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Distance education lets you learn where you live

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Parkland County is inviting its rural residents to learn where they live by enrolling in distance education.

On Sept. 22 from 2 to 8 p.m. Parkland County will host an open house for residents to explore the potential of distance education at the Keephills Public Library.

At least seven educational institutions — including Mount Royal University, Concordia University, Norquest College, Athabasca University, E-Campus Alberta, Learning Communities and Alberta Distance Learning — will be there, providing attendees with information on how and why distance learning is a viable option for furthering your education.

“We want you to be able to go to school and stay home to raise your kids, work or live whatever lifestyle you want,” said Barb Scully, Parkland County intelligent communities co-ordinator.

“Gone are the days where they send you a catalogue (listing classes). If you’re new to the Internet or not really savvy with it and you want to go back to school, (it can be overwhelming). We’re trying to get everyone connected.”

The open house will be arranged similar to a trade show, with each institution running a booth and discussing the distance education classes they offer.

“Hopefully it will get people excited and understanding the opportunities that distance learning provides,” Scully said. “You can get a diploma or bachelor’s degree, but you can also do course upgrading or classes for personal interest or professional development.”

E-Campus Alberta, which connects learners with more than 900 online courses and 70 programs from more than 26 post-secondary institutions in Alberta, says online learning offers a host of advantages.

These include having the flexibility to complete coursework at a pace that works for you and having access to courses and programs from around the province at your fingertips — all without having to leave home.

The longer-term plan for the “learn where you live” program is to take advantage of the community spaces available in various rural libraries around Parkland County for distance learners to meet and support one another.

“You don’t really have to be taking the same class,” Scully said. “When everyone is an online learner we can co-ordinate meet ups (at the local libraries) for people to talk about their frustrations or share skills.”

During the open house, Norquest College is expected to run a number of free workshops on “how to be an online learner” to help mitigate any fears or apprehensions of starting distance education. Additionally, attendees can enjoy a book sale that the Keephills Public Library is arranging.

“This is really to empower people,” Scully said. “At the end of the day, we want a really resilient rural community where people love to live.”

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