Online Learning

Are you thinking about taking online classes? There are many benefits to taking your courses online, including the amount of flexibility when it comes to your schedule. Remote classes allow for learning on your schedule, at your own pace. This option brings the learning straight to you without the hassles of going to a traditional classroom.

Being on active duty, onboard a Navy ship, or stationed overseas can make taking courses nearly impossible. With the option of taking online courses, you can work toward earning your degree around your military priorities.

“There’s likely a place in paradise for people who tried hard, but what really matters is succeeding. If that requires you to change, that’s your mission.”

– General Stanley McChrystal, U.S. Army Retired

So how do we change? How do we prepare ourselves for what is going to be a rough few years — and beyond that, a new economy that is likely going to mean more remote work and more tech?

Getting a higher education is a great way to gain faster promotions in the military along with setting yourself up for a successful career after the military. With online learning there are many options, working towards a degree, licenses and other certifications are all possible with internet access.

Sorting through all the online schools to find the right fit will require some research. Knowing your goals and what to look for can help with your search.

Online courses are a great option for soldiers that are unable to get to a classroom. Whether you’re at sea, at a remote duty station, or have career and family obligations, you can work towards your degree or professional certifications at home. Developing good study habits is key to having success with online learning.

Prepare a quiet study area away from distractions. This will help keep you on task when you sit down to do coursework. Planning time for these study sessions can make a big difference when it comes to juggling your education with other obligations.

The thought of incurring debt can be a big deterrent when deciding to pursue higher education. Paying for your online education doesn’t have to be such a big hurdle. There are many options for financial aid, grants, scholarships, and those all-important military education benefits.

Everyone deserves a chance at an education. Many of us have so many other duties - military, familial, or just the plain old paycheck - to attend to.

That could mean pursuing a college degree. Even traditional schools are pushing online learning with the pandemic raging, though there are a lot of online-first schools that have years of practice delivering the knowledge (and diploma) you need, wherever you are stationed.

Or, perhaps you are already on a career path but need to fine-tune skills or round off your skillset: upskilling is Silicon Valley-ism for just that – adding new skills that enhance your current career path or help you find new opportunities. You can learn a lot on the job, but often, the path to true career advancement is to use some of your spare time going above and beyond by taking an online class or pursuing a certification.

Of course, with your budget stretched while trying to survive this pandemic and economic shutdown, you’re probably thinking, “Great. Now how do I pay for it?”

Here are some options for paying for your education.

Related: 4 Smart Degrees Veterans Should Consider 

Below we have a curated list of our most important and most popular articles regarding online learning to get you mission ready for the world to come.

Little Penguins Learn to Play

Sidney Crosby's Little Penguins Learn to Play Hockey is an introductory program for children ages 5 to 9. The program aims to inspire families to join the sport. Little Penguins provides first-time participants complementary head-to-toe equipment, eight to ten weeks of age appropriate on-ice instruction, and certified coaching in a fun and safe atmosphere. Little Penguins is presented by the NHL and NHLPA with the support of Crosby, the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, DICK'S Sporting Goods and USA Hockey.  

Registration Information 

Dates (subject to change):

• Fall: Registration opens in mid-July/On-Ice starts in September 2023

• Winter: Registration opens in mid-November/On-Ice starts in January 2024

For questions, please contact littlepenguins@pittsburghpenguins.com

Please note the following program eligibility requirements:

*If the host facility becomes aware that a registered child has previous hockey league/program experience, the child will be removed from the Little Penguins program.

Each participant's equipment set includes the following:

The only equipment we suggest you purchase is a athletic supporter, hockey stick tape and a mouth guard, from your local DICK'S Sporting Goods store.

About Little Penguins

What is the Little Penguins Learn to Play Program?

The Learn to Play initiative aims to be the gold standard for youth hockey programs with the goal of inspiring more families to join the hockey community. Learn to Play changes the way youth hockey is offered by providing first-time participants complementary head-to-toe equipment, eight (8) to ten (10) weeks of age appropriate on-ice instruction, and certified coaching in a fun and safe atmosphere.

How much does the Little Penguins Learn to Play Program cost?

The program provides complementary head-to-toe equipment for your child to keep as they continue exploring youth hockey. However, there is a participation fee associated with the program which offsets ice and coaching expenses. The participation fee may vary by facility.

What are the eligibility requirements for the Little Penguins Learn to Play Program?

The Little Penguins Learn to Play program is offered to new, first-time participants (boys and girls), between the ages of five (5) and nine (9). First-time participants are those who have not been previously registered with USA Hockey or previously participated in a hockey league/program (house/rec league, learn to play, mini-mites, camps, etc.). It is strongly encouraged the participants complete a Learn to Skate class through their local rink prior to enrolling in Little Penguins.

*If the host facility becomes aware that a registered child has previous hockey league/program experience, the child will be removed from the Little Penguins program and the parent/guardian(s) will be charged the full retail price for the equipment.

Does my child need to know how to skate before they sign up for Little Penguins?

It is strongly recommended that children complete a "Learn to Skate" class through their local rink prior to enrolling in Little Penguins. Most rinks have regular ice skating sessions which are open to the public and are a great way to gain experience and confidence on the ice. For those looking to register for a "Learn to Skate" program, please contact your local rink.

Where will Little Penguins Learn to Play be offered?

The Little Penguins Learn to Play program is offered at over twenty local ice rinks throughout the Western Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia area. Although, not every rink hosts each session (Fall, Winter). A list of locations hosting during the current/upcoming session, can be found under the "Open Registrations" section. A list of all our host locations, can be found under the "Rink and Address Locations" section.

  Registration

I registered my child for the Little Penguins program, but my child is no longer able to participate. Can I cancel the registration?

We are sorry to hear that! If you are able to give notice prior to picking up your equipment, you are able to cancel your registration, and our staff will work towards processing your refund. Please e-mail littlepenguins@pittsburghpenguins.com with any cancellation requests.

I want to register my child at our local rink, but the Little Penguins sessions are full. What do I do?

We have waitlists for all Little Penguins programs. If you are interested in a session that is full, please register for the waitlist. We will do our best to contact participants on the waitlist should a spot become available.

I have two children. Will they be in the same session?

If you successfully registered your children for the same session, then yes. All participants will be on the ice at the same time. Coaches may split the class into groups for drills throughout the program.

What is USA Hockey and why is my child registered with them?

USA Hockey is the national governing body of ice hockey in the United States (https://www.usahockey.com/). USA Hockey provides a number of resources for the Learn to Play program, including; age-appropriate training modules and practice plans, coaching certification, background screening and insurance for all Learn to Play participants. Each Little Penguins participant receives a free USA Hockey player membership for the season in which they complete the program. Once processed, the membership confirmation email is sent directly to each participants' primary e-mail used during registration. This e-mail includes the participants USA Hockey confirmation number.

  On-Ice Sessions

How early do we need to arrive for the first on-ice session?

It is strongly recommended that participants arrive 30-60 minutes early to the first on-ice session. Please arrive in enough time to ensure that your child is able to get checked in, dressed, and on the ice on time. Please be aware that it can take longer than expected to get your child dressed, especially in the first few sessions.

My child cannot make one of the classes. What should we do?

Please make sure to let your Coach know that you will not be attending a certain class.

  Equipment

What equipment is provided or required for the Little Penguins program?

Upon registration, each participant will receive complementary head-to-toe equipment. The equipment provided includes: a helmet with cage, shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey pants, shin guards, gloves, hockey skates, a hockey stick, jersey, socks, and an equipment bag. We strongly encourage participants to purchase their own athletic supporter (jock/jill), hockey stick tape, and mouth guard. All equipment is required to be worn during on-ice sessions. Participants keep the equipment upon graduating from the Little Penguins program.

  Next Steps/Continue to Play

What is the next step after the Little Penguins Learn to Play program?

The Pittsburgh Penguins encourage all Little Penguins participants to continue playing hockey! Talk to your Coach or Rink's Hockey Director for the best next step program.

Can I register my child for multiple Little Penguins sessions?

Unfortunately, no. The Little Penguins program is offered to only new, first-time participants. Sessions are not progressive and participants may only register for one session (Fall or Winter). Host facilities/organizations will provide participants with direction on transitional, next-step programming available.

Are there any fees associated with the Little Penguins Learn to Play Program?

The program provides complementary head-to-toe equipment for your child to keep as they continue youth hockey. However, there is a participation fee associated with the program which offsets ice and coaching expenses. The participation fee may vary by facility.

Learning Communities

Through learning communities, you have a great opportunity to connect with other students who share your interests and get to know faculty.

Student Testimonial Video »

Students who participate in a learning community earn higher grades and have increased exposure to university resources and the Greater Lafayette community.

LC Introductory Video »

Over 3,000 first-year students and 1,000 current students who participate in learning communities every year! Don't be left out!

Click here to learn more »

Incoming students to Purdue for Fall 2023, can apply to a learning community starting January 18th - July 5th. April 15th is the priority application deadline to be placed in a learning community. Applications submitted or modified after April 15th will be considered based on availability following the initial placement period.

Students who apply for a Learning Community by the April 15th priority deadline will be notified of their placement status through their Purdue email account by the end of the first full week in May. 

A housing contract with University Residences must be completed prior to applying for a learning community. After accepting your offer of admission, allow up to two business days to gain access to the housing contract portal.

The DataMine application for 2023-2024 Academic Year for current Purdue students is now open. Click here to apply.