Distance Learning: Education At Your Convenience

At its core, Distance Learning is exactly what it sounds like: obtaining your education from a distance. In other words, not being physically present in a classroom. It is, however, so much more than that. Distance Learning makes it convenient to obtain an education, no matter how busy you are or what your previous level of education is. For example, if you're working a full-time job but wish to obtain a post-secondary credential, Distance Learning will allow you to do so from the convenience of your own home so that you may move into the career of your choice. If, on the other hand, you are in your chosen field but wish to move up in the industry, Distance Learning will allow you to continue working while at the same time advancing your career. Additionally, if you are unable to make it to a school's campus for whatever reason (such as the money it takes to travel daily), Distance Learning may also benefit you.

At Centennial College's School of Continuing Education, you may complete courses through Distance Learning in two different formats that are offered as a way to ensure flexibility for students. As such, the School of Continuing Education educates more than 22,000 learners each year across 140 programs with over 1,300 courses.

The first is an online format that gives students 24-hour access to a virtual classroom in which they learn through discussion boards, online assignments and through email exchanges with professors and peers. This Distance Learning option includes programs such as: Automotive Service Advisor, Office Bookkeeping, Applied Management Studies, Event Planning/Meeting Management, Effective Project Management, Legal Office Assistant, Professional Writing, Business Writing, and more.

Meanwhile, through the print-based courses within Distance Learning, students have the program material mailed to their home to be completed in an expected amount of time — typically six months. This option consists of lessons, written assignments, exams and various tools for success. The print-based Distance Learning experience also allows students the flexibility to communicate with their instructor by email, phone or regular mail. Among Centennial College's print-based Distance Learning courses are: Business Management – Entrepreneurial, Business Management – International, Business Management – Marketing, Cosmetics by Correspondence, Ophthalmic Medical Personnel - Phases 1 and 2 and SmartServe.

Whether students opt for online or print-based Distance Learning courses, they are required to complete an in-person physical exam to gain their credentials. 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.