Why Online Learning is Trending in Canada
One trend in adult education that is on the rise in Canada is online learning. Unlike massive open online courses (MOOCs) which are “open and free for anyone to participate in” (Advance HE, 2020), online learning is credit-based instruction learning “that is delivered electronically through various multi-media and Internet platforms and applications” (Maddison, T. & Kumaron, M. , 2017).
Online learning offered by post-secondary institutions in Canada continues to increase, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, because it “provides access to non-traditional learners (adult part-time learners, international students, underserviced groups, and many with special needs) and increases enrolment opportunities” (University of Waterloo, Centre for Extended Learning, 2024).
In the article ‘Why does Canada have so much online learning?’ by Dr. Tony Bates, he discusses the expansion of online learning in Canada, factors influencing the growth of online learning, and if online learning is a good thing. It is important when looking at the rise of online learning in Canada, that we examine the benefits and disadvantages of online for both faculty and students.
Benefits of online learning
| Benefits to Faculty | Benefits to Students |
| Flexibility to work from anywhere | Flexibility and balance of work, life, and education |
| Improved teaching practices | Convenient and accessible for students living in remote areas and those who would be unable to attend in-person classes. |
| Provides various ways to interact with students | Cost-effectiveness (e.g. lower tuition fees, open educational resources, avoid relocation costs) |
| Increases utilization of multimedia to enrich our students’ learning experiences | Access to a wider rage of programs, such as Bachelor and Master degrees |
| Provides better opportunity for feedback on pedagogy and course development. | Learning at your own pace |
| Take classes from anywhere | |
| Ability to continue to work while taking courses | |
| Opportunity for career advancement |
Although there are many benefits to online learning there are also disadvantages to online learning.
| Disadvantages to Faculty | Disadvantages to Students |
| Academic honesty | Lack-of face-to-face interaction |
| Technology challenges | Difficulty staying motivated |
| Engagement of students | Limited access to resources and support |
| On-screen presentation skills | Technical difficulties |
| Adaptation of curriculum for online delivery |
As an instructor that teaches in both online and on-campus, I have experienced the benefits and disadvantages of teaching online. My biggest struggles at times have been engaging with students and with technology. But hearing from my students about the benefits of online learning has made it a rewarding experience.
If a university or college is going to offer course and programs online, it is very important that faculty are trained on how to deliver curriculum in an online environment, as well, being able to use the different online platforms to teach and provide course content. It is essential that instructors learn how to engage with their students using a variety of multimedia resources in order to provide an an inclusive and accessible learning experience for their students.
Some online strategies that faculty can use for online teaching to engage and interact with their students include:
- Welcome announcements and weekly announcement to make your presence felt.
- Let students know course expectations and how and when they can seek support.
- Add optional, recorded synchronous sessions to your course.
- Participate in online discussions with your students.
- Check in with your students throughout the course to see how they are doing.
Online learning is continually growing and it is important as faculty that we learn to adapt to this type of teaching environment. There are so many ways that we can teach online and utilize a variety of resources such as AI and virtual reality. It is an exciting time to be a teacher and an opportunity to learn and grow with our students!
For more information on online learning, check out the podcasts from Leaders and Legends of Online Learning, featuring interviews from leading online education theorists and practitioners from around the world. Click on the link to access the podcasts Leaders & Legends of Online Learning.
References:
Bates, T. (2017). ‘Why does Canada have so much online learning?’. Online Learning and Distance Education Resources. https://www.tonybates.ca/2017/11/11/why-does-canada-have-so-much-online-learning/
Centre for Extended Learning. (2024). Features and Benefits of Online Classes. University of Waterloo. https://uwaterloo.ca/extended-learning/teach-online/why-teach-online/features-and-benefits-online-courses
Indeed Editorial Team. (2024). 10 Pros and Cons of Being an Online Teacher (With Tips). Indeed. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/pros-and-cons-of-being-online-teacher
IU International University of Applied Sciences. (2024). Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Classes. Retrieved October 27, 2024, from https://www.iu.org/blog/studying-online/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-online-classes/
Online Learning in Adult Education © 2024 by Kathleen Young is licensed under CC BY 4.0
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