Remote vs. Online – What’s the difference?

I’ve heard this so many times in the past year and while they may sound like the same thing, when it comes to how you learn, they are actually a little bit different. It’s important to know the difference, especially if you have the option to select between the two so that you can make sure you’re involved in the one best suited for your learning style.

Remote learning happens online through scheduled Zoom classes and Brightspace activities, due to current social distancing measures, but your classes and program would normally take place in-person, in a classroom setting.

Online learning involves classes specifically meant to be just online. You will need to log in regularly and do the work, but you will not be expected to be on your computer for a specific time and date each week.

My personal experience

My name is Paige, and I am a third semester Business Marketing student. I started my studies in May of 2020 and selected the Business Marketing option where Year 1 (the first two semesters) is done online and then Year 2 courses are done in-person. I am a mature student who also works from home doing communications work. While most students at Algonquin are currently studying remotely, I personally have participated in both types of learning in my program

When registering for college I wanted a bit of flexibility in my first semesters as it had been a while since I’d been in school and I wanted to make sure I could work my studies in around my job. Additionally, I knew this would be the right choice for me as I am an independent learner and have worked remotely for years, so I’m well acquainted with having to motivate myself to get things done from home. I very much enjoyed the first two online semesters of my program, it allowed me the flexibility to get my schoolwork done while still working. It also allowed me the flexibility to enjoy my summer by going camping, visiting my family (safely), and even studying outside as I did not have specific times I needed to be in class.

Online learning

Online learning allows you the flexibility of not having to attend specific lectures or workshops at specific times. You can participate in your course work when it works best for your schedule.

There are deadlines for assignments and tests but if you work or have children it allows you to work on your schoolwork outside of your hours dedicated to your family or job. This is a great type of learning for people who are self-motivated. You are the main person keeping yourself accountable, on task, and making sure you are meeting your deadlines. In my experience, I had some wonderful facilitators for the online programs who offered great feedback, clear instructions for assignments, and great resources for learning. They were always accessible if you had any questions which was essential because there are no regularly scheduled classes where you knew you would be talking with them directly.

Remote learning

Since in-person learning had not yet resumed in January 2021, for my third semester I joined many other Algonquin students in remote learning. The transition to remote learning has been some work and offers less flexibility but still has its perks and other opportunities available. With remote learning, I attend Zoom classes about 10 – 14 hours a week. These classes involve discussions, lectures, guest lecturers, workshops, and more. Remote learning is similar to classroom learning and you can get to know other students in real-time, which offers a nice support system as well as camaraderie through difficult learning experiences or assignments. It is also quite nice to have scheduled classes weekly where you can speak with your instructors and professors and get clarifications in real-time.

While it would be great to be learning in-person, remote learning offers students the opportunity to continue to work through their college programs while they are unable to be on-campus, allowing for minimal disruption to their education timelines.

Check out the full list of programming available from Algonquin College, and click the Online filter to view programs specifically run online.