* Formal education: A structured program of study offered by an educational institution (school, college, university) leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree. These often have specific curriculum, assessments, and instructors.
* Informal education: A series of lessons or workshops on a particular topic, not necessarily leading to a formal qualification. This could be a cooking class, a weekend seminar, or online tutorials.
* Self-directed learning: A course of study chosen and undertaken by an individual, often using online resources or books.
In all cases, a course aims to teach or improve skills, knowledge, or understanding in a particular area. The key components often include:
* Objectives: Clear learning goals.
* Content: Materials covered (lectures, readings, assignments).
* Activities: Tasks and exercises for learners to engage with the content.
* Assessment: Methods to evaluate learning (tests, projects, presentations).
Therefore, a "course" isn't just a single lesson, but a planned and structured pathway of learning.