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Online learning, also known as e-learning, is a practical and convenient way for people from around the world to develop and enhance their professional skills. Taking online learning courses is also a great way to learn new skills and get certified from the comfort of your home. People from all over the world are upgrading their skills and learning new ones for the workplace. It is now easier than ever to learn something new, whether you want a live instructor, or want to work at your own pace.
Completing an online certification course and adding it to your resume can greatly increase your chances of getting hired. Canadian employers highly value job candidates that have an online certification (a certified online course). A certification indicates that you have the skills required to work in Canada and to succeed at the job. And, if you plan to work in a regulated occupation in Canada, getting the required training will be essential.
Online learning has been seeing a lot of growth over the past decade. Now, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, online learning has become the new normal. And, it’s safe to say that online learning isn’t going away anytime soon. Even after the pandemic online learning is expected to keep growing.
Within the category of online learning, there are different types of online learning methods. The most common methods include:
Any other online learning methods usually fall under these three categories or somewhere in between.
Online certification courses give you a certificate upon completion. This certificate indicates that you have finished the course and have all the skills taught in that course. These are the types of courses that you can include in your resume and show employers.
Certification courses generally cost more than regular courses and have assessments as you progress through the course. In the end, however, certification courses are worth your money because they can mean the difference between getting hired and not getting the job. And, even if you have not yet completed the course, you can always indicate that you are in the process of completing the training and provide the date that you expect to complete it.
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Synchronous online learning is online learning that happens in real-time with a live instructor. This method allows the instructor and the learners to gather at a virtual place at the same time. This online gathering is usually conducted through online video call apps such as:
The reason most people prefer synchronous online learning methods is that it is an interactive learning experience. You will participate in active discussions, interact with instructors and other students, and get immediate feedback. It is the closest you can get to a traditional classroom when you are learning online.
Some people might even prefer synchronous online learning over traditional classroom learning. This is because synchronous learning is flexible. Even though it takes place in a live setting, synchronous learning offers flexibility. This does not mean that there will be no due dates, but you will get to decide how to divide your work and get things done on time.
Many organizations offer online synchronous courses, including many professional associations. And if your work-from-home job requires training, online synchronous lessons will probably be the learning method used. If you want to sign up for a certain type of synchronous course, your best bet is to browse the internet and check out different courses offered by universities. You can also check with professional or trade associations that represent your occupation.
Asynchronous online learning is the opposite of synchronous online learning. This type of online learning is based on learning at your own schedule. This means that you will not get to talk to your instructor or interact with peers. You will most probably follow along with a video series and do the task accordingly. This is the most common type of asynchronous learning and it goes by the name Massive Open Online Course (MOOC).
The objective of MOOCs is to attract people in the thousands and get them to sign up. Because of this, you can usually get MOOCs for very reasonable prices. You can even find MOOCs are free. However, if you want to get a certification you will have to pay a fee. The cost for courses can vary depending on the certificate that you receive.
MOOCs have both advantages and disadvantages. A MOOC offers a very flexible style of learning, maybe a bit too flexible. MOOCs have a completion rate of under 10%. This means that only 10% of the people that enroll for a MOOC actually complete it. This is directly related to the fact that MOOCs are designed for people that want to learn at their own pace. Now, let’s take a look at some of the most common MOOCs and how they work.
Linear autoplay courses are the most basic online courses and they are also the most common MOOCs. However, linear autoplay courses are not very engaging. All have to do is watch a couple of videos to finish them. This type of MOOC consists of a series of video modules that, when put together, teach you a new skill or subject. Because there are no assessments, these MOOCs usually don’t offer a certificate.
This type of MOOC is the same as linear autoplay MOOCs except that it also offers assessments. Typically, after watching a few video modules, you will have to pass an assessment before you can move on. This ensures that you are learning what the instructor is teaching. Some of these MOOCs may offer a certificate because of the learning assessments. In general, these courses offer a good mix of flexibility to keep learners on track.
This type of MOOC is one of the most flexible and open-ended courses you can take. It has no linear order to watch the videos, no assessments, and no certification at the end. Rather, students get to choose in which order they watch the videos. This can be both positive and negative. Random access MOOCs are made for students that only want to learn a specific part of a course. Rather than taking the whole course to learn only a part of it, random access MOOCs allow you to watch any part of the course, in whichever order.
MOOCs are a great option if you feel like you are committed to learning something online. MOOCs are a cheaper and more flexible alternative to synchronous online learning. Some even offer certifications!
Some of the best places to sign up for MOOCs are Coursera, and EdX. Coursera and EdX have partnered with the University of Toronto to provide free MOOCs. They are a great way to get started with online courses.
Another great way to get free MOOCs is through your public library in Canada. If you have a library card from your public library, you will also have free access to Lynda, also known as LinkedIn Learning. To access Lynda, you can log in to your library’s website and find the Digital Content section, or something similar. Each library has its own website so this will vary from library to library. However, almost every public library in Canada offers free access to Lynda.
Many newcomers are interested in free online resources to help them improve their language skills in English and French. If that sounds like you, the government of Canada has some great resources for you. Resources of the Language Portal of Canada can provide great tools to help you improve your language skills in Canada.
Hybrid online learning is a common e-learning style. It is a mix of asynchronous and synchronous online learning to give students flexibility and to interact with peers and instructors.
You can think of hybrid learning as asynchronous learning with a few online meetings. You will mostly work on your own time. But there will be deadlines and you will also have the option to talk to your instructors and peers. Most of the instructors teaching these classes will also provide an email or some sort of messaging tool to contact them. This will give you access to feedback, even if you might not get an immediate response.
Keep in mind that hybrid online learning is different from hybrid classes. These terms can easily be mixed if you do not know the meaning of each. Hybrid classes are a mix of synchronous online learning and traditional classroom learning. This style of learning is also used by schools, universities, and any teaching institutions that are otherwise, taught in person. Because students must go to a school, It is not considered online learning.
Online learning has many uses and it can be useful to a wide range of people. Whether you are looking to upgrade your skills for the workplace or want to learn a new skill for yourself, online learning is probably the way to go. Online courses will not only help you with getting the job, but they will also help you excel at it. And the best thing is that learning these skills is now easier than ever.
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Newcomers should know about the different types of bank accounts to use all the financial resources available to them. Knowing what each bank account is for will help you to put your money in the right place. Opening a bank account is one of the first things you do upon arrival in Canada. A bank account is a place where you can keep your money safe. And buying a house or using a debit card to pay at a grocery store would not be possible without a bank account. As well, a bank account makes you eligible for a loan such as a mortgage and is a convenient way to store your money.
A bank account is an account in which you can deposit and withdraw money. These transactions can be both negative and positive. A positive transaction is when you deposit money in your bank, making your account balance go up. A negative transaction is when you take out money from your bank account, making your account balance go down. These transactions decide what your account balance is, or how much money you have in your bank account.
With your bank account, you can store large amounts of money that you can withdraw at any time. However, not all bank accounts will allow you to withdraw money at any time. There are two main types of bank accounts; a chequing account and a savings account.
Opening a chequing account will probably be the first thing you do in Canada because it is the account you will use for your day-to-day expenses. It allows you to withdraw money at any time, making it a convenient way to pay for expenses such as your grocery bill and withdraw money from an ATM. Opening a chequing account will also get you a debit card. A debit card is a card that can make payments without cash. Almost every store in Canada has a debit card terminal so you will almost always have the option of paying digitally from your chequing account.
One thing to keep in mind is that most chequing accounts have a small monthly service fee as long as the account is running. Most chequing account service fees are usually around the $10 range. However, some chequing accounts have no service fees, called no-fee chequing accounts.
Some chequing accounts also offer ways to avoid paying monthly service fees. Some ways to avoid service fees are to either maintain a set minimum balance or deposit a certain amount of money into the account each month. The minimum deposit is usually around $5000. This means that if you have more than $5000 in your chequing account, you will be charged no fee that month. A minimum deposit usually ranges from $300 to $500. This means you need to deposit at least the minimum deposit amount in order to avoid paying your chequing account fees.
Opening a savings account allows you to save and grow your money. Unlike your chequing account, a savings account earns you interest on the money you save. However, a savings account cannot be used for day-to-day expenses. There is a fixed number of transactions you can do from your savings account each month, and that number is usually three. If you do any more transactions than that, you will have to pay transaction fees which make a savings account inconvenient for daily expenses.
Opening both a savings and a chequing account is a great way to manage your money. Together, they have all the features to meet your financial needs. You can keep the money you need for your daily expenses in your chequing account while keeping any additional money in your savings account. That way, you can pay for your expenses while earning interest on the rest of your money.
Now let’s look into some more specialized types of bank accounts that will help you save for the future.
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REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARCanadian banks have many resources to help you achieve your financial goals. Some of those resources include specialized bank accounts. The types of bank accounts covered in this section will help you achieve your financial goals faster. These accounts are all registered, meaning they are registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to provide tax shelters. All the specialized accounts listed below are great saving resources because they can help you save on taxes.
The accounts covered in this section are Registered:
Opening an RRSP is a great way to save for your retirement. An RRSP works by delaying when you pay taxes on your income. This can be both to your advantage and disadvantage. The reason this is considered a retirement savings plan is because you will be in a lower income tax bracket at the age of retirement.
When you deposit money into your RRSP, it will come off your income directly and won’t be considered taxable income. For example, if your income is $50,000 and you decide to put $5000 toward your RRSP, the government will only make you pay income tax on $45,000 of your income.
This doesn’t mean you don’t have to pay taxes on that money in the future. When you withdraw money from your RRSP, that money will be considered as your income, and you will be taxed on it.
So then what is the point of RRSPs? If it saves you from taxes now, only to make you pay taxes in the future, why open an RRSP account? The answer is simple. You will have to pay more taxes when you are earning compared to when you are retired. When you take out money from your RRSP at retirement, you won’t have to pay as much income tax compared to when you were working.
As the name suggests, opening an RESP will help you save for your child’s education. Here is how an RESP works.
Every time you deposit money into your RESP, the government of Canada will contribute some money to your RESP as well. This money is called Canada Education Savings Grant, or CESG. A basic CESG is 20% on top of your deposit. However, low-income families might qualify for a 40% CESG.
To put this into perspective let’s look at an example.
Let’s say you deposit $2000 to your RESP this year. With a basic CESG, the government of Canada will contribute an additional 20% of that $2000 to your RESP.
$2000 x 20% = $400.
After your $2000 deposit, your RESP account balance will be $2000 (your contribution) + $400 (government’s contribution), which is $2400.
An RDSP is a savings plan intended to help people with disabilities save for a financially secure future. It works very similarly to an RESP. The government contributes money for every dollar you put in your RDSP. Unlike an RESP, however, RDSPs offer incredible returns, even as much as triple your contribution. The money contributed by the government is called the Canada Disability Savings Grant, or a CDSG. CDSGs will vary from person to person so they can even be as high as 300%!
RDSPs are an amazing way to save for the future and ensure a financially secure future for anyone with a disability. They offer some of the best returns on investments in Canada so if you are eligible for an RDSP, look into getting one.
To learn more about registered accounts in Canada, here is an article on RRSPs, RESPs, and TFSAs that explains each of those in detail, as well as some frequently asked questions.
Babies and children need special protection while travelling in a car. Child car safety seats are there to help keep your child safe on the road. They prevent multiple injuries among children during road crashes and sudden stops. This is why they are mandatory in Canada.
Note: The numbers provided in this article could be different depending on your province as each province has its own laws. I will provide the numbers that are found most commonly throughout Canada.
Children that are required to have a child car safety seat, must sit in their safety seat at all times when in a car. The rules for child car safety seats apply to any child in Canada who meets the age, weight, and height criteria.
hen arriving in Canada, you must have a child car safety seat when travelling from the airport. If your child requires a car safety seat, prepare to have one before you arrive in Canada.
There are four child car safety seat categories. Which one your child should have, depends on their age and height. These four categories, in order from youngest to oldest, are:
Most of Canada uses these four categories. However because provincial governments make their own laws, Alberta, Nunavut, and the North West Territories do not have booster seat laws. Still, booster seats are recommended.
Rear-facing car seats, as you may have guessed, face the back of the car. The children sitting in them will be facing the back of the car instead of facing forward. This type of car seat is for infants and toddlers. They are effective in preventing injuries that could have been caused without one.
There are 3 types of rear-facing car seats you can buy:
Naturally, the last 2 are more expensive than a regular front-facing seat. However, they are a good investment because you won’t have to buy another car seat in the future when your child outgrows their rear-facing seat.
Rear-facing car seats are mandatory for babies that are under 9 kg (20 lbs) or one year old. As mentioned earlier, these numbers will differ from province to province.
After your toddler has passed their mark, either by age or weight, you can choose if you want to:
It is recommended that you keep a rear-facing seat for your toddler because a rear-facing seat is a lot safer. Many parents chose to keep rear-facing car seats until their child reaches the age of two.
Once your child exceeds the weight limit of their rear-facing car seat, or you decide it’s time to upgrade, your child gets a forward-facing car seat. A forward-facing car seat is not as safe as a rear-facing car seat but, unlike a rear-facing seat, it can hold bigger children.
There is more legroom in a forward-facing car seat and it usually has a higher weight limit. You can buy a regular forward-facing car seat, a convertible, or an all-in-one seat.
A child must sit in a forward-facing child seat until they are at least 18 kg (40 lbs). After that, you can choose whether or not you want to get your child a booster seat. Even though forward-facing seats are not safer than rear-facing, they are safer than booster seats. This is why you should keep your child’s forward-facing seat for as long as you can before they exceed the seat’s weight limit.
A booster seat is the third and final car seat your child will sit in. Booster seats raise children to a level where a seat belt will fit them. It also provides head and neck protection during a crash. Booster seats are estimated to be about four times safer than a normal seatbelt during a crash.
A child is required to be in a booster seat until they:
Once they reach one of those benchmarks, they are legally allowed to use a regular seat belt. Of course, you should check the exact numbers for your province as these numbers differ from province to province.
A good way to check if your child is ready for a regular seat belt is to see if their legs drop comfortably over the seat’s edge while their back lines up with the back of the seat. If this is the case, and your child has passed your province’s regulations, your child can use a normal seatbelt.
After a child has outgrown their booster seat, they can use a regular seatbelt. However, there are some restrictions. A child under the age of 14, that uses a regular seat belt, must sit in the back seat of a car. Only people aged 14 and above are allowed to sit in the front passenger seat.
Before a child starts using a regular seat belt, it is the parent’s job to ensure that the seat belt fits them properly. To ensure a seat belt fits your child, make sure that the lower strap goes around the hips and not the stomach. The shoulder strap (the one going diagonally) should nicely rest on the shoulders and not touch the neck. If this is not the case, your child should stay in a booster seat.
If your child has outgrown their booster seat but isn’t ready for a regular seat belt, then it is recommended that they get a bigger booster seat. Most likely, however, booster seats are designed so that your child will be ready for a regular seatbelt right after they have outgrown their booster seat.
Installing car seats properly is just as important as installing car seats in the first place. Properly installed car seats can mean the difference between life and death during a car crash. I will go briefly over how to install each of the three types of car seats in this section.
Keep in mind that there are many instructional videos on how to install car seats online. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation has great resources to help you install your child’s car seat. To access the full guide on how to install a car seat, click here.
Note: Never install a child car safety seat near an active airbag. If there is an airbag where you want to install the seat, have the airbag disabled. Airbags can harm children if they inflate during a crash.
Rear-facing car seats are installed at an angle to allow your child to lie down. Rear-facing car seats will have a sticker at the side indicating the angle at which the seat should be. Most seats have angle adjusters to achieve the correct angle. If yours doesn’t have an angle adjuster, you can use rolled-up towels or some kind of prop to hold the seat at an angle.
Once you have figured out how to get the seat to the correct angle, you can fasten the child’s safety seat to the car. To do this, you will have to use either a seat belt or the Universal Anchorage System (UAS). All new cars in Canada have a UAS. Cars older than 2002 may not have one.
To learn how to install a rear-facing car seat properly, check out this guide from the government of Canada. It covers both UAS and seatbelt installation methods
Installing a forward-facing car seat is pretty similar to installing a rear-facing car seat. To fasten a forward-facing seat to the car, you can use both the UAS and a seatbelt. Unlike the rear-facing seat, however, a forward-facing seat does not rest at an angle; it must be fastened upright.
Another thing to keep in mind is that there should be no twists in any of the straps. If a twist appears in one of the straps, make sure you undo that step to keep the strap straight.
To learn how to install a forward-facing car seat properly, check out this guide from the government of Canada. It provides step-by-step instructions to use both UAS and seat belt installation methods.
The installation method for a booster seat is pretty straightforward. The booster seat rests on top of the car’s seat, fastened by an anchor strap to the car’s UAS. Its purpose is to make sure that the car’s seat belt can fit the child by boosting them up to a higher level. A booster seat makes sure that the lower strap of the seat belt goes across the hips of the child and the diagonal strap rests nicely on the shoulder.
Here is a government of Canada guide on how to install a booster seat and use it properly.
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There are some things you check in a car seat, especially if you bought it used:
Car seats vary significantly in price and quality. And there is always the option of buying used car seats, which are considerably cheaper. However, it is smart to invest in a durable all-in-one, also known as a 3-in-one, car safety seat. You will only have to buy one car seat in your child’s lifetime, which will serve as a:
Here are some of the most durable and reliable car seat brands.
Britax is one of those car seat brands that are hard to ignore when shopping for car seats. These child car seats are on the more expensive side of the car seat market, but they are very durable. Some will even last more than 10 years!
Now let’s discuss pricing. A Britax all-in-one child car safety will cost anywhere from $450. Seems expensive at first glance, but it will save you money in the long term by eliminating the need to buy new car seats. A regular Britax rear-facing seat will only cost around $200.
Diono car seats are usually less expensive than Britax car seats. They tend to have fewer features and a smaller lifetime. Still, they are a great pick for someone that has a smaller budget.
A Diono all-in-one will cost around $350 and a regular rear-facing seat will cost around $150. You can find a Diono booster seat for as little as $50!
One of the more well-known brands is Graco, and for good reason. Graco car seats are a perfect combination of quality and affordability.
A Graco all-in-one car seat will cost you around $300. A Graco rear-facing car seat will cost you $150 while a booster seat will cost you around $100. There is even a Graco backless booster seat for only $35.
If the prices mentioned are too expensive you can buy a used car safety seat for your child. Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace are good places to buy a used child car seat.
When you search for used car seats, check for cracks or damages. Also, make sure that the car seat comes with the user manual and all the straps and parts to ensure your child’s safety. There will be an expiry date on the car seat, to indicate the lifetime of the seat. If the car seat is nearing or has passed its expiry date, it would be a good idea to discard it and continue browsing.
Preparing for your driving test in Canada is vital, especially if you want to pass the exam on your first try. Getting a driving license in Canada can be a lengthy process. It involves both written driving test questions and a road test. Still, having a driver’s license in Canada is worth it. With a license, you can get around quickly and efficiently and save travel time. After all, time is money.
In this guide, you’ll learn about Canada’s graduated licensing system, driver’s license requirements at each level, and tips to prepare and pass your test.
In Canada, provincial governments are responsible for establishing transportation laws. Because of this, a driving test will vary slightly from province to province, but the idea behind tests is the same. The test ensures your ability to drive a car while accounting for your safety and the safety of others. This ensures that everyone on the road prevents road accidents every day. Read more about the 10 key facts newcomers must know about driving in Canada.
Canada and a group of countries entered the Foreign License Exchange Agreement. This agreement allows migrants between these countries to exchange their previous driving licenses with a new one.
The following countries have a License Exchange agreement with Canada:
*United Kingdom: England, Wales, and Scotland are included in the agreement, but Ireland is excluded.
If you emigrate from one of these countries, you can exchange your previous driving license for a Canadian license without a driving test. This opportunity is only available to immigrants for a maximum of 60 days after arriving in Canada. After two months, you must go through the process to get a driving license.
This is also available to interprovincial migrants. If you already have a license in your current province and are moving to a new province, you can swap your old license for a new one.
The graduated system has three levels:
G2 license
G driving license.
These are the most common names for the tests, but some provinces have different names. Each license has a driving test. The tests are different according to the type of driving license.
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REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARThe G1 driving license, also known as a learner’s permit, is the most basic of the three. It also is the easiest test to pass because it only has written driving test questions, and no driving is required. The test has two parts with 20 driving test questions in each part:
In total, the G1 driving test has 40 multiple-choice questions.
You need 80% or higher in each section to pass the test. That means at least 16/20 questions correct in each section. If you pass one and fail the other, you will only need to retake the section you failed.
Here is a practice G1 knowledge test. It’s wise to take practice tests before your final G1 knowledge test to know what to expect.
Once you pass the test and get your learner’s license, you can drive a car with certain restrictions:
2. You cannot drive at a speed higher than 80 km/h or on any road with a speed limit higher than 80 km/h. If your accompanying driver is a driving instructor, however, you are allowed to drive on any road.
3. You are only allowed to drive between 5:00 AM and Midnight.
Not following any of these rules can have your license suspended as well as a fine, depending on your offence.
A G2 driving license gives you more freedom than a G1 license. This is why the test is harder to pass. For starters, the G2 driving test is a road test, so you must get in a car and show the instructor that you can drive a car. Some things that a G2 driving test will cover include:
Obeying traffic lights and traffic signs
Driving through intersections (both with traffic lights and stop signs)
Parking (parallel, forward, and reverse)
Making u-turns, two and three-point turns, and reversing
Turning your vehicle on and off as well as other internal features.
It’s vital to practice all of these actions before your driving test. Parallel parking is one of those things that people have trouble with. If you can’t get it right, it’s an automatic fail.
Checking your mirrors and obeying speed limits, traffic lights, and traffic signs are some things to keep in mind during the test. It is also best if you don’t ask for advice. The driving instructor is looking to see whether or not you know the rules.
For more information on the G2 driving test, take a look at Ontario’s Guide to a G2 Driving Test. Even though it is from the province of Ontario, it will give you a good idea of what to expect from a driving test anywhere in Canada.
You must meet the following requirements to take your G2 driving test:
Your car must be fully functioning. The driving instructor can cancel the test even if a single light is not working. This is why it is vital to check your car before the test.
And, of course, you must pass all aspects of the driving test.
There are some minor restrictions on G2 drivers as well. They only apply to G2 drivers aged 19 or under and between Midnight to 5:00 AM.
If you have had your G2 license for less than six months, you can carry a maximum of one person under the age of 19.
If you have had your G2 license for more than six months, you can carry a maximum of three people under the age of 19. This restriction is in place until you get your Full G license or turn 20.
A G driving license is the most advanced of the three. Naturally, it gives you more driving privileges. This also means that the test to obtain a G license is more difficult to obtain. Once you have passed the test, however, a G License is worth it.
A G road test covers:
Highway driving: lane changing and overtaking
Merging into and exiting highways.
Since the G2 road test has no highway driving, the G License covers almost every aspect of highway driving plus everything covered in a G2 test. This ensures you can drive a car on any road and in any situation.
The G road test only has one requirement: You must have had a valid G2 license for at least two years. If you have completed an approved driving course, you only need to have had your G2 for eight months. Again, these timeframes may differ depending on your province.
There are no restrictions on a driver with a G license. However, all drivers must follow speed limits, traffic lights and signs, and all driving rules. Drivers must also have zero blood alcohol content.
When you prepare for the written driving test questions and road tests, you’ll enjoy the convenience of driving in Canada.