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CVU's executive director, Vicky Busch, says the consortium offers many benefits to students, including the ability to mix and match courses for degree completion and one-stop access to a much wider array of courses than they would find at any single member school. Seneca's Managed E-Lab offers a campus-based place for students engaged in government-sponsored re-training programs, such as Second Career, to work on online courses even though they may not have a computer, Internet access or a quiet place to study.

Tamie Perryment did most of the work for her Bachelor of Arts degree between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. from the comfort of her home sofa. The Edmonton-based woman's four children were aged 4 to 10 when she began her degree, and she also part-time as a teaching assistant.

The demands of family, work and school may sound exhausting, but Perryment loved it! "I'm an over-achiever who gets bored easily. School was stimulating and gave me something to work on that was just for me," she comments. Perryment graduated from Edmonton's Athabasca University with her BA in 1993 and in 2000 started a master's program in conflict analysis and management at Victoria-based Royal Roads University (RRU). The course work was mostly done online, with one month per year of in-class learning.

A big fan of online distance learning, Perryment says the experience was in no way isolating. The online discussions were mature, thoughtful and reflective, and the coaching (or teaching) was to a high standard, she says. "Overall, I found it a very positive way to learn."

Athabasca is part of a consortium of Canadian universities that have banded together under the rubric Canadian Virtual University (CVU). They offer a wide range of online and distance education degrees, diplomas and certificates in both French and English. With 12 participating universities from every region in Canada, students can choose from over 2,500 courses and 350 programs. Credits are awarded by the university that offers the course.

CVU's executive director, Vicky Busch, says the consortium offers many benefits to students, including the ability to mix and match courses for degree completion and one-stop access to a much wider array of courses than they would find at any single member school. "Some students even begin their degree online, and since the first two years of a program are generally transferable anywhere, may choose to complete the degree on campus at the university of their choosing."

Over 120,000 students took courses from CVU partner universities last year and there is consistent growth in both graduate and undergraduate enrolment and programs offered. New programs include a Doctor of Business Administration from Athabasca and a Bachelor of Arts in Police Studies from Memorial University in Newfoundland. Niche programs include a Certificate in Crime Prevention from Cape Breton University. Nursing programs are very popular, especially a Bachelor of Nursing degree for graduates of practical nursing programs, as is social work.

Maureen MacDonald is dean of continuing studies at the University of Victoria (not a CVU participant), which is active in online and distance learning, with over 2,000 registrations a year in its continuing studies distance education programs. "The job market continues to change and upgrading skills may help people remain more employable or adapt to the changing market. For example, distance education courses, certificates and diplomas are perfect for people with arts or science degrees who find themselves working in the business world. They may want to know more about business administration or technology but don't necessarily want or need a full degree in business. A certificate program, with job-related skills, can really enhance their value to their employer or enable them to move around within the job market."

Lyn Jakimchuk is a University of Victoria continuing education student. After completing a teaching degree and working as an elementary school teacher for four years, Jakimchuk realized that she wanted to explore other options. "I love learning and teaching but I wasn't in the right place for me. I didn't want to jump into a masters program and I was looking for an educational upgrade that would qualify me to teach in the adult learning sector."

The Certificate in Adult and Continuing Education was a perfect fit for Jakimchuk. "I like it because it is so flexible. I can take courses in the classroom or online and I have up to five years to complete it. I can continue working and meet my family responsibilities. The courses and workshops have enhanced my skills and abilities as an instructor in a deep and meaningful way, and I also enjoy the face-to-face and online networking with other students from across Canada and from many walks of life."

A different take on online learning will soon be available at Toronto's Seneca College. Seneca's Managed E-Lab offers a campus-based place for students engaged in government-sponsored re-training programs, such as Second Career, to work on online courses even though they may not have a computer, Internet access or a quiet place to study.

"The lab will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and while students will have to physically attend, it gives them a lot of flexibility in terms of when they do so," says Susan Savoie, dean, Faculty of Continuing Education and Training. "We can support up to 10 students at any given time and staff will be available to help them get familiar with the technology. It's a great way to begin a second career and we have a lot of diploma and certificate programs available for them to choose from."