Learning As A Lifestyle – Online Learning

Online learning is convenient, reasonably priced, and fun. Some people don’t want to take an online class because they are intimidated by the technology. Some people don’t want to take classes online because they are not motivated to stick with it. Some people just really prefer the interaction of an in-class course.

At the Center for Lifelong Learning we offer more than 300 online courses. We have partnered with four companies that provide excellent opportunities for learning. Each company has its own time frame, its own selection of classes.

Virtual Education Software, Inc (VESi) specializes in teacher courses for continuing education and professional learning credit. Thousands of educators across the country have registered for and completed VESi courses to fulfill their continuing education needs. In an effort to meet the growing needs of students, teachers, and universities, VESi has begun partnering with institutions to develop asynchronous and blended certificate and degree programs. These programs will make it even easier for students, teachers, and other professionals to access high quality educational courses to complete re-licensure, program certification, additional educational endorsements, or advanced degrees. These courses are offered each semester. Visit the website at http://www.virtualeduc.com/athens/ for more information.

ED2GO offers instructor-facilitated online courses that are informative, fun, convenient, and highly interactive. Their instructors are famous for their ability to create warm and supportive communities of learners. New course sessions begin each month. Most courses run for six weeks (with a ten-day grace period at the end). Courses are project-oriented and include lessons, quizzes, hands-on assignments, discussion areas, supplementary links, and more. You can complete any of these courses entirely from your home or office and at any time of the day or night. Visit the website at http://www.ed2go.com/cll/ for more information.

We have also partnered with the Career Training department of ED2GO to offer online open enrollment programs designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional level positions for many in-demand occupations. These programs are designed by a team of professionals from each respective field, providing you with effective web-based learning programs. Instructors/mentors are actively involved in your online learning experience, responding to any questions or concerns, as well as encouraging and motivating you to succeed. These courses will prepare you to take national certificate exams or to be certified in topics. Visit the website at http://careertraining.ed2go.com/athens/ for more information.

Our final partner, UGotClass, (a division of Learning Resources,) makes online learning easy and fun. These classes will boost your productivity and your organization’s bottom line. The online certificates are provided by expert instructors and students can participate day or night from any computer. Their focus is on business skills and social media. These courses run for one month unless you are taking a certificate course. You can visit the website at http://www.yougotclass.org/catalog.cfm/Athens for more information.

When you are ready to take an online course, I hope you will visit our website at www.athens.edu/CLL for a long list of options. Learning happens everywhere now. See you there.
By: Wanda Campbell
Center for Lifelong Learning – 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 – 256-233-8262