Online learning options continue to evolve in Saskatchewan, with a new corporation at the helm.

The Saskatchewan Distance Learning Corporation (Sask DLC) will be opening this fall, endeavouring to provide connection and opportunity across the province through virtual means. In a release, they state that they will have students connect with local teachers in their programs. 

While their head office will be based out of Kenaston, they plan to establish regional offices in Estevan, La Ronge, Moose Jaw, Nipawin, Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Yorkton, and right here in Swift Current.

The plan is for teachers to be able to connect virtually with their students, eliminating commutes and space restrictions in the classroom. Of course, with there still being a physical campus in these communities, students can still head in if they feel the need for direct communication and assistance. 

"These locations will provide access to quality online learning for students around the province as well as opportunities for teachers to collaborate to support students learning," Education Minister Dustin Duncan said in the release. "Students will have the option to receive support virtually or in person from these regional campuses."

School Divisions in all of the communities participating will interact with Sask DLC to provide support for students like educational assistants, counsellors, and even speech-language pathologists.

Darren Gasper will serve as the Sask DLC Chief Executive Officer. He has more than 27 years of experience in the field of education, with expertise in online learning. 

Students can begin to register for this provincial school in April. Positions will begin to be filled in March of this year, with the Ministry of Education working alongside Sask DLC to do so. 

Classes will range from Kindergarten all the way to Grade 12. High school electives like Autobody, Agricultural Equipment Technician, Field Crops Production, Forensic Science, Cow/Calf Production and Exercise Science are all expected to be available, with more possible.

For things like driving tests, graduation ceremonies, arts programs, and sports, local school divisions will provide them to students.