‍

Tasmanian eSchool

Tasmanian eSchool has evolved significantly since it was first established as the Correspondence School in1919, however its objective to provide a quality teaching and learning program and support for our learners has remained unchanged.

The school was first established to provide education to primary students who were living in isolated areas. By the 1950s, the school had grown to offer this service to secondary students. Exactly 100 years later in 2019 education provision has extended to offer Year 12 senior secondary education. The Department of Education is committed to supporting all learners to succeed as connected, resilient, creative and curious thinkers. Programs at the school now reach far beyond students who are geographically isolated. As the only provider of K -12 online learning programs in Tasmania, the school enables students, who are unable to attend mainstream schools, to receive a full education. Students can be enrolled due to isolation from their closest school or registered, if their circumstances meet particular criteria. Students can be full-time or part-time. Registered students remain enrolled full-time with their 'base' school and access Tasmanian eSchool teachers and programs on a fee-for-service basis. Students can be registered by their school under one of the following sub categories: 

1. Pregnancy 

2. Medical\Psychological 

3. Medical-Other 

4. Travel 

Like most schools moving in to the 21st Century the school has significantly shifted in its delivery method. In the past ten years with the emergence of rapid technological change we have seen amove from a paper-based mail-out service towards online learning platforms. In 2011, The Department recognising the need to maintain currency in such significant social change and growth in state-wide enrolments changed the school’s name from Distance Education Tasmania to Tasmanian eSchool. The school has a campus in the North (Rocherlea), and in the South (Derwent Park). Teachers develop and deliver online Australian Curriculum and TASC* courses in addition to interest based short courses.

The Tasmanian eSchool supports online delivery across K-12 with face-to-face learning opportunities, to achieve curriculum diversity and to promote student engagement. Current school priorities are to increase the quality of our teaching and learning and whole school wellbeing programs.

In addition to delivering educational programs to students, the eSchool provides additional services to support the Tasmanian community. These include: The Hospital Schools Program in Hobart and Launceston; and the STARS Program (Northern Campus) which develops the social skills of students with a diagnosis of High Functioning Autism.

Website: https://www.tasmanianeschool.education.tas.edu.au/

*TASC (Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification)

Virtual Learning Tasmania (VLT)

What is VLT?​

Virtual Learning Tasmania (VLT) provides Tasmanian Government Senior Secondary students with a unique opportunity to undertake courses not available at their base school by studying them online.

In 2020, VLT will be offering a range of courses; including TASC courses at Level 1, 2 and 3 and Certificate II VET courses (subject to a Memorandum of Understanding with a Registered Training Organisation).  Subjects range from English, maths, technologies, HASS, health and science.  Course offerings are available from local schools or colleges.

Students enrolled in VLT stay at their local school while accessing course content and teachers online, including all learning resources and assignments. This content can be accessed by students anytime, anywhere.

In addition to the learning they undertake online, VLT students meet with their Online Educator and fellow students in 'virtual sessions' which are scheduled for each course. VLT students are also supported by teachers in their base school who assist with study skills and managing their IT resources. VLT courses can contribute to students’ TCE points at the end of the year, upon successful completion of course requirements.

How does VLT work?​​

Year 11 and 12 students can enrol in VLT courses for up to 50% of their total study load, usually up to two courses.  Students stay in their Base School classrooms while they study, and the VLT courses are added to the student's Base School study timetable.

The VLT timetable has been designed to allow students to engage in both ‘synchronous’ and ‘asynchronous’ sessions each week

• Synchronous sessions are scheduled to enable students and teachers to meet in a virtual classroom to discuss ideas, answer questions, undertake group work and provide feedback. The teacher supports learning online at the designated time when all students join the class from around the state. 
• Asynchronous sessions are study times when students work at their own pace through the Canvas online course content. Every student will have this time scheduled differently to suit their local school needs.  Students can access the learning experiences at a time which fits around their study schedule.

VLT courses have the same course requirements as other courses with students undertaking research and group activities, completing assignments and tests. In Level 3 courses, students also have external assessments. The VLT teachers provide students with detailed feedback on their work, support student progress and write reports. 

‍