Distance Learning

Distance LearningAnnouncement

The Office of Learning Technology (OLT) has now joined with the Centre for Teaching and Academic Growth (TAG) to form the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT). This change is effective July 1, 2010.

Although we have a new name, distance education courses previously offered by OLT will continue to operate under the new CTLT unit. Currently, we are still maintaining all of the distance learning information on the OLT website, as we continue to build our new CTLT website. This information will remain on the OLT website for the rest of the summer, until our new CTLT website is fully developed. In addition, all of our other distance learning services (such as the OLT Helpdesk) are still up and running, and will continue to work throughout the summer. Please view this message for more details.


OLT supports Faculties that offer courses and programs to students who prefer alternative (technology-enabled) learning modes, seek scheduling flexibility and/or are unable to come to campus. These offerings bridge physical and administrative distances, enabling students to balance their educational, professional and personal lives. Our instructional design, project management and distance education expertise strengthens UBC’s ability to leverage scarce resources to the benefit of on-campus and off-campus learners. Through these efforts, OLT and its partners help to extend UBC’s campus throughout the province and world, positioning the University as a leader in innovative educational practice in the global community.

All courses offered by OLT carry full credit toward degree programs.

Be sure to visit the courses page to learn more about the 125 distance education courses offered by the Office of Learning Technology. Also, read our course and student profiles to see what students have to say about their distance education experience.


Admission and Registration

Before you can register for our distance education courses you first have to be admitted at UBC. Please contact Enrolment Services for more information. Once you are admitted, you can register for courses through the Student Service Centre. For information on course and course-related fees, please refer to the UBC Calendar. OLT is committed to providing assistance to all its distance learners with permanent or temporary disabilities. Please contact the Access and Diversity office when you register for a course so that appropriate assignment and examination accommodations can be made.

Help Desk for Online Learners

If you have any technical questions, please email the OLT Help Desk at this email address: olt.helpdesk@ubc.ca

In your email, please indicate the following:

  • which course and section you are enrolled in (e.g., PSYC320 98A)
  • your CWL
  • any error message that you have received
  • your computer operating system (e.g., Windows Vista, MAC OSX, etc.)
  • your Internet browser and version number (e.g., Internet Explorer 7, Firefox 3, etc.)

Generally, you will receive a response within 24 to 48 hours (or less).

Important Notice

Details about your distance education course will be sent to you by email! We strongly encourage you to get a free UBC Netinfo email account. If you are using Yahoo and Hotmail, ensure UBC emails are not being sent to your JUNK folder.

Guide to Distance Education


Quicksteps for DE Learners

Step 1:

Plan and register for my courses. Order my course materials from the UBC Bookstore. (online or print) If I am registered in an online section, login to my WebCT Vista course with my CWL (campus-wide login).

Step 2:

Get my UBCcard access so that I can access library resources and register for services through Extension Library. Get a Netinfo email account (preferred email UBC would like me to use!) Check out the Learners’ Guide and Learners’ Resources for helpful information on distance learning.

Step 3:

Check out the exam schedule for distance courses at http://students.ubc.ca/current/exams.cfm and note all relevant dates and deadlines for my course. Check out LEAP – my online academic resource.

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