With a passionate vision and relatively rudimentary tools, Stephen Baker began uploading high school courses on the Internet in 1995. A science teacher by trade, Baker began his quest for online education at a time when the concept and model for online education were basically non-existent.
Baker did not let that deter him. He began to teach himself HTML and worked with a local Internet provider to create his first online course; biology.
Flash forward to the present day where wide ranging internet and wireless coverage along with software tools and internet platforms have allowed for online education to be a progressive and effective model.
Mr. Baker has grown his portfolio of courses over that time from one to an incredible 68 overall, all of which are recognizes as Ontario secondary school credits. With the Virtual High School’s 2003 accreditation from the Ministry of Education, it has grown to service 4,600 students and graduate many.
Baker, who now runs the school in a renovated hotel in Bayfield, Ontario left teaching full-time in 2005 to fulfill his vision. He now has a staff of 20 under his employ along with 70 teachers with wide ranging specialties who work on a contract basis. Together Baker and his collective staff do the administration, and develop the curriculum.
Most of the school’s students never step foot in a brick and mortar school using the school’s popular online platform instead. The Virtual High School platform allows students to complete assignments and tests at their own pace.
In a truly incredible twist, the platform is now based on newly minted e-learning company Desire2Learn Inc.’s cloud based system (TQ was on it).The CEO of that company is one John Baker, Mr. Baker’s son. The family clearly shares a passion for online education and we commend them for making our country a better place to learn.
SOURCE: Financial Post
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