General Questions about how the VLN works

Getting Online Help

Question: I forgot my username and password for my online course in Desire2Learn (D2L). How do I go about getting another one?: Answer:
Please contact Harsher Mann via email at hmann@vsb.bc.ca. You can also reach Harsher by phone at 604-713-5538.

Registration

Question: How do I register for an online course?: Answer:
Go to http://vln.vsb.bc.ca and click on the Online Registration link. However if you wish the VLN to become your home school you must first meet with a VLN counsellor. Please call our office at 604-713-5520 to make an appointment.
Question: How do I register for a paper-based course?: Answer:
You need to make an appointment with one of the VLN counsellors. Please call our office at 604-713-5520.

Secondary Study

Question: Can I use your courses to get a graduation diploma?: Answer:
Yes. If you are not sure which courses you need to graduate, you may book an appointment to see one of our counsellors at (604) 713-5520.
Question: Are all VLN courses high school equivalent?: Answer:
Yes. All courses meet the approved British Columbia Ministry of Education curriculum leading to the certificate of graduation.
Question: Do post secondary institutions accept the marks I receive from the Vancouver Learning Nertwork?: Answer:
Yes. VLN courses are accepted throughout Canada and the United States.
Question: Do I need to make an appointment with a counsellor before I select my courses?: Answer:
If you are a student under 19 and are not attending a BC high school, you must see a counsellor before you are registered. If you are an adult student and are unsure of what you need for graduation, you should see a counsellor. To book an appointment with a counsellor, call (604) 713-5520. Students who need only one or two courses, and know what they are, may register without making an appointment with a counsellor. You can register online at http://vln.vsb.bc.ca.
Question: When do I have to register for my course and is there still room for me to take it?: Answer:
Online courses run from September through to June. Registration closes in March and all courses must be completed by the beginning of June. Paper based courses run throughout the calendar year and registration can occur at any time during the year.
Question: I am attending high school and want to take some courses at VLN. Can I register at VLN?: Answer:
Yes. All students in Grades 10-12 can register for courses at those grade levels. Students in Grade 8 or 9 must get permission from their home school by filling out the appropriate registration form available on our web site. Because home schools must pay for this course directly to us, they have no obligation to do this if the course you wish is available at the school.
Question: I have completed part of my course at school. Can I take that course at VLN and pick up where I left off?: Answer:
Yes. You will need to make an appointment with one of our counsellors. Our counsellors will give you the appropriate forms for your counsellor and teachers to complete, telling us which parts of the course you have completed and the marks you received. The counsellor must return the form to VLN. If you are no longer attending school, we will also need a Transfer or Withdrawal form from your school. If you are taking this course and staying in school, we will still require that your principal sign your registration form.
Question: Can I take a course over again to upgrade my mark?: Answer:
Yes, you may retake a course to upgrade your mark, as long as you did not take that course at VLN the first time.
Question: If I take a course again, which mark appears in my transcript?: Answer:
The course mark on your transcript will be the higher mark. If the course is provincially examinable, the higher provincial mark will be blended with the higher course mark, provided they were taken within one year.
Question: How many times can I take a particular course with you?: Answer:
Students may take a course with VLN only once unless a new version of the course is released.

Exams

Question: Are there tests in the course?: Answer:
Most courses include tests. Once you are in the actual course your teacher will have more information for you.
Question: Where do I write my tests?: Answer:
Students usually write their tests at the VLN at John Oliver Secondary School: 530 East 41st Avenue.
Question: I do not live in the Lower Mainland and can't come to VLN for tests. How do I take my tests?: Answer:
If you can not come to the VLN to take your tests you must contact your course teacher and/or your VLN counsellor to set up offsite testing protocol.
Question: May I look at my test after it's been marked to see how I've done?: Answer:
To view an online course test you must contact your course teacher directly. To view a paper-based course test you must make an appointment with a VLN counsellor at (604) 713-5520.