Trends: Online Learning has grown dramatically over last few years


I remember around 2006 when I first learnt people could get Bachelor's Degree by doing courses by correspondence at Athabasca University in Alberta, I was extremely skeptical that it was legit! Now I realize that Athabasca University was simply the "first Canadian University to specialize in Distance Learning" (Wikipedia) and that my skepticism was only because it was a new concept to me. 

Since then, Online Learning (synonymous with Distance Learning) has gained traction as a viable route for formal post-secondary education. In the last couple years enrollment globally has more than doubled, due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.  These 3 charts show the global growth in online learning

The pandemic changed how the world looks at online education! When I do a Google Search "ASL Classes Online", I get results of many different online learning options within BC and Canada. I see that even now, online learning is an option even when the educational institution are local! This also applies to the current program I am taking at VCC which is just 15 minutes away from where I live- but doing it online is more convenient as I can go through the coursework at my home during hours that best suits me.

This gives me something to consider as I work on my goal of becoming an Instructor for Adult Education. PIDP has elective courses for how to be an Instructor for Online Learning. As I recognize the growth of Online Education, including with the ASL field, it would beneficial for me to take those elective courses in order to know how to teach online.

 © Roger Desmarais, 2022 

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