Step inside history and drive the narrative forward. Grade 10 Canadian History at Asynchronous Academy completely reimagines standard history education. Instead of memorizing dates, you will use our custom-built interactive AI historical simulation, driving key historical events forward through active, research-based decision making. You will receive historical story-starters from the post-WWI era to the modern day, but the plot will only progress when you feed it verified, source-backed data. You will master critical source-analysis frameworks to dismantle low-quality internet narratives, separate signal from noise, evaluate historical perspectives, and build rigorous, evidence-supported historical portfolios.
This course consists of four units and an Exam Task.
| Unit Name | Duration | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 1: World War I to Great Depression | 25 hrs | 17.5% |
| Unit 2: World War II to Post-War Era | 25 hrs | 17.5% |
| Unit 3: 1960s to End of Cold War | 25 hrs | 17.5% |
| Unit 4: Modern Canada (1990s to Present) | 25 hrs | 17.5% |
| Exam Task | 10 hrs | 30% |
Based on the principle of Mastery Learning, each unit scaffolds higher-order thinking skills beginning with a foundation of solid research, moving to developing questions about the materials and considering how it affected people in the historical period in question, and finally identifying and explaining the trends and events which defined the era.
This course uses video extensively to both see your progress and verify your identity. Videos should be submitted to the relevant assignments on Google Classroom. We recommend a resolution of 1280x720 (or 720p) as a good balance of quality without having too large a file.
In compliance with Ontario Ministry of Education requirements, all Asynchronous Academy courses use the following types of assessments:
"Teachers engage in assessment as learning by helping all students develop their capacity to be independent, autonomous learners who are able to set individual goals, monitor their own progress, determine next steps, and reflect on their thinking and learning." — Ontario Ministry of Education
By completing regular self-assessments throughout the course, students can learn to monitor their own progress and become independent learners. Assessments As Learning do not affect students’ overall grade.
"As part of assessment for learning, teachers provide students with descriptive feedback and coaching for improvement." — Ontario Ministry of Education
Assessment For Learning is used to give students a “trial run” at a set of skills in order to make sure that the student and teacher are on the same page with regards to expectations and formats. Skills demonstrated during Assessment For Learning can be used as evidence to improve a student’s mark, but can never be used to lower a mark.
Assessment Of Learning is what teachers actually use to calculate a grade. Each unit contains the following assignments (percentages reflect the assignment’s weighting in overall grade calculation, on a “most recent and consistent” basis):
After all four content units have been completed, students can complete the exam task:
Midterm marks will be assigned after the second unit has been completed.
| Assignment | Expectations Assessed |
|---|---|
| Media Log | A1.1, A1.3, A2.2 |
| Quiz Question Submission | A1.1, A1.2, A1.4, A1.5, A1.7, A1.9 |
| Media Log Review | A1.2, A1.3, A1.4, A1.9, A2.1, A2.4 |
| Family Tree Diaries | A1.2, A1.4, A1.5, A1.6, A1.7, A2.2, A2.3 |
| Artefact | A1.1, A1.4, A1.5, A1.6, A1.7, A1.8, A1.9 |
| Research Questions | B–E expectations as noted in document |
This course takes an exploratory approach to learning by encouraging students to use any tools available to them in order to investigate their topics every day. Students are welcome to use websites, videos, and AI responses as media to assess. We believe it is vital to prepare students for the variety of tools that are available online, and to acknowledge that the internet and AI tools exist.
The utility of having a lot of information in your head can not come close to competing with the AI search engine on your phone. The challenge in today’s world is that the best information is right next to the worst, and they look identical.
This course is unique in that it allows students to select the events they find most relevant to them, even if they want to pick events outside the ones listed. Students are always welcome to identify significant events happening during the years in question and investigate them.
Similarly, if a student has a particular interest, whether it’s sports, criminal law, fashion, etc., they can trace the development of that area over the course of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Students are also able to use any type of media that they connect with. There are many fantastic History videos available from any number of sources, as well as podcasts, blogs, and magazines. Students are primarily expected to assess the reliability of the source with which they are engaging, so low-quality sources can often be very instructive. It’s difficult to be able to identify “fake news” if you’ve never looked at fake news and tried to identify its characteristics.
The lessons in this course follow the “three-part” design methodology:
We agree strongly with the Curriculum that “Effective instruction motivates students and instils positive habits of mind, such as curiosity and open-mindedness; a willingness to think, question, challenge, and be challenged”. This course requires students to use their curiosity to think carefully about a variety of sources, and challenge their understanding and belief in those sources. Students are able to select the topics that are relevant and interesting to them, while building the critical literacy skills to be able to quickly review a source and have the skills to determine its reliability (and which way it’s likely to be skewed).
One significant advantage of online classes is that students are easily able to access Indigenous expertise directly. Many First Nations groups have very strong online presences, and sources like APTN provide coverage on a wide variety of issues. Students are encouraged to consult these sources when relevant to the topic in question. Students are also welcome and encouraged to examine the historical narrative presented by different groups, even ones which challenge conventional wisdom, and learn to make their own assessments about the reliability of different sources.
Students are encouraged to use current events as a lens through which to see the past. History is the study of past events and trends, but typically has the goal of extracting useful lessons with which to guide our actions in the modern world. By bringing their own research interests, students are able to integrate questions about current events into their study of the past.
The individualized nature of an online course gives many opportunities for a student to tailor their learning to their specific needs. Having all course content in digital files, students who require text-to-speech or speech-to-text software enables full engagement in all course assignments by default. If you notice anything that could make this course more accessible, please reach out to contact@asyncacademy.ca.
Through the individualized pacing of asynchronous, online courses, English Language Learners can find themselves on equal footing with any other student and have meaningful engagement with their peers and build the self-confidence and opportunities to develop their English skills.
We always strive to make our courses as inclusive as possible, so any students who would benefit from a change in the format of an assignment (for example, changing a written assignment to a recorded presentation), is encouraged to discuss the idea with their teacher. In general, there should be no issue with these types of changes as long as the content of the assignment stays the same.
History classes can be a powerful medium for environmental education by providing students with a deep, contextual understanding of how human societies have interacted with their environments over time. This course helps students to understand the consequences of past unsustainable environmental practices which lead to deforestation and unnecessary consequences in the process of urbanization. For example, students can study how certain indigenous cultures have managed to live sustainably for thousands of years, and can learn lessons from the past that serve as cautionary tales or exemplars for modern environmental policy and conservation efforts.
Online education fosters healthy relationships by promoting flexibility and reducing stress, thus allowing learners to maintain better personal and professional relationships. It provides the opportunity to balance educational pursuits with family and social responsibilities. This flexibility helps individuals avoid the strain that traditional, rigid schedules might impose on relationships.
Moreover, online education platforms often incorporate collaborative tools like forums, group projects, and social media networks, enabling students to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds, fostering inclusivity and understanding. These interactions can cultivate mutual respect and teamwork skills.
Online education also encourages self-discipline and time management, skills that are beneficial in maintaining any relationship. By allowing for personalized learning paces, it reduces the pressure and competition commonly found in traditional settings, leading to a more supportive and understanding learning environment.
In essence, the adaptability and connectivity of online education not only enhance academic growth but also contribute to healthier, more balanced interpersonal relationships.
Studying history fosters diversity and inclusivity education by providing insights into the myriad experiences and contributions of various cultures, races, and ethnicities. It highlights the struggles and triumphs of marginalized groups, revealing how systemic inequalities were formed and perpetuated.
By understanding these historical contexts, students gain empathy and a nuanced perspective on current social issues. History’s diverse narratives challenge single-story viewpoints and encourage critical thinking, promoting an appreciation for multiple perspectives. This educational approach supports an inclusive environment where all students see their backgrounds represented and valued.
Moreover, studying history teaches the importance of recognizing and rectifying past injustices, empowering students to advocate for equity and inclusion in contemporary society. Through a comprehensive examination of the past, history education cultivates a more informed, empathetic, and inclusive future.
Our courses strive to increase students’ financial literacy by including financial data in the historical simulations present in the course. By considering how personal and government finances intersect, students are able to build a strong foundation of financial literacy.
The study of history provides valuable insights that can enhance financial literacy in several ways. Firstly, historical knowledge helps individuals understand the origins and evolution of economic systems, market behaviors, and financial institutions, thereby offering a context for current financial practices.
Secondly, history offers lessons on the cyclical nature of economies, helping people to anticipate and better prepare for financial downturns and booms. Additionally, studying past economic policies and their outcomes can guide individuals and policymakers in making informed financial decisions today. Historical case studies also shed light on the socio-economic impacts of financial decisions, enhancing one’s ability to critically assess financial information and its broader implications. Ultimately, history equips individuals with a deeper understanding of financial principles, fostering more informed and prudent financial behavior.
The study of history is pivotal in supporting and enhancing literacy: Engaging with historical texts exposes individuals to a wide variety of vocabulary, grammatical structures, and writing styles, broadening their linguistic skills. Reading historical documents, narratives, and analyses sharpens comprehension abilities, as these texts often require readers to understand complex information, themes, and contexts.
Moreover, history encourages critical thinking and analytical skills, which are essential components of literacy. Learners must interpret evidence, evaluate sources, and differentiate between primary and secondary texts, fostering deeper reading and interpretative skills. Writing about history also demands clarity, coherence, and precision, thereby improving writing ability.
Additionally, history often involves discussing and debating interpretations and perspectives, which develops oral literacy and communication skills. Integrating history with literacy education creates a rich, interdisciplinary approach that not only enhances knowledge of the past but also strengthens overall literacy competencies.
This course fosters critical thinking and critical literacy by encouraging individuals to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information from diverse sources. Through historical inquiry, learners engage with primary and secondary sources, discern patterns, and understand context, thereby honing their ability to scrutinize information critically. This process demands identifying biases, recognizing differing perspectives, and constructing coherent arguments based on evidence.
Additionally, history exposes students to complex societal issues and diverse human experiences, prompting them to question and reflect rather than accept information at face value. This nurtures a habit of skeptical inquiry and the capability to differentiate between substantiated facts and mere opinion. Consequently, historical study not only enhances understanding of past events but also empowers individuals with the analytical skills necessary to navigate the present and future, fostering responsible and informed citizenship in a complex, information-rich world.
While students may not have a school library at home, students are encouraged to access information from the school library at their day school, a public library, or even to access library services through the internet. Librarians are often accessible through email or online chat, so students are still able to get their questions answered, even if they can’t make it into a physical library.
Online, asynchronous education significantly supports the development of information and communications technology (ICT) skills by immersing students in a tech-driven learning environment. It necessitates the use of various digital tools and platforms, such as learning management systems, video conferencing software, and collaborative applications like Google Docs. This hands-on experience enhances students’ proficiency in navigating and utilizing these technologies.
Additionally, the flexibility of asynchronous learning empowers students to explore digital resources at their own pace, fostering independent problem-solving and research skills. Communication in this setting often relies on forums, emails, and instant messaging, which sharpen digital communication strategies. Moreover, the need to submit assignments and projects digitally hones their ability to create and manage digital content effectively.
As students become proficient in these areas, they build a strong foundation for ICT competency, which is essential for success in an increasingly digital world.
By examining the roles of people in different contexts in history, students are able to develop a broad base of understanding of their role in the workplace. Students can see how humans developed from hunter/gatherers, to an agrarian society, through the industrial revolution into the digital era today. Through a better-developed understanding of industries and the business cycle, students can prepare themselves for the work environment into which they are entering.
Students are encouraged to contact their guidance counsellor to discuss how this course can be incorporated into a Specialist High-Skills Major.
Ethical behavior in an online course is critical because it fosters a culture of honesty and integrity, ensuring that students earn their grades through genuine effort and understanding. This authenticity aids in personal and academic growth, making the earned knowledge more valuable. Ethical behavior also promotes fairness, ensuring that all students adhere to the same standards, thus maintaining a level playing field. It helps in building trust between students and instructors, facilitating a positive and respectful learning environment.
Engaging ethically online also prepares students for professional life, where integrity and ethical conduct are paramount. Cheating or plagiarism undermines the educational system’s integrity and devalues the efforts of those who work hard. Moreover, ethical behavior ensures the effective use of resources and contributes to the institution’s reputation. In essence, it’s foundational to both personal development and maintaining the credibility of the educational system.