FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q
How long is each course?
A
Each instructor led course takes 48 hours to complete. The practicum
can take up to 60 hours.
Q
What work is involved for the distance courses?
A
You need to be a self-directed learner. Distance education means that
you are working on your own. You will have to read the course manual,
complete learning activities, assignments, and engage in online discussions.
There is no final exam. Rather you will complete a course demonstration.
Q
What are the computer requirements?
A
You will need to be able to access, with confidence, email and web browsers.
You also need to understand how to download and save a variety of file
types (e.g., doc, rtf, PDF) to the hard drive of your computer., attachments & message
boards
Q
How long will take me to get the Certificate?
A
Most people take one course per semester. There are usually three semesters
in the college year. This means that it will take you a little over 2
years to complete all the courses.
Q
How many hours per week?
A
The courses are structured to provide 48 credit hours. If the course
is offered over a 12 week semester, this means you will need to spend
about 4 hours per week on the course. Since the courses are offered asynchronously
(not live time) you can “fit” your participation into your
schedule.
Q
When do I get the Certificate?
A
Once you have completed all the courses (including the practicum), you
can apply to the college through which you registered for the certificate.
Q
What kind of jobs does this prepare me for?
A
Program coordinators and instructors are the two most advertised positions
in the literacy field. Successful completion of the Certificate should
prepare you for this type of work in any literacy setting — college,
school-board or community-based program.
Q
How much is each course?
A
Course fees are set by each college, but on average it will cost you
approximately $270/course. The fee for the practicum is less.
Q
Who pays for the course?
A
Many participants invest in their own professional development. Others
have approached their employers to cover all or some of the cost of the
courses. Most employers are happy to do this. Don’t underestimate
your agency’s willingness to support you.
Q
Where do I go to take a course?
A
You need to contact one of the colleges that deliver the Certificate
Program to register. Currently two of the courses are delivered using
a web-based system called WebCT. The other courses are provided using
a variety of online distance education platforms. For example, Conestoga
College uses a discussion topic on AlphaCom and Sault College uses Contact
North.
Q
Do I have to take all the courses?
A
Yes and no! If you aren’t concerned about getting the Certificate
you can take any or all of the courses. The Adult Literacy Learner is
the only prerequisite course.
If you have worked as an adult educator for a number of years you can participate in a PLAR process. This means you apply to challenge an individual course. You would do this because you feel you have the knowledge and skills that match the course outcomes. You must contact one of the colleges to learn about the PLAR process. You can only challenge up to 75% of the courses for any program. You can’t PLAR the practicum.
Q
Do I have to do the Practicum if I’ve worked in the literacy field
for a number of years?
A
Yes, if you want to get the Certificate. The practicum is the opportunity
to apply skills and knowledge in a particular area. It promotes critical
reflection on your teaching practices and broadens your understanding
of the literacy field. It supports your desire to be a better practitioner.
If you aren’t going to apply for the Certificate then you don’t
need to participate in the practicum. Of course, you will be missing
out on an important learning opportunity!
Q
I don’t live in Ontario, can I still take the courses?
A
Yes. Online distance education means that you can take the courses from
anywhere—you need only a computer and an Internet connection. You
must, however, meet the entry requirements set by each college.
Q
Is the content applicable outside Ontario?
A
Absolutely! Each of the courses uses the principles of adult learning
and education to support a literacy learning environment that is learner-centred
and goal-directed. This approach is applicable to any literacy setting,
regardless of geographic location.
Q
I have more questions, who do I contact?
A
You need to contact one of the colleges that deliver the Certificate
Program. Click here to go to the Who to Contact page.
