Online learning / Distributed Learning (OL/DL) vs Homeschooling
In British Columbia, online learning (often called Distributed Learning “DL” or “OL”) and homeschooling (home education) are both legal education options, but they are fundamentally different in structure, oversight, and expectations.
Online learning / Distributed Learning (OL/DL) in BC is part of the public or independent school system. A student is officially enrolled in a school and follows a program that is guided by certified teachers. Learning is usually done at home, but the school provides curriculum, assignments, assessments, and ongoing teacher support. Students may attend optional in-person activities, field trips, or classes, and they typically must follow the BC curriculum and meet learning outcomes. Work is assessed, progress is tracked, and learning reports are issued, similar to a traditional school—just delivered in a more flexible, home-based format.
Online learning (OL/DL) is beneficial for families who want some structure and professional support while still learning at home. It can reduce the planning burden on parents and provides access to resources such as specialized courses, learning platforms, and sometimes extracurriculars, field trips, or in-person classes. For many families, the biggest advantage is having flexibility at home while still staying within a familiar school system with accountability and guidance.
For a list on Online learning School in B.C
https://search.onlinelearningbc.com/schools
Homeschooling (home education) in BC, by contrast, is when parents fully take responsibility for their child’s education outside the public or independent school system. The child is registered as a homeschooler, but there is no requirement to follow the BC curriculum, complete standardized assessments, or submit formal reports. Parents choose the teaching style, materials, schedule, and goals entirely on their own. There is usually no funding or structured teacher oversight, and families have maximum freedom, but also full responsibility for planning and instruction.
In short, OL/DL is still “school-based learning at home” with teacher oversight, a bit of funding & curriculum requirements, while homeschooling is “parent-led education outside the school system” with far more flexibility and far fewer formal requirements.
Homeschooling (home education) offers maximum flexibility and personalization. Parents can fully tailor what, when, and how their child learns, whether that means following a structured curriculum, using interest-led learning, or blending different approaches like travel, projects, or outdoor education. There is no requirement to follow the BC curriculum or meet standardized benchmarks, which allows children to learn at their own pace and focus deeply on their interests or learning needs. Families also have freedom in scheduling, pacing, and educational philosophy, and many appreciate the independence and strong parent-child involvement in learning.
Find more information about home education options in B.C below
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/support/classroom-alternatives
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