About Distance Education

Before you register for distance education courses, read through the information provided here. It will help you to start and continue successfully as a distance learner.

Do you have educational and/or career goals?
What is distance learning?
Are distance learning courses for you? (includes self-test)
What courses should you take?

Information about study skills resources is provided on the TRU-OL Library Website.

Do you have educational and/or career goals?

Having a clear understanding of what you want to achieve is important when you are planning your education. Clear goals will help ensure you stay motivated when the workload piles up and the inevitable distractions arise. If you don't yet know what your goals are, we suggest you review the wealth of information available through BC WorkInfoNet and WorkFutures. This occupational information generally outlines what type of education is required for a given field. We have also provided additional links to various websites to assist you with career planning. Once you know what program of study you may need, Education Planner can get you to the institution-specific information you will need.

What is distance learning?

Distance learning allows students to complete courses within a specified time frame at a place and pace that suits their lifestyle. Distance learning courses can be delivered using a variety of methods or technologies, with instructional support. Having the right support, environment, and attitude can go a long way to being successful at this type of independent study.

Are distance learning courses for you?

How well does distance learning fit your circumstances and lifestyle? Try this self-test. It will score your responses and explain how the score has been calculated. It is an internationally used measure of the match between individuals' lifestyles and their satisfaction with distance learning.

What courses should you take?

The TRU-OL Website and print calendar will give specific course requirements and generally provide information about selection of electives and prerequisites.

If you can't find the courses you need through TRU-OL, a number of other BC post-secondary distance programs and courses are available through BCcampus.

Knowing which courses you will need is important, but you also need to consider factors such as sequencing and scheduling. Students taking full-time distance education courses for the first time are advised to take no more than three courses at a given time. Students who are working full time are encouraged to start with only one or two courses at a time. It is also important to take introductory (generally 100 level) and prerequisite courses before attempting more advanced courses.

If you intend to transfer courses you have completed to a BC institution, be sure to read British Columbia Transfer Tips and check the British Columbia Council on Admissions and Transfer (BCCAT) Online Transfer Guide.

Also, each educational institution has specific policies on admission and enrolment that you will need to understand in order to make informed decisions that suit your educational and career goals.