Continuing education: lifelong learning as a tool for success.

Encouraging lifelong learning is one of the two components of the federal government's success strategy for Canada. Continuing Education at the college level is a huge force in the province today, and is inspiring students to upgrade, advance and explore new career possibilities.

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"We tend to think of Continuing Education as public offerings that deal with both specific and general needs," says Stan Talesnick, Dean of the Faculty of Continuing Education at Seneca College, which is the largest Continuing Education facility in Ontario. "We call our listings Part-time Studies, because that label more accurately reflects the scope and breadth of the courses and programs offered. Although some people take courses for interest, most do so for career purposes, and our offerings are mainly career-based."

For the past three years, Seneca has conducted follow-up surveys with Continuing Education graduates (approximately 1,500 per year), in addition to the surveys that are conducted overall. "We ask some specific questions such as whether their employers supported them with time or money in helping them achieve their education goals. It is encouraging that 50 per cent of Continuing Education grads replied yes, as did 35 per cent of students overall. This is an example of business recognizing the value of colleges." A remarkable 50 per cent of Continuing Education grads say there are other courses at Seneca that they feel would benefit them in the future. "This really speaks to lifelong learning. They've invested years to obtain a certificate or diploma, and they want to come back for more."

At Algonquin College, Continuing Education and Distance Education go hand in hand. "At the provincial level, colleges are trying to accommodate the growing number of people who need to pursue education and training on a part-time basis," says Linda Rees, Director of Algonquin's School of Part-time Studies. "There are approximately half a million students registered in Continuing Education courses in Ontario, so obviously the need is there. The OntarioLearn (www.ontariolearn.com) consortium of 22 Community Colleges is a partnership created to develop and deliver online courses to provide flexibility and ease the way. Currently about 30,000 students per year enrol in courses offered on-line through the OntarioLearn consortium."

Algonquin College is one of the largest providers of college distance education in North America, and delivers about 32...