​Computers

Mixed delivery Programs: In most instances in mixed delivery PIE programs (Bowen Island Discovery PIE) students are not required to have access to a computer on a full time basis.

Distance Learners: Although some of our younger students do most of their work through a paper-based approach there is usually still a need for a computer to be available.  For these students or homes that do not have access to a computer, a computer may be provided by PIE at a nominal charge.  Due to distance issues for providing services there is a cost differential between Comox Valley/Powell River PIE online learners (OL) and Island Discovery OL learners. 

Powell River/Comox Valley:   $150 per year (resource funds can be used)

Island Discovery: $175 per year (resource funds can be used)

For the programs that require a computer, the homes that do not already have an internet connection can be subsidized on a one-time-only basis for the initial hook-up charge.  (Maximum $300 with current receipt required.  This is in addition to the student resource funds)

Core Program Resources and Instructional Materials

Kindergarten to Grade 4-Student print study sets are available for distance learners. Mixed delivery learners have this curricular element addressed through the face to face portion of their program

Grades 5 to 12:  Online programs that come complete with course study guides are available for students to access.  Alternatives to the online courses can be discussed with the teacher and are usually ok except for grade 10-12 math and science courses.

Supplementary Student Resource Funding

In general, the materials and online resources provided are sufficient to meet the requirements of the curricular learning standards.  The Ministry recognizes however, that there are some elements of a program that cannot be easily delivered by an OL school and in those instances, allows up to $600 per student to be expended for third party resources and services ($75 per course for part-time and Grade 10-12 students).
 
Mixed Delivery Programs: This student resource funding is not available directly to the individuals in the face to face programs (most of the Island Discovery PIE Programs).  Distance Learners connected to those programs though are able to access that funding.
 
Regular Distance Learning Programs: Powell River/Comox Valley and the distance learners from Island Discovery are considered regular distance programs. Students in these programs are able to access resource funds, subject to the terms and regulations regarding resource fund expenditures. Use of these funds should be discussed with the teacher during the development of the student learning plan prior to the requests being submitted. These requests are expected to be for specific materials and services to address the learning standards for the current school year.

Examples of Commonly Approved Resources:  Core curricular resources to support academic and cultural elements of the students’ programs, music lessons, dance lessons, athletic clubs or training, service memberships, practical or fine arts instruction, and educational short courses. 

Funding Request Protocol (Third Party Funding)

OL schools cannot make payments, nor reimbursements, directly to learners or their parents/caregivers in any manner. Resource funds cannot be used for purchasing any materials or services with religious content. 

• Funding requests are discussed with the students’ teachers during the development of the Student Learning Plan (SLP)
  
• Requests for funding are forwarded to the child’s teacher (admin approval required for resources/materials not previously approved)
  
• The plans are forwarded to clerical staff for administrative approval
  
• Request is confirmed or denied and parent is informed
  
• Confirmed requests are then ordered by clerical staff directing orders to the student's address
  
• Parent then informs clerical staff when materials arrive.

Additional Learning Support purchases (for students with designated learning support needs) and services generally follow the same protocols and processes but funding is not subject to the $600 ceiling.