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We invite you to come learn with us
WHY DISTANCE ED?
Welcome to the Distance Education program. Okanagan College has a long history of offering distance education - dating back to 1984 when all courses were delivered by correspondence. From the beginning, our mission has been to provide students, who are either unable to enrol in traditional classroom methods or who prefer independent study, with the opportunity to access a wide range of courses. More than 25 years later, our mission remains the same but the programs and technologies have changed considerably. This rapid pace of change in today’s world means we all need to learn new skills and acquire new credentials to meet our future with confidence. Okanagan College will build on our history by continuing to provide a wide array of learning options that welcomes all adult learners and provides many educational alternatives to serve your lifelong learning needs.
Why not? Do you find it difficult to get to a campus? Or maybe you prefer to ignore your alarm clock in the morning or you like studying in the middle of the night. Or maybe you are busy at work during the day or you have your hands full with raising children. Distance Education courses might be for you.
In 1984, we started with only four correspondence courses. Today, you can work toward a credential from your home, office or location of your choice by selecting from more than 160 print-based and online courses available each year. The hard part may be in deciding what to take!
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your course is supported by interaction with your tutor and may include a variety of delivery methods including telephone discussions, computer conferencing, and e-mail. The days of distance students feeling isolated in their studies is being replaced by more interactive and collaborative methods of learning. Whatever your reasons for studying, whether you are working towards a credential or you are learning for personal interest, we invite you to make Okanagan College your institution of choice.
MOTIVATION Distance Education might sound like a piece of cake since you can stay home rather than go to classes, but it’s easy to put your studies on the back burner because you don’t have an instructor that you have to face when you haven’t done your homework. Instead you will have contact with a tutor but the onus is on you to keep up to the schedule. Independent learners thrive in this environment. We estimate that the average person will spend 10-15 hours per week for every course.
Most Distance Education courses are offered five times per year but others are offered on a continuous basis. We offer a wide range of delivery methods including print materials, online delivery, or a combination of print and online. Some courses include on campus and labs.
WHO IS THERE TO HELP? We are! A professional, qualified tutor is assigned to every Distance Education course. Your tutor is there to answer your questions, either by phone or e-mail, and mark your assignments and exams. The Distance Education staff is also available when you have administrative questions, such as how to register, how to get course materials, etc.
COUNSELING SERVICES Okanagan College offers counseling services to Okanagan College students for personal problems and career direction. Counselors also assist students in academic success strategies such as study skills and time management.
I wish you a successful and enjoyable year! Charlotte Kushner Director, Continuing Studies
EDUCATIONAL ADVISING Educational advisors can assist you with information about Okanagan College programs, requirements and prerequisites.
print-based
print-based plus
1 online self-paced
2 online tutor-paced
see page 2 for full descriptions