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Thompson Rivers University
Thompson Rivers University

How to Blend Your Program with Open Learning Courses

With many students interested in the delivery and completion alternatives at TRU, blended learning is another option to personalize your path.

Blended learning is perfect for students who want:

  • flexibility with their course schedule
  • courses that aren’t currently being offered at their home campus
  • to finish their program earlier
  • to make up or finish a course outside of the on-campus semesters

Unlike distance learning, blended learning involves studying on campus while completing additional courses online. This option draws on the strengths of both digital eLearning and traditional in-person studying, while providing additional flexibility in a student’s timetable and program plan.

Some of the benefits of taking one or a couple of your courses online is that you do not need to be on campus for classes or studying. And depending on the online courses available for your program, you should be able to complete the online course at your own pace — which would be within a 30-week timeline, with some exceptions. This is different than the typical four-month, two-term semester schedule that most on-campus courses follow.

Taking an online course on the side is also a good option if you’re interested in completing your program sooner, by getting your credits quicker than typical on-campus course timelines.

Blended learning is possible at TRU because of the online courses offered through the Open Learning division. You can view a list of online courses and programs through the Open Learning Courses and Registration page.

The Open Learning web page is a great resource to explore online courses available within your program, but it’s important to check your program requirements and program planning form before registering.

While most Open Learning courses have an on-campus equivalent, you need to confirm with an advisor that the online course will transfer and fulfil the same learning requirements as the on-campus course you would be replacing.

To find out which advising team can work with you to blend your learning, use this Academic Advising page to determine who to connect with, — based on your program, program year and credits completed.

For first- and second-year on-campus students in the arts, science, computing, business and visual arts programs, get in touch with Academic Advising.

For full- or part-time Open Learning students, please connect with the Open Learning program advisors.

For all other students, please connect with your program’s advising team.

You should note that Open Learning courses fees differ from on-campus course fees. Learn more about Open Learning’s financial FAQ’s and make sure to check with Student Awards and Financial Aid to confirm course fees and deadlines.

Connecting with a student awards advisor is imperative for students who are using financial aid, as there are deadlines for them to be aware of when registering, including shorter completion deadlines.

Once you have connected with an advisor and confirmed which online course(s) will work, you can register and pay through the Open Learning Courses and Registration page you explored earlier.

Once you have found and confirmed the online course(s) you want to take, follow the steps below to register and enrol — and begin blending your learning:

  1. Besides confirming that you are eligible to take the course, make sure you are aware of the estimated tuition and fees. Most online courses and program fees are charged per credit and there are typically three credits per course.
  2. Once you are confident in the course(s) you want to take, click the ‘add to cart’ button and confirm your residency status (Canadian residing in BC/Yukon, Canadian residing outside of BC/Yukon, and International Student) and your shipping location (Within Canada, Within the United States, International- Outside of Canada or the Unites States).
  3. After you fill out that information, an estimated cost will appear. This will include your tuition and course fees, required material fees and any shipping/handling fees.
  4. Click ‘confirm adding to cart’. If you need to add another course, click the ‘add another course’ option. If you are ready to checkout, click the ‘proceed to checkout’.
  5. The ‘OL Course Registration’ page will appear and show a summary of the courses you’ve selected, plus a cost total for the course fees and materials.
  6. If you have not registered with Open Learning previously, you will need to register now. Click the ‘register’ button in the top right corner and choose ‘I am an active or former student’. Enter your TRU ID and password to log in.
  7. Click ‘proceed to payment’ after reviewing the course details and fees again, then follow the payment steps.
  8. Once paid, you are officially registered! Look out for a welcome email with payment confirmation details and your course should show up in Moodle within 24 hours of registering.

If you’d like to keep track of your Open Learning course in your program plan, you can see both online and on-campus courses listed in your Degree Works account.

This is where you can find your program plan and see how your Open Learning course fits within your program. If your Open Learning course is listed under the ‘Unused Courses’ section, you will need to meet with an advisor to confirm if the course fulfills your program plan requirements.

Learn more about how to navigate and track your progress through the How to use Degree Works page.

You can also use the Planning Tools and Resources to stay on top of your courses and program requirements, and to get started on your program planning form.

While blended learning and studying online isn’t for everyone, it can be a great option for students looking to complete their degree requirements earlier or at their own pace, in their own space.

To decide whether studying on campus or online is for you, check out the related article ‘Should I Study in Person or Online’.

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