Canadore now offering online programs world-wide

Canadore College
News Release

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Canadore College's new online diploma programs make enrollment opportunities available to students anywhere in the world.

Using Contact North technology, Recreation Therapy and Recreation Leisure Services programs are now being offered completely online and via distance education. This flexible delivery mode also opens doors for those who may not be able to attend traditional classroom settings.

"There are individuals that because of finance or circumstance could never get a college diploma but this gives them another option. We're saying you don't have to come here, we'll come to you. Many online students can't come to class because of their job, family or finances. But now they can take a couple of classes online each semester and work towards their diploma. They don't have to leave their hometown...students can take these programs from anywhere. It opens us to students world-wide. I think it is the future of learning," said Professor of Recreation and Leisure programs David DeJourdan.

The online classes are offered live at the same time as regular onsite classes and are also recorded for later viewing. Dejourdan said that students are using this feature in interesting ways including studying for tests and playing back missed classes due to illness or part-time jobs. Students enrolled in the programs have the option to take the programs completely online, in class or a combination of the two. Those enrolled via online delivery have the option to take the programs on a full-time or part-time basis. The learners are fully supported through live chats, email, phone, and web meetings.

This week marks the start of the second semester. The first pilot semester was a success and the feedback from the students has been overwhelmingly positive.

"I'm really enjoying this program. I currently work as an esthetician at several different seniors homes and decided I wanted to further my career. I'm taking this course online because it works well with my schedule. The flexibility is great...especially having young children," said Erin O'Rourke who lives in Ottawa and is working towards here Recreation Therapy diploma.

Also, recently proposed by Canadore's Board of Governors for Fall 2011 is the new Rural Recreation Certificate that would be offered online and via distance education. The program focuses on community-based recreation activities and programs in rural and remote areas.

Canadore's School of Recreation and Leisure services offers six full-time programs and has a number of articulation agreements with universities across the country.

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