Distance Learning and the CPHR

Written by James Cantafio, Lieutenant-Commander. CD, B.Sc, M.Geg, M.Ed, AdeC., Training Development Officer, Canadian Armed Forces

Over the last few years, online or Distance Learning, has come a long way. According to a recent report, 68 of 73 or 93% of participating Canadian universities offer online courses and programmes. A total of 12,728 courses are associated with over 809 programmes offered through Canadian universities. DL offerings constitute 8.32% of total course offerings, with 361,000 students having taken at least one online course in 2014-2015. With 1,100 to 1,400 new DL courses being added yearly, online learning is on the rise in Canada (Bates, 2016).

DL makes use of modern day technologies, personal computers, mobile networks, such as smart phones and laptops. In general, DL is proven to be just as effective as traditional classroom or face-to-face learning, provided that learning is based upon sound instructional design. Learning Management Systems (LMS) are used by colleges and universities to effectively manage, administer, and monitor training, education, and learning support services. Examples of modern LMS include Moodle, Blackboard, and Desire to learn. When it comes to DL technology, it is not about the newness, or complexity of technology that drives the learning experience. It is the quality and investment placed in instructional design that counts (Fenton, 2018). Once familiar with an institution LMS, completing assignments, participating in group discussions, taking exams, and submitting assignments online in well-designed online courses and programmes can become second nature. 

DL continues to improve in terms of both quality and options. Specifically, the number and types of courses and programmes offered by DL continues to grow. Websites, such as University Study www.university.ca, and the Canadian Virtual University, www.cvu-uvc.ca  offer a variety of DL courses and programmes delivered through accredited Canadian and international learning institutions. Furthermore, it is possible to complete academic programmes through a combination of traditional classroom and DL, or hybrid instruction. This creates more options for the busy professional to take classes online or in a classroom to complete a programme.

One of the four fundamental requirements of the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) is ‘Knowledge’. Information on the CPHR designation process, requirements and accredited programmes are presented on the CPHR Manitoba website (http://www.cphrmb.ca/?page=Become_a_CPHR_). Acquired through formal, recognized, and accredited education, learning is key to personal development and career advancement. While some students and professionals may prefer traditional classroom setting, there are many options to complete a HR certificate, bachelors, or master’s degree by DL. Many courses and programmes can be applied towards qualifying for the academic or knowledge requirements associated with the CPHR designation.  Online learning offers the organized and motivated student the ability to learn, any time and any place. Furthermore, DL offers the opportunity to study while you work. Courses can be taken part-time.

DL offers the means to assist the student and professional with work, education, and life balance. With existing and new HR courses and programmes offered online, there is an opportunity to work towards courses that contribute towards the CPHR designation. While studying and working may seem challenging for some, DL offers flexibility if management accordingly. By exercising effective time management skills, it is possible to acquire new skills and knowledge, needed to remain current in the fast changing field of HR. From this perspective, learning can become a rewarding experience for the both the professional student, as well as employers who benefit from well-informed and educated employees.  When it comes to advancing your career and education, consider taking a DL course, before taking that bus or your car to your local college or university to sit in a classroom for three hours. With DL, you can study HR anywhere, any time.