Teacher Mediated Option (TMO)

Teacher Mediated Option (TMO) provides learners with access to selected distance learning courses. TMO learners use independent study distance learning courses supplemented with scheduled audio teleconference classes hosted by a teacher. Classes can be recorded and additional support from the teacher occurs via email and phone.

In order to access a TMO course, a student must be registered in a Manitoba high school or adult learning centre that supports TMO course delivery.

 

Rationale

The current reality of education in Manitoba poses a number of challenges for learners – particularly those located in rural and northern communities. Low student enrolment and shortages of teachers with specific subject expertise can limit accessibility to senior years courses. These factors present challenges for schools as they endeavour to provide learners with a range of course offerings that enable them to meet graduation requirements, explore areas of interest, and meet specific needs. Similar challenges also exist for adult learners and school-aged non-attending students (any school-aged learner not currently enrolled in a Manitoba School). To mitigate these factors, Manitoba Education continually seeks ways to create more opportunities for learner success, through relevant and engaging distance learning options.

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Guidelines

Manitoba Education maintains high and consistent standards for quality Teacher Mediated Option (TMO) courses by:

• creating policies, procedures, and operational guidelines for the Teacher Mediated Option and for future teacher mediated options as they emerge
• leading the development and renewal of courses and resources to reflect effective pedagogical practice for distance learning, to provide congruence with Manitoba curriculum and to support learning and engagement
• collaborating with stakeholders to coordinate the delivery and/or implementation of the TMO program with the support of the Distance Learning Unit
• providing professional learning and support to educators who are working with TMO distance learners
• promoting and distributing information related to the TMO program
• managing the TMO program through the Distance Learning Unit

Schools/School Divisions may provide Teacher Mediated Option learners with relevant and engaging distance learning experiences by:

• acting in accordance with Manitoba Education’s policies, including the procedures and guidelines for the TMO program
• providing information and facilitating discussions that lead to informed decision-making by distance learners and/or parents considering the TMO program
• identifying an on-site TMO Proctor(s) to support the TMO program and distance learners 
• ensuring that any teacher mediated course not developed by Manitoba Education, but accessed by their distance learners, is congruent with Manitoba curriculum, and satisfies Manitoba Education’s procedures and guidelines for recognizing and granting credits to meet graduation requirements in Manitoba
• offering distance learners access to TMO courses to enable them to meet graduation requirements, explore areas of interest, and meet specific learning needs
• ensuring that the marks distance learners receive in TMO courses are recorded on their records, and are reported following established guidelines
• developing local policies to support the TMO program within their school/division , including how courses fees if any will be handled
• facilitating the required provincial standards tests for learners registered in TMO courses.

Schools may choose to provide this distance learning option according to school/division needs.

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