Translation guide
A course of study completed remotely, typically via mail or online, without attending in-person classes.
通信教育
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.
彼女は通信教育で資格を取った。
She got a qualification through a correspondence course.
Often used for specific, structured courses, especially commercial or skill-based ones.
この通信講座は初心者向けです。
This correspondence course is for beginners.
Refers to the correspondence system or method, often used for schools or programs.
通信制の高校を卒業した。
I graduated from a correspondence high school.
A degree program offered by a university where students study remotely.
A university that offers degrees through correspondence or online learning.
通信制大学で心理学を学んでいます。
I'm studying psychology at a correspondence university.
The Open University of Japan, which offers courses via TV, radio, and online.
放送大学の科目を履修している。
I'm taking courses at the Open University of Japan.
A course conducted entirely over the internet, often with video lectures and interactive elements.
The standard term for online courses, widely understood.
オンライン講座でプログラミングを勉強した。
I studied programming through an online course.
Often used in corporate or formal educational settings for electronic learning.
会社のeラーニングでコンプライアンスを学んだ。
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.