When it comes to pursuing an education, the road can feel like an uphill battle. For some, time is a constant luxury, and there is little room for anything more in a 24-hour day that already feels far too short. For others, relocating for school simply isn’t an option (for more reasons than one can list). With so many challenges and countless commitments—education can seem like an impossible feat. But what if learning could seamlessly fit into your life, exactly as it is now?
At New Brunswick Community College (NBCC), our flexible online learning options make it possible to achieve your educational goals on your terms. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, switch fields, or gain new skills, our online course options give you the freedom to learn anywhere—without sacrificing quality and without disrupting your life.
If you’re wondering whether online learning is the right fit for you, we’re here to answer some of your biggest questions, such as:
“Can I pursue an education without disrupting my life?”
“Will my online courses be just as engaging and high-quality as in-person classes?”
“What kind of academic and technical support will I have as an online student?”
“How can I stay on track and motivated while learning from home?”
And so much more!
Below, we’ll explore what online learning is like, share 7 key benefits of this learning format, and provide guidance to help you decide if an online education is right for you.
What is Online Learning Like at NBCC?
At NBCC, we deliver Education that Works—high-quality learning designed to meet today’s workforce demands. Our virtual programs, like all our courses and programs, are built with industry in mind, providing job-ready skills aligned with New Brunswick’s evolving workforce. Flexible, engaging, and aligned with our core values of belonging, integrity, and innovation—we offer four online delivery methods to ensure you’ll find a course format that fits your unique lifestyle and commitments.
Our virtual programs may include real-time classes hosted virtually, pre-recorded lectures, interactive online discussions, and hands-on assignments. You’ll engage with user-friendly tools like Brightspace (our learning management system) and Microsoft Teams, making learning both accessible and interactive. Facilitators/Instructors provide personalized feedback, and collaboration tools help you stay connected with classmates, fostering a strong sense of community—even remotely.
Your learning experience at NBCC will be relevant, applicable, and empower you to embrace your career goals. With career-focused training, NBCC ensures you’re equipped with the skills and resources needed to succeed.
7 Benefits to Online Learning at NBCC
1. Flexibility That Fits Your Lifestyle
One of the standout advantages of online learning at NBCC is the flexibility it offers. We understand that everyone has different commitments, and finding balance can be challenging. That’s why we offer a variety of courses with different delivery modes, allowing you to choose an option that seamlessly fits with your lifestyle. Whether it’s fully online, blended, virtual in real-time, or at your own pace, there’s something for every learner.
NBCC offers four course delivery modes with an online learning component, each designed to accommodate different learning preferences:
- Blended Learning: A mix of in-person (classroom or lab) and distance learning (Microsoft Teams, Brightspace, etc.), alternating as needed.
- Hyflex Learning: Instruction is available both in-person and virtually at the same time, allowing students to choose their mode of participation anytime. This method uses digital tools like Brightspace, laptops, and e-textbooks.
- Virtual Learning: Fully online, instructor-led, and synchronous, meaning students learn together in real time using platforms like Microsoft Teams.
- Online Learning: Fully online and asynchronous, meaning students complete coursework on their own schedule without required live sessions. Courses are delivered through Brightspace and incorporate a variety of interactive content.
These flexible options empower you to choose the learning experience that best suits your needs, ensuring that no matter your lifestyle, you can pursue your education in a way that works for you.
2. Advance Your Career with Real World, Industry Aligned Training
Imagine achieving a promotion, a new job, or even a career shift—one that excites you and challenges you to grow. Online education at NBCC is here to equip you with real-world skills that can take you to that next step.
The curriculum you’ll follow is relevant, practical, and tailored to the needs of today’s job market. Additionally, our online courses are developed with local instructors and content, giving you a unique, regional perspective that sets you apart.
3. You’ll Receive the Same Resources as In-Person Students
Choosing online learning at NBCC doesn’t mean sacrificing the support and resources you’d have on campus. Our online students have full access to the same valuable tools that in-person learners do including academic advisors, tutors, technical support, ensuring they have the guidance needed to succeed—no matter where you are. Whether you need assistance with coursework, technical help, or just some advice, help is always just a call or a click away.
4. Supportive Online Community
There are a variety of ways to network and engage with both classmates and facilitators/instructors. Depending on the course design, you’ll engage with your classmates and facilitators/instructors in meaningful ways, whether through live classes, discussion forums, or collaborative group projects.
Platforms like Microsoft Teams and Brightspace create an interactive space where you can share ideas, ask questions, and build relationships. Whether you’re learning from home, your favourite coffee shop, or on the go, you’ll feel supported and encouraged in your educational journey.
5. Interactive and Engaging Online Courses
Online courses at NBCC are designed to be engaging and interactive. With videos, animations, quizzes, and collaborative assignments, you’ll never feel disconnected. Utilizing online platforms enables smooth communication and collaboration, offering real-time interaction with both facilitators/instructors and classmates.
You’ll be encouraged to think critically, solve real-world problems, and engage in meaningful conversations with your classmates. From hands-on assignments to collaborative projects, your learning experience will be dynamic and enjoyable.
6. Feedback that Keeps You Motivated
We understand how important it is to receive feedback that helps you grow and stay motivated. As a student, you’ll receive feedback in a variety of ways, depending on the assessment type and course configurations. From immediate results with online quizzes to thoughtful, detailed feedback on your assignments from course facilitators/instructors—no matter the way, you’ll know exactly where you stand and how to improve.
Through the Brightspace platform, facilitators and instructors can provide personalized feedback using video or audio formats. This allows for a more detailed and constructive review of your work and progress, helping you stay on track and move forward toward your goals.
7. Cost-Effective & Accessible from Anywhere
NBCC’s online courses are available to students across New Brunswick and beyond. You don’t need to relocate or commute to campus to access high-quality education—you can do it in a way that works for you. Whether you’re in a city or rural community, you can attend classes from the comfort of your home or wherever you have internet access.
By studying online, you save money on transportation and other costs associated with attending a traditional campus. Additionally, NBCC offers affordable tuition rates and access to financial aid, scholarships, and other funding opportunities to make your education more accessible.
