Conestoga news

April 27, 2005 11:36 AM

Home Study Program Expands to Provide More Opportunities

Conestoga’s Home Study program offers adult learners many things: the chance to gain, refresh or upgrade skills in math, science and/or communications; the flexibility to fit in with busy schedules and commitments; and the opportunity to move forward for those who may not have completed secondary school, or who want to prepare for entry to a college-level program, or just want to brush up on a skill that’s important for work.

Last year, more than 350 learners took part in Home Study, and Conestoga hopes that a new initiative beginning in May will see those numbers increase.

At certain times, Home Study learners need to visit Conestoga for necessary activities: orientation to the program, meetings with tutors, purchasing of course materials, academic assessment activities and taking examinations.

For many years, these college-access periods have been in the evening only. Beginning on Wednesday, May 11, Conestoga will institute a daytime access period, from 9 a.m.-12 noon each Wednesday at the Doon campus, for Home Study learners who find daytime hours more convenient, perhaps as the result of evening family responsibilities or work schedules.

Home Study is self-paced. Learners can set their own schedules at home, during workday breaks, or during college-access periods. Tutoring services are available at Conestoga or by telephone during scheduled access periods. Courses deal with a variety of basic-level subjects such as mathematics, communication and language skills, biology, chemistry and physics. Each participant purchases Home Study time in 12-week blocks at a current tuition fee of $180.72. If additional time is needed to complete a course, an additional block purchase must be made.

Home Study has proven to be an effective vehicle for adult learners to get the basic skills they need in order to open up pathways to their educational or work-related goals.

For details on Home Study, contact the Conestoga College Information Centre at 519-748-5220, ext. 3656 during regular business hours.

CONTACT: Andrea Leis, 519-748-5220, ext. 3672