Course Format

PCE Course Format - Classroom Image Classroom

Classroom courses are offered in a traditional classroom where you can connect with your instructor and classmates in a live setting. This learning environment facilitates a communication on a given subject in real time, enables immediate feedback, and fosters interaction with the instructor and likeminded classmates.

To see if a course is being offered in a location near you please click on FIND A COURSE under PROGRAMS in the main navigation; then use the ADVANCED SEARCH options to filter by SUBJECT AREA/PROGRAM and LOCATION. Classroom courses have a scheduled start and end date in which you are expected to attend the courses at that location for all course sessions. Typically the Scheduled classes are held in the evening, ex: 6:00 - 9:10pm, once or twice a week.

PCE Course Format - Online Fixed-Date Image Online Fixed-Date

Online Fixed-Date courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational goals. Online courses have fixed start and finish dates similar to classroom courses, but as an online student, you will have access to your classroom at any time and can view your assignments, syllabus and course resources from any computer connected to the Internet.

Our online courses offer the same high-quality content and expert instruction as the courses held on-ground. Instructors facilitate courses through engaging multimedia presentations and provide prompt feedback to questions within 24 hours week days and 48 hours over week ends. Online learning allows students to interact with classmates worldwide and offers rich and meaningful interactions through weekly discussion forums, chats and email communication.

How is the learning structured? In an online fixed-date course, you and your classmates will proceed through the curriculum together, collaborating in a shared learning experience. Each online fixed-date course is asynchronous, meaning that you can work on your assignments anytime, although required to complete the assignments by specific dates. The course is designed with seven learning modules where all of the content is grouped into weekly assignments. Each module covers one or more topics. Within each of the learning modules, you can expect the following components:

Module introduction that outlines what you can expect to learn in the module.
Required readings (textbook, articles, journals, etc.) and presentations (audio and/or video).
Assignments with due dates (which may include: written assignments, journal entries, research, blogs, etc.) based on the readings and presentations.
Discussion forum where you answer prompts from the instructor and interact with your classmates.
Module conclusion to review the topics and what you should have learned.
Typically, there is a final project, paper, or exam due in the last module that culminates all of the topics covered in each of the learning modules. You'll find that the design of the learning modules has a rhythm to help you manage your time in the course.

Online Self-Paced

Online Self-Paced courses are a perfect blend of accessibility, convenience and flexibility for you to control your learning pace. You will use course textbooks, manuals, assignments and exams to learn and earn credit. Depending on the course, you may also use streaming audio and video, CD-ROM, and download embedded materials through the Internet. Communication with your instructor will take place through your course site online. Your instructor will provide feedback via written responses on your assignments and exams. Grades are based on completed projects, assignments and exams. You can register at any time and you will have six months from the time of registration to complete your course.

How is the self-paced course structured? Like fixed-date courses, online self-paced courses are asynchronous meaning that you can work on your assignments anytime; the difference being there are no assigned due dates in self-paced courses. The content is divided into three or seven learning modules. Each module will cover one or more topics. Within each of the learning modules, you can expect the following components:

Module introduction that outlines what you can expect to learn in the module.
Required readings (textbook, articles, journals, websites, etc.) and presentations (audio and/or video).
Assignments (which may include: written assignments, quizzes, blogs, etc.) based on the readings and presentations.
Module conclusion to review the topics and what you should have learned.
Typically, there is a final project, paper, or exam due in the last module that culminates all of the topics covered in each of the learning modules. You'll find that the design of the learning modules has a rhythm to help you manage your time in the course.

PCE Course Format - Independent Study Independent Study

Independent Study Self-Paced courses offer flexibility and the ability to complete a course faster or slower than a traditional live course. Our courses deliver the same high-quality content and expert instruction as traditional, "face-to-face courses". These courses work well for:

Working professionals with tight schedules
Students who require a specific course to meet professional development or recertification requirements
Students living in remote locations
Students who cannot easily attend courses due to injury or illness
Students who are self-motivated and conscientious

You can register at any time and you will have nine months from the time of registration to complete your course. Completed course work is submitted electronically through your student account.