“Virtual learning,” a term that may have been heard on The Jetsons decades ago. Now, not only is online learning a reality, but there are so many courses and certifications available through distance learning that it has become a fully viable option as an alternative to traditional, in-class learning.
Though not every course can be taught online (for example, it is rare for one to find a nursing degree program on the Internet), many institutions have a huge selection of courses online – from high schools to community colleges, undergraduate universities and postgraduate studies.
With so many commitments, online learning courses are often more ideal for adults who have seemingly moved on from their school days, especially those for whom extenuating circumstances affect their ability to attend class. In some cases, especially for older adults, the in-class experience can also be nerve-wracking and slightly embarrassing.
For example, learning English online is a great opportunity for new Canadians who need to familiarize themselves with the language without taking too much time away from a job, family or other commitments. English can be learned on the web through various means, whether it be free sites set up by language enthusiasts, tourism websites, or online high school, college and university courses. For those who intend on becoming long-term residents of Canada, it is recommended to enroll in distance learning high school classes or online community college English as a second language courses. While the resources found on tourism sites or independently made English learning sites can be quite excellent, high school and college English courses are taught by licensed professionals and are usually accompanied by textbooks geared toward the student’s current level. Formal assignments and grades can allow one to see their own progress as the time goes on. The only thing to be wary about is to make sure that the English one is learning coincides with the country they are in.
There are also many online training courses available for those interested in switching careers. These range from small certification programs such as one-year early childhood education programs through online community college programs, to four-year bachelor degrees and even masters and PhDs. The most difficult programs to find online are trade certificates, since trades require much in-person tutelage and hands-on work. However, some trade schools offer online components for their written assignments and reading material along with their hands-on hours.
Distance learning community college programs are usually of a very wide variety. Popular courses to take online include (but are not limited to): accounting, behavioural studies, child and youth worker, computer technology, dental assisting, dental office management, early childhood education, general business, paralegal, police foundations, public administration and technical writing. Most have the option of being taken part-time or full-time, and some require a small on-campus commitment. The wonderful thing about online learning is the ability to customize one’s semesters and workloads. Some colleges will even offer the option of taking some of the required courses during the summer so that the next year’s load may be lighter.
Universities are also growing in distance learning options. Much like community colleges, there is a large list of courses available and can be taken full-time or part-time. Some of the most popular programs include business or commerce degrees, language degrees and computer science programs.
Online learning is not necessarily easier – for some, the adjustment to a more independent and slightly less structured learning environment is difficult, as they must depend on themselves for motivation and structure. But as technology and social media becomes more versatile, online schools are adding elements such as online chat hubs for students to create online study groups. With cost relatively similar to in-person courses, there are few reasons not to pursue online learning courses.
