as you would in your neighborhood school unless you are working towards an Adult Dogwood diploma in which case Provincial Exams are not required, unless you are planning to attend a College or University.

1. Can I start a course anytime during the school year?
Yes! Secondary programs can be started at any time during the year! For secondary students in Grades 10-12 this means that you can 'pick up' courses when your schedule allows you to do so, and you then have one year to finish each course.
In secondary distributed learning courses, the exceptions to this are courses designated as being "semestered", or “synchronous.” Courses such as English Literature 12 start and finish at a designated time like a regular semester in a high school.
Students in Grades K-9 can only be registered in one school at a time. However, extra courses can be arranged between RMDLS and the school you are attending.

11. How do I obtain my BC Transcript?
We require your full name (maiden name), birth date, current mailing address and a fee of $5.00.  Please e-mail, fax or phone your request to us and submit your fee by mail or in person.