Translation guide
A course of study completed remotely, typically via mail or online, without attending in-person classes.
correspondence course
General term; use 通信講座 for specific skill courses, オンライン講座 for online courses.
A course where materials are sent and assignments submitted by mail or online, often for academic or vocational study.
The most common and general term for correspondence education, covering everything from school courses to hobby classes.
She got a qualification through a correspondence course.
Often used for specific, structured courses, especially commercial or skill-based ones.
This correspondence course is for beginners.
Refers to the correspondence system or method, often used for schools or programs.
I graduated from a correspondence high school.
A degree program offered by a university where students study remotely.
A course conducted entirely over the internet, often with video lectures and interactive elements.
The standard term for online courses, widely understood.
I studied programming through an online course.
Often used in corporate or formal educational settings for electronic learning.
I learned about compliance through the company's e-learning.
通信教育 is the broadest term for any correspondence education. 通信講座 implies a structured, often commercial course. オンライン講座 specifically means an online course, which may or may not be part of a formal correspondence program.
The English phrase 'correspondence course' can sound old-fashioned. In Japanese, 通信教育 is still current, but for modern internet-based courses, オンライン講座 is more natural.
The Open University of Japan, which offers courses via TV, radio, and online.
I'm taking courses at the Open University of Japan.