Distance Learning: A Convenient Way to Obtain A Post-Secondary Education

Attending college is an exciting step in anyone's life to a better career. But what happens if you are unable to attend a full-time or part-time program that requires you to be on campus? What if travel, childcare or weather are barriers to learning? That's where the Distance Learning option comes in. Although this way of obtaining a post-secondary education has been around for many, many years, today it has taken a technological spin, with the most appealing option seeing students learning through an online classroom. This format ensures the flexibility to accommodate the many time constraints imposed by personal responsibilities and commitments, reduces the demand on institutional infrastructure such as buildings, and more.

At Centennial College, students can use Distance Learning, which is facilitated through the school's School of Continuing Education, to acquire a variety of diplomas or certificates. As mentioned, the most popular Distance Learning option is to apply to courses facilitated online through virtual classrooms that students can access 24 hours a day. Qualified instructors, who use online teaching tools such as discussion boards, forums and digital assignments, lead these online classes. There is also a sense of classroom thanks to peer-to-peer email interaction. Through online courses, students can attend 40 different programs at Centennial College. This wide range of options includes: Home Inspection, Ophthaimic Medical Personnel, Logistics Management, Professional Writing, Real Estate Office Assistant, Software Specialist, Quality Assurance and more.

As previously mentioned, the other Distance Learning option, which is much more traditional, is called Print-Based Correspondence. This differs from online learning as learners work from the comfort of their homes while studying from study material that is mailed to them. A print-based course offered through the School of Containing Education consists of lessons, written assignments, exams and the various tools for success. This print-based distance learning experience allows students the flexibility to communicate with their instructor by email, phone, or regular mail. Through this Distance Learning option, students complete courses such as: Business Management – Entrepreneurial, Business Management – International, Business Management – Marketing, Cosmetics by Correspondence, Ophthalmic Medical Personnel - Phases 1 and 2 and SmartServe. Upon registration in this Distance Learning option, participants receive a Registration Confirmation Letter, Proctor Information Form, Student Guide and all of the educational materials required to complete their course.

Whether they choose the online or print-based option, students of Distance Learning must complete an in-person physical exam. Students are responsible for writing their exam on the first Saturday following the course end date. It is their responsibility to book the correct exam date within the time constraints of their course. Students who fail to write their exam by the due date will receive a zero on their exam.