Though not every course can be taught online (for example, it is rare for one to find a nursing degree program on the Internet), many institutions have a huge selection of courses online – from high schools to community colleges, undergraduate universities and postgraduate studies.

With so many commitments, online learning courses are often more ideal for adults who have seemingly moved on from their school days, especially those for whom extenuating circumstances affect their ability to attend class. In some cases, especially for older adults, the in-class experience can also be nerve-wracking and slightly embarrassing.

For example, learning English online is a great opportunity for new Canadians who need to familiarize themselves with the language without taking too much time away from a job, family or other commitments. English can be learned on the web through various means, whether it be free sites set up by language enthusiasts, tourism websites, or online high school, college and university courses. For those who intend on becoming long-term residents of Canada, it is recommended to enroll in distance learning high school classes or online community college English as a second language courses. While the resources found on tourism sites or independently made English learning sites can be quite excellent, high school and college English courses are taught by licensed professionals and are usually accompanied by textbooks geared toward the student’s current level. Formal assignments and grades can allow one to see their own progress as the time goes on. The only thing to be wary about is to make sure that the English one is learning coincides with the country they are in.

There are also many online training courses available for those interested in switching careers. These range from small certification programs such as one-year early childhood education programs through online community college programs, to four-year bachelor degrees and even masters and PhDs. The most difficult programs to find online are trade certificates, since trades require much in-person tutelage and hands-on work. However, some trade schools offer online components for their written assignments and reading material along with their hands-on hours.

Distance learning community college programs are usually of a very wide variety. Popular courses to take online include (but are not limited to): accounting, behavioural studies, child and youth worker, computer technology, dental assisting, dental office management, early childhood education, general business, paralegal, police foundations, public administration and technical writing. Most have the option of being taken part-time or full-time, and some require a small on-campus commitment. The wonderful thing about online learning is the ability to customize one’s semesters and workloads. Some colleges will even offer the option of taking some of the required courses during the summer so that the next year’s load may be lighter.

Universities are also growing in distance learning options. Much like community colleges, there is a large list of courses available and can be taken full-time or part-time. Some of the most popular programs include business or commerce degrees, language degrees and computer science programs.

Online learning is not necessarily easier – for some, the adjustment to a more independent and slightly less structured learning environment is difficult, as they must depend on themselves for motivation and structure. But as technology and social media becomes more versatile, online schools are adding elements such as online chat hubs for students to create online study groups. With cost relatively similar to in-person courses, there are few reasons not to pursue online learning courses.

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Though the average online Canadian school does not have the option to complete a bachelors of education degree online – the practicum component of a teaching degree is too substantial a part of the course and therefore an in-person education experience is more ideal – there are many other kinds of online teaching courses available for distance learning students.

Alberta’s Athabasca University, a university hailed for its thorough distance learning experience, offers a variety of online courses including post-baccalaureate diplomas in technology-based learning, instructional design and distance learning technology as well as masters and doctor of education degrees in distance learning. The latter two are genuine MEd and EdD degrees for students who wish to become teachers specializing in online learning. Those who enjoy the online learning experience may find that these careers are perfect for them, since they take the participant from the student role to the instructor role in the same interactive, web-based environment.

Like traditional BEd, MEd and EdD degrees, these courses require previous degrees as prerequisites.

Outside of education courses available on the Internet, there are various other online education programs which can lead to a rewarding career in helping others. Many online institutions offer college programs in translation or interpretation. Some of these programs require an undergraduate degree or college diploma while others are entry-level. Community translators and interpreters have a chance to tutor individuals or small and large groups alike. The jobs are especially valuable in major cities where many new Americans and Canadians reside. As a community interpreter, one gets the joy of helping citizens become accustomed to the language and practices of an area.

There are also multiple online community college programs (such as early childhood education) which can prepare a student to become a teacher’s aid, a job which allows one to get up close and personal with students – especially those struggling with their work – and gain a sense of accomplishment from helping young people. Though these certificates not the equivalent of online teaching degrees, they can often help students get a closer look at teaching careers to help decide if the job is right for them.

Of course, there are traditional teaching programs online, but most programs are based at schools outside of Canada. For many, this is actually ideal – many find that it is difficult to get into teacher’s college in Canada and seek an education in the United States. Schools such as Western Governors University offer a wide array of programs for teachers on their distance learning centre. The most important factor when considering an education program from a place outside of one’s home is to make sure that teaching qualifications will carry over across the border. For many, the degree is sufficient, but they may need to pursue their actual teaching license in their home country.

Remember – just because one cannot achieve a traditional Canadian BEd on the Internet does not mean that it is impossible to achieve teaching degrees online. With the education system becoming increasingly less traditional, the definition of what it means to be a teacher is also becoming less traditional.

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Accounting has been called “the language of business.” The most successful businessmen and women have knowledge of accounting practices. Receiving a post-secondary education in this fieldis a great way to make a resume more marketable, and experiencing that education online makes it possible for the student to remain committed to a job, family or any other commitments.

There are a variety of online institutions which make it possible for any student to complete an accounting degree online.

One can earn several types of accounting degrees on the web. A bachelors degree in economics or a bachelor of business administration (or bachelor of commerce) degree with a concentration in accounting is suitable for a student who possesses a high school diploma or GED. These undergraduate courses cover more generalized knowledge. Online business or commerce degrees concentrating in finance will give a well-rounded experience and teach the students economics, organizational behaviour, human resources and of course accounting distance learning courses.

Web-based students can also specialize or minor in accounting in other distance learning undergraduate programs such as an online financial math degree or an online economics degree. It also may be easier to find an online university offering these fields of study with accounting courses instead of dedicated accounting majors.

Students who specifically pursue accounting online degrees will be saturated in math and accounting courses and will work toward familiarizing themselves with auditing, bookkeeping and other accounting practices. Graduates possessing an accounting degree may be more marketable toward a variety of jobs such as public accounting, corporate accounting, tax accounting, forensic accounting and consultants.

Business, economics, math and accounting courses are all very assignment-heavy, even in the undergrad years. Online courses are ideal for flexible yet self-motivated students. Taking time to fully ‘zone’ into the lectures will help the student better understand formulas and practices. Business, economics and accounting students also usually have tests more frequently than humanities or science students, so online tests will be administered quite often.

Because of the difficulty of assignments, students who are less sure of their own skills should shop around for online institutions which offer accessible online tutors.

A masters degree in accounting or a masters of business administration degree specializing in the area are only attainable for students who have earned an undergraduate degree. Because it is a master’s course, the applicant’s undergraduate grade point average will also need to be sufficient. Masters degrees take two years to complete, though through online learning many of these courses can be condensed through enrolling in summer courses.

Online masters degrees in accounting or related fields are also packed with frequent assignments and mostly focus on more practical application of the knowledge covered in the undergraduate level. Usually, masters students will be given the opportunity to specialize in one field of accounting, such as tax accounting.

Remember that there is a difference between earning an accounting degree and becoming a part of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. In order to practice as a chartered accountant in Canada, one needs an undergraduate degree and must pass a three-day uniform evaluation in their province of practice. The same pertains for certified management accountants (CMAs). Students possessing a bachelor’s degree may still become a Chartered Accountant.

With a finance degree, Canadian graduates usually start at salaries of $30-45,000, but with experience can work themselves up to make far more. It is a valuable education, and the opportunity to complete it online is a dream come true for many hopeful accountants.

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