The Canter Distance-Learning Model

Use this comparison chart to help you choose the self-paced format that’s right for you.

Print & DVD Format

Online Format

Choose Your Format

These statements can help you determine the format that’s right for you:

• Print & DVD
• Online

If you are still not sure which format to select, call
1-800-669-9011 to speak with a graduate course representative.

I prefer to read articles in hard copy and work with a printed study guide.

I plan to register in a group and study with my colleagues face-to face (for example, to work toward a common goal or as part of a professional learning community).

I have a study partner in mind with whom I can complete activities, engage in discussion, and seek feedback.

I prefer to read and follow my assignments online.

I plan to register in a group and am open to interacting online with educators from other schools.

I prefer to collaborate with educators from other schools via a discussion board online.

I prefer to submit course materials using an online template.

COMPARE FORMATS

Print & DVD Format

Online Format

1. Register for a Course

Whichever format you choose, you have several convenient ways to register:

• Online: Complete the online order process on Canter.net. (Use the “Course Finder” to get started.)
• Phone: Speak directly to a graduate course representative by calling 1-800-669-9011.
• Mail: Download and complete the registration form and mail to the address on the form.
• Fax: Download and complete the registration form and fax to 1-310-301-7512.

2. Receive Your Materials

Within 10–14 days, you will receive a package of course materials via UPS.

Group Enrollments
All group materials will be sent to the group leader’s address.

Your course materials will be shipped directly to you or your group leader.
The package includes:

• Course textbook(s)
• Course DVD(s)
• Study guide
• Course Information Packet

Your course materials will be shipped directly to you or your group leader.
The package includes:

• Course textbook(s)
• Course DVD(s) (backup for the videos streamed online)
• Course Information Packet

3. Review Academic Policies

You are responsible for reviewing the academic policies for your grading institution, which include important dates, contact information, instructions for courses, ordering transcripts, and more.

The Course Information Packet contains the academic policies for your grading institution.

Your grading institution’s Academic Policies can be found under the “My Institution” tab when you log in to your course(s) on Canter.net.

4. Start Your Course(s)

Study whenever and wherever you want, at your own pace. Canter’s self-paced format offers the flexibility to study at your convenience.

Both formats are self-paced. The online format has no required login times. Both formats do have a course completion deadline.

Begin your course as soon as you receive your shipped course materials.

Begin your course as soon as you receive the email with login instructions to access your course(s). You should receive this email within 24 hours of completion of the online order process. Follow the instructions and start your course online. (Note: You may need to wait for your textbook to arrive for some assignments.)

5. Watch and Learn

Watch informative videos featuring nationally recognized education experts and master teachers.

View videos on DVD(s).

View videos streamed online or on the backup DVD(s).

6. Collaborate With Colleagues

Exchange ideas, share experiences, and discuss best practices with one or more teaching colleagues.

You must have a study partner. Your study partner does not need to be enrolled in the course.

When enrolled in a group, you will work face-to-face with your colleagues.

You do not have to have a study partner. You will use the discussion board online to collaborate.
Even if you are enrolled in a group, you will use the discussion board online, which includes working with educators from other schools.

7. Apply What You Learn

Our courses are designed so that you can apply your newfound knowledge and skills immediately with your students.

Apply the skills you are learning—as you learn them—in your own classroom. Test and adapt your strategies to meet the specific needs of your classroom or school.

8. Evaluate Your Knowledge

Complete a variety of written assignments, including discussion questions and a final paper.

• Activities help participants explore concepts and make connections during the course.
• Application assignments require participants to personalize course content and plan how they will apply the theories, concepts, and strategies in their teaching practice.
• The final 3- to 5-page reflection paper gives you the opportunity to review your learning throughout the course and apply your newfound skills to improve or resolve situations in your classroom or school.

9. Submit Your Coursework

Submit completed assignments (by the term’s completion deadline) to the grading university or college you selected when you enrolled..

Process varies by grading institution. Follow the instructions in your Course Information Packet on how to submit coursework to your grading institution.

Process varies by grading institution. Follow the instructions in the “Academic Policies” section on the “My Institution” tab, which has the details on how to submit coursework online.

10. Receive Grades and Transcripts

Your selected grading university or college will review and grade your work, and provide earned graduate credit for your course.

Process varies by grading institution. Refer to your institution’s Course Information Packet for when grades are recorded and how to request transcripts.

Process varies by grading institution. Refer to your grading institution’s “Academic Policies” section on the “My Institution” tab for when grades are recorded and how to request transcripts.