How can online lessons be designed specifically for digital learning? In the 2020s, many students have had some experience with online learning, but often with lessons not designed to take advantage of the format.

I’m Andrew Escobar, a teacher at Ontario Virtual School, a leading provider of online high school courses in Ontario. In addition to teaching Ontario Virtual School courses like Grade 9 English (ENL1W), Grade 10 English (ENG2D), and Grade 12 English (ENG4U), I also designed our Grade 7 Language course (LAN7G). Here are the things we at OVS keep in mind when designing and delivering digital lessons.

University can be a daunting yet exciting time for first year students. Setting yourself up for success will help you create a more enjoyable experience and ease the transition. In a digital world, you have the tools available to start setting yourself up for success early! No matter the grade, our courses will help you prepare for the university experience of your dreams. As Mel Robbins says, ‘the key to success is to start before you’re ready” (2017), and our programs are designed to help you take that first step towards achieving your academic goals.

It’s no secret that each of us has our individual preferences when it comes to learning. For this reason, the traditional classroom doesn’t always meet the needs of all learners. Whether it has to do with the structure of a traditional school day, the time allotted to each subject or course, or the pacing of the material, there is no doubt that traditional education leaves little room for individualized learning pathways.

With OVS, students can learn online in a flexible environment that suites their needs.

When you think of science class, you may conjure up images of lab coats, animal dissections, and chemistry sets. However, as a significant number of students turn to online schools, like the Ontario Virtual School, teachers have had to adapt the methods in which students perform practical activities. These hands-on learning experiences are not always possible in the virtual learning environment, so teachers have opted to utilize virtual lab simulations. Hands-on approaches have been the standard until recently, which is causing many students and parents to wonder: do virtual labs measure up?

As an educator with Ontario Virtual School (OVS), I recognize the importance of teaching students how to effectively balance their nutritional goals while completing online OSSD credits. In HFA4U, Nutrition and Health, once students learn about the significance of nutrition during adolescence and its pivotal role in long-term health, they are eager to follow nutritional guidelines highlighted in Canada’s Food Guide. However, the main barrier I encounter is a lack of time. Here are a few strategies to stay on track without compromising your nutrition and health!

Last week marked a significant milestone for Ontario Virtual School (OVS) as we proudly signed a partnership with St. Joseph Gakuen Nissei High School in Kyoto, Japan. The signing ceremony took place at the Embassy of Canada in Tokyo on March 28, 2025, in a celebration of international education and cultural exchange.

This new partnership will allow students at Nissei High School to enroll in OVS’s fully online Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) program, while continuing their local Japanese studies. Upon completion, students will graduate with dual diplomas—both the Japanese high school diploma and the internationally recognized OSSD, greatly enhancing their post-secondary options domestically and around the world.

Need help with a tricky math concept or a specific problem? We’ve got you covered!

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Ontario Virtual School (OVS) is proud to announce Eric Manikhouth as this year’s recipient of the March 2025 OVS University Acceptance $500 Scholarship! We are thrilled to celebrate Eric’s acceptance into the Computer Science program at the University of Ottawa, where he will continue his academic journey and pursue his passion for technology and innovation.