Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Continuing Education Has Something for Everyone Including Novices and Professionals

We often hear people say, "It's never too late to go back to school." And the statement is actually quite accurate. That's because, increasingly, post-secondary institutions are including options that cater to mature students who are seeking either to advance their career, change careers all together or gain an education that will allow them to transition from having a job to a fulfilling career.

Known as Continuing Education, this option has actually been around for sometime. What has evolved is the approach schools take in delivering continuing education. For example, Centennial College in Toronto, Ontario offers a range of delivery methods to work with students to pursue their education according to their schedule. The school offers 1,300 courses and programs that result in choice and flexibility.

Firstly, students can attend courses on campus where they have the opportunity to learn the latest technology and practices, through progressive, collaborative teaching techniques and real-world practical experiences. Additionally, students who attend courses during business hours, in the evenings and on weekends complete hands-on learning with instructors who are working professionals in their fields. This type of learning is most beneficial for visual learners who require the hands-on component to fully understand what they are studying.

But what happens if, for example, you can't make it into the school during business hours or if you have no interest in the hands-on learning and much prefer to study on your own when it is convenient for you? This type of learner is not at all at a disadvantage thanks to Centennial College's other continuing education option: Distance Learning. Presented in both modern and traditional formats, Distance Learning is just what it sounds like — an opportunity to attend classes at a distance and study when it most convenient to your schedule in the comfort of your home or wherever you choose.

The more traditional Distance Learning route is delivered through correspondence or print-based courses. In this approach, students are required to complete courses typically within a six-month time frame. Print-based courses are best suited to students who work independently with minimal supervision. These students do have some sense of the classroom with telephone and email access to their professors, who may offer guidance as students work through course material.

A modern approach to distance learning occurs online. In a virtual classroom, students interact with their peers and professors through email and discussion boards. This allows for a classroom feel without the need to physically sit at a desk on campus. The course material is also completed in students' own time with the student determining when to study and how best to complete the course.

No comments:

Post a Comment