Graduate Distance Learning Certificate Online
Graduate Distance Learning Certificate Online
journey today.
The Graduate Certificate of Completion in Distance Learning at Grand Canyon University offers a flexible and convenient way to teach the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to facilitate remote education. With focused and concise training that can be completed remotely, you have the opportunity to enhance your professional qualifications at your own pace.
GCU’s graduate-level distance learning certificate is shorter than a graduate degree, allowing for a highly focused approach to advanced education. This online learning certificate program can prepare you with the tools necessary to provide your students with effective remote education.
The online distance learning graduate certificate program offers the same advanced level of academic rigor as standard graduate degree programs. Online distance education certificate courses are taught by the same faculty members who facilitate GCU’s graduate programs in education.
In addition to teaching comprehensive skills of distance learning, faculty in this certificate program will teach graduates from a distinct Christian perspective, allowing them to explore the integration of a Christian worldview within the realm of education.
This Certificate Is Offered Online
What Is Distance Learning?
Distance learning is any type of instruction which is performed outside of the traditional face-to-face classroom environment. Distance learning can refer to the remote parts of blended instruction as well as courses which are facilitated entirely online.1
This form of instruction may also be referred to as online school, remote learning or distance learning.2 Remote education options may exist at all levels of education from Pre-K to PhD. As the capabilities of educational technology expand and increase, distance learning will become increasingly dynamic and effectual.3
Remote education will surely be a long-lasting trend, but that does not mean it is a perfect replacement for in-person instruction. Distance learning provides its own unique set of advantages and opportunities for both instructor and learner. However, fully benefiting from those advantages require specific skills, interventions and solutions.
Throughout GCU’s graduate-level e-learning certificate programs, you will be taught foundational knowledge and skills which may be applied specifically to remote and distance learning contexts.
Course topics include:
Organization and integration of multimedia tools and resources in school curricula
Instructional purposes and roles of technology and media in learning and teaching
Processes for selecting and implementing technologies, virtual tools and other electronic resources
Development of digital literacies in teaching and learning
Instructional theories and models in technology education, assessment and instructional technology
Multimedia instructional strategies and methods for engaging remote learning
Selection and evaluation of appropriate multimedia resources
Creation and management of distance learning software and tools for a variety of platforms
Technology standards for students and teachers
Online distance education certificate holders may have a range of career opportunities available. Completing an e-learning certificate program may serve as a valuable addition to you resume, demonstrating your expertise and commitment to the profession.
Depending on the specific field and certificate program, you may have the opportunity to find employment in sectors such as:
Business
Digital marketing
Education
Healthcare
Technology
74.1%
Academic leaders who thought online education was equal to or superior to learning in a physical classroom4
70.8%
Chief academic officers believed online learning is a critical part of long-term education strategies4
Online Distance Learning Certificate FAQs
A graduate certificate can be a convenient and quick way to gain specialized knowledge and skills in a specific field. If you would like more information about this online distance learning certificate, we’ve prepared some frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.
The learning graduate program requires a total of 16 credits for completion. Most of the certificate courses are six weeks in length. Fill out the form on this page to speak to a university counselor to better understand how long it takes to complete the program.
Physical presence in a classroom is no longer the only option for effective learning.1 Although in-person instruction is unlikely to be completely replaced, distance learning remains a powerful and continually evolving tool that can be increasingly incorporated into various educational settings.1
The difficulty of a distance learning graduate program can vary based on individual circumstances and the program’s rigor. It may require self-motivation, discipline and effective time management to balance personal and academic commitments. However, with proper planning, support and dedication, many individuals can navigate and excel in their graduate programs.
According to Indeed Career Guide, online teachers are needed and many teachers prefer a remote teaching position where they have the option to work either full-time or part-time.2 The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for education, training and library occupations to increase by about 7% from 2021 to 2031, as fast as average, accounting for an estimated increase of 658,200 jobs in the field.5
Start Your Journey Today
Earn your University’s Graduate Certificate of Completion in Distance Learning from GCU.
1 TechSmith (n.d.). What is Distance Learning? The Complete Guide. Retrieved on May 26, 2023.
2 Indeed Career Guide (2022, June 24). 13 Online Teacher Jobs To Consider Today. Retrieved on May 30, 2023.
3 Office of Educational Technology (2017 January). Reimagining the Role of Technology in Education: 2017 National Education Technology Plan Update. U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved on July 18, 2023.
4 Allen, I. E., & Seaman, J. (2015, February). Grade Level: Tracking Online Education in the United States. Retrieved on June 9, 2023.
5 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Education, Training and Library Occupations, retrieved on May 30, 2023.