Online and Remote Learning

Building on the basics taught in 1344 Copywriting that Sells & 3681 Writing Digital Content, in this course you'll take your copywriting skills to the next level — with an emphasis advanced copywriting and content marketing writing strategies. Inspired by real-world examples used throughout the course, you'll learn techniques for writing such challenging projects as email campaigns, landing pages and sales pages, ecommerce websites, online ads (Facebook, Google, etc.), blogs, social media, and more. In addition, you'll walk away with the latest tricks-of-the-trade that top copywriters use to drive more traffic to websites, boost response rates on online ads, improve response and conversions on email campaigns, and more. Learn to brainstorm, outline, summarize, and edit using generative AI tools, while applying critical thinking skills to fact-check, customize, and improve the AI writing outputs. You'll hone your craft on practical assignments and receive feedback. This course is taught by an experienced copywriter. This course was formerly called Online & Social Media Copywriting. Take your current copywriting skills and knowledge to an advanced level. Build on your ability to strategize and write a range of promotional materials, from websites to Facebook ads to YouTube commercials. Master the latest best practices in strategizing and writing content (blogs, social media, etc.) that get results. While using AI tools (like ChatGPT, Jasper, and others) in your writing, develop your own unique voice.

This course introduces you to key concepts, strategies, and trends behind the extraordinary rise of ecommerce and its impact on both our professional and personal lives. Today, the “do-or-die” importance of ecommerce to modern-day business success and survival is indisputable. This course combines conceptual learning with case study presentations of real-world online businesses and discussions on ecommerce impacting “breaking news” stories.  A primary outcome of the course is the ability to research, strategize, and develop a preliminary business plan for an online business.   Understand the terminology, key trends, core sales, marketing & infrastructure needs of ecommerce Recognize the technical, strategic and operational demands of starting and running an online business Review the most common online business and sales models and understand how they can be used to create a successful omnichannel online business Develop a start-up strategy for an online business with consideration given to a target market, value proposition, market offering, and financial model Research, conceptualize, and develop a preliminary business plan for an online business 

This course familiarizes you with a range of tactics to grow an online business. You'll learn about audience research, online marketing strategies and web analytics. Discover how to interpret web data so you can drive high-quality traffic to your website through search engine optimization (SEO), digital advertising and engaging user experiences. You’ll understand how to attract, engage and retain customers while familiarizing yourself with widely-used tools in the industry. Class assignments allow you to demonstrate your knowledge by creating a management presentation that includes data analysis and strategic optimizations. Apply key ecommerce/online business tools, including cutting-edge AI platforms. Understand web-based marketing and audience research. Learn how to optimize the digital customer-experience. Get to know website design and effective content creation strategies. Leverage tools to design, manage and optimize an online marketing program

This course is for you if you're an online business owner or operator who wants to learn best practices in your industry. You'll review case studies that highlight real online business challenges and what industry leaders did to overcome them. You'll examine businesses that are pure-play (online only) and hybrid (online and offline), start-ups or already in flight. Topics include strategy development and implementation, operations, performance management, legal and security issues, change management and fostering ongoing innovation. See how industry leaders produce superior online business and ecommerce results. Study strategic, operational and resource requirements of online business management. Understand the skills required on an online business team. Use key performance indicators to measure and manage performance. Work as part of a team to address management issues.

Learn the basics of writing for the stage and connect with a community of like-minded writers in this introductory course in our playwriting stream. Working with a produced playwright, you'll learn important theatrical elements including story structure, character development and dialogue. The course offers a supportive workshop setting where you can get feedback that will help further develop your skills as a playwright. Obtain a greater understanding of various forms of theatre from traditional to experimental. Develop practical skills and approaches to writing scripts. Complete a short one-act play with the support of your instructor and peers.

Embark on a virtual pilgrimage to meet the different manifestations of the Female Buddha Guan Yin and Tara. The outward journey of pilgrimage parallels an inner journey of creativity, transformation and sanctuary. Drawing from works of fiction, memoir and poetry, we will also read of dakinis or sky-dancers; Padma Lhamo and Kali; Athena, Isis and Sekhmet; the blue-robed Virgin and the Black Madonna; the first great female philosopher of the western world, Hypatia. Through careful reading, learn the toolbox of the writer's craft: description, dialogue, rhythm and sound. Take your writing further by drawing on the processes of meditation, dream work, music, journaling and visualization.   Learn the context, form and structure of pilgrimage through the exploration of the manifestations of Guan Yin and Tara, and our study of other secular and faith traditions. Engage in meditation practices associated with the different forms of the sacred feminine. Discover ways in which the sacred feminine in philosophy, contemporary life, and spiritual traditions can help you uncover courage and wisdom within yourself. Engage in generative writing exercises to connect to your authentic voice and story. Engage in a writing workshop and gain helpful feedback from your peers and your instructor. Explore the beginning (or continuation) of your short story, personal essay, novel, memoir, or poetry collection.  

This course will help you understand the foundations of energy management methods, policies and trends. Find out how energy resources are generated, transmitted and distributed in a modern economy. You'll learn about energy from conventional sources (fossil fuels, hydro-electric and geothermal) and renewable resources (solar, wind and biofuels). You'll also learn how to do a cost-benefit analysis of energy conservation and how to maintain and integrate energy systems in residential and commercial buildings. Assess the efficiency of conventional and renewable energy sources. Estimate the energy uses of residential and commercial buildings. Understand, calculate and benchmark energy bills for residential and commercial buildings and industrial plants. Assess the maintenance and integration requirements of energy systems.

Residential and commercial buildings are among the biggest users of energy. This course teaches you how consumption (and budgets) can be cut through better energy management and conservation systems. You'll learn to conduct energy audits, the use of instrumentation and measurements in buildings, and the organization and implementation of energy management and control strategies in building systems. The course also covers existing legislation and available grants, as well as current energy control and management systems. Assess energy use in buildings. Perform energy audits on residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Compare relevant techniques for reducing energy consumption in buildings. Use Cumulative Sum Control Chart (CUSUM) analysis and other analytical tools in assessing consumption.

Modern buildings and urban communities need energy management systems that are sustainable and effective. Learn how deregulation and energy policies, standards, codes, and best practices (such as ISO and ASHRAE), impact the buildings and their energy systems. Use advanced economic analysis techniques to evaluate alternative financing arrangements for energy management projects. Examine distributed generation and renewable generation technologies, and how these can be integrated into the current electricity system. Learn about commissioning of buildings, and how human behavior can impact the energy management systems. Explore how sustainable development principles and strategies can be used in the energy management of a building, a corporation, and an urban community. Analyze the energy policies of Canada and Ontario. Assess the impact of codes, standards and best practices on the buildings and energy systems. Analyze the implications of ISO 50001, ASHRAE 189.1, and LEED certification requirements on energy management. Perform an economic analysis of alternative financing options for energy management projects. Evaluate distributed generation including renewable generation technologies. Assess the importance of building commissioning and the impact of human behaviour on energy management. Explain the structure of deregulated energy markets and analyze the development of energy procurement contracts. Apply sustainable development principles in the energy management of a building and the development of sustainable energy strategies for a corporation and an urban community.

Digital marketing is no longer a single channel - it's the essential ecosystem where brands are built, customer relationships are developed, and revenue is generated. Mastering digital channels is essential for anyone in marketing, consulting, or business ownership. This course gives you a comprehensive foundation in the strategies, tactics, and creative skills you need to build a powerful digital presence. Through a mix of lectures, case studies, and hands-on exercises, you'll learn how to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing. Build a Strong Digital Strategy: Develop a strategic and omnichannel approach to digital marketing that integrates various channels for maximum impact. Learn Key Channels: Gain understanding and experience with critical digital channels, including search engine optimization (SEO), paid search advertising, social media, and email marketing. Create Engaging Content: Learn how to use content marketing to tell your brand's story and attract your target audience. Measure Your Success: Understand how to use web analytics and key performance metrics to track results and optimize your strategy. Optimize User Experience: Explore the fundamentals of website design and user experience (UX).