Algonquin College is taking several steps to further enrich its online offerings through new technology, the hiring of additional course-design specialists, and more interactive elements and custom video content.Photo courtesy Algonquin College
Omar Kiki was gaining valuable work experience as an assistant project manager at a small house-renovation company in Ottawa – experience he didn’t want to sacrifice to pursue his educational ambitions.
“I wanted to boost my career with the right credentials in an industry I enjoy,” says Mr. Kiki, now 24. He wanted to complete the Construction Project Management program at Ottawa’s Algonquin College, but wondered: could he study and work at the same time? “With my job, I often travelled outside the city, and I needed a flexible learning option.”
Algonquin College provided the opportunity Mr. Kiki needed: to complete the program in one academic year as a full-time online student. “It was incredible. I was getting a quality education any time I wanted, from anywhere I wanted, while keeping my work commitments.”
A growing number of people are seeking the flexibility and innovation of online education. Algonquin College has experienced a significant growth in online courses in recent years – including a 20 per cent growth over the past academic year – and surpassed 40,000 annual course enrolments in 2018-19 (a record high).
Online students fall into two main categories, says Patrick Devey, dean of the college’s Centre for Continuing and Online Learning. “Often, recent high school graduates want to both work and study, without having to be tied to a physical location and schedule,” he says. “Secondly, we’re seeing significant growth among more experienced working adults looking for opportunities to expand their skills. In today’s economy, continual learning is clearly a valuable currency.”
Negative perceptions of online learning have noticeably dissipated among employers in recent years, says Mr. Devey. “One reason is that prestigious schools such as Harvard and MIT, and in Canada, UBC, U of T and McGill, are getting involved in massive open online courses (MOOCs). Employers have accepted online learning as a valid mode of delivery, especially as they don’t have to send employees away to continue their education.”
Algonquin is taking several steps to further enrich its online offerings through new technology, the hiring of additional course-design specialists, and more interactive elements and custom video content.
“Our online students can be anywhere in the world, so we also have created a system of supports to personalize the learners’ experience and provide some of the same supports in the virtual environment as on campus,” says Mr. Devey. In the fall of 2018, Algonquin created a new position called the Online Student Pathway Advisor (PA). “We never want our students to feel isolated,” he says. “These PAs frequently check on learners’ progress and help them solve any problems – a single point of contact who’s supporting their success.”
Success certainly flowed from his online education, according to Mr. Kiki. “It opened new doors for me and broadened my network, and now I’ve launched my own construction consulting firm.”
Advertising feature produced by Globe Content Studio. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.