Some individuals might argue that there is no validity to the saying you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Each year millions of Americans pursue continuing education courses that provide them with a greater education than they previously held. The reason behind an individual’s choice to pursue continuing education courses can differ from person to person, but one thing is consistent and that is the popularity of continuing education. Continuing education courses are offered in a variety of areas at a number of schools around the country.
Continuing education courses are extremely popular online, mainly because the vast majority of individuals enrolled in continuing education courses are currently working to support themselves. The popularity of taking courses online, including continuing education courses, has been on the rise in recent years. The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation surveyed 2,200 colleges and universities in 2006 and found that 3.2 million students were enrolled in an online course in the fall of 2005. This marked an increase from 2004 when 2.3 million students were enrolled in online courses.
Each individual that enrolls in continuing education courses is going to have different reasons for doing so, but the two most popular reasons for pursuing continuing education classes are:
- Desire to learn a new skill for a new profession
- A need to enhance a current skill set to secure promotion at their current job
A good example of a career that is often learned through continuing education courses is that of real estate broker. No one can simply walk in off the street and start selling homes and other properties. Working as a real estate broker requires the completion of a certificate first. Students pursuing this career often need one to three years to complete the certificate, during which time they take some of the following continuing education courses:
- Real estate marketing
- Appraisal
- Real property law
Continuing education courses allow real estate broker students to complete their certificate while also preparing to take their state’s licensure exam, preparing them for a new career in the process.
Other career fields make use of continuing education courses to offer individuals the chance to enhance their current skill set or range of knowledge. For example, federal and state government agencies offer continuing education courses online to emergency services workers. These courses allow workers to learn a specialized skill set that will be beneficial to them, and their employer, in the field. Examples of courses include:
- Hazardous materials response
- Scene command structure
- Rescue operations and awareness
Continuing education’s availability isn’t limited to those pursuing a new career or looking for advancement in their current one. Some individuals take continuing education classes for the simple joy of learning a new skill set that may be used for purposes other than improving employment. Examples of popular continuing education courses that aren’t necessarily for career enhancement include:
- Web site design
- Graphics
- Digital photography
- Video and personal development
- Landscaping
- Arts and crafts
- Personal health and fitness
Whatever the reason for pursuing continuing education courses may be, they are incredibly easy to find. A simple online search for certain courses, certificates, or schools will turn up a laundry list of available continuing education classes.
Those interested in a more professional approach to finding continuing education courses can turn to websites such as ieducation.com. Here they will find a variety of information about certificates, classes, and continuing education courses. It is even possible to search for specific courses and grants to help pay for a greater education.