Courses

Course Offerings by Mode of Delivery

1. Individualized Study
2. Grouped Study

Students receive a course package of print and other media (e.g., textbooks, study guides, audiotapes, videotapes, CD-ROM, diskettes and more). In addition, students are expected to use computer-mediated communications for the following purposes:

• instructor and student-to-student interaction in computer conferences
• electronic mail, both within and outside of the course structure
• file transfer or file attachment of assignments
• feedback between instructor and students or between students on joint projects, and
• accessing electronic databases (for example, our library search) and web resources
• accessing course material that is provided in an online format.

*Note: the maximum number of courses a student may take per semester is two; any more than that will require special approval from the MA-IS Office.

**Note: Students should review the course extension and course withdrawal policies.

Grouped Study Overview

In grouped-study courses, learners work through course materials as a cohort. Individual learning is supplemented with participation in group learning exercises and group discussions. Moodle forums are used to enhance print-based course materials. Typically students have an opportunity to work with and discuss course-related material with their peers over the course of a week.

Grouped-study courses are subject to the Program's computer requirements policy.

Individualized Study Overview

Individualized study courses begin on the first day of every month. Course registration form and fees must be received by the MA-IS Office at least one month in advance of your intended start date.

Individualized study courses comprise a self-directed learning environment. Typically, learners are required to:

• follow a outline provided in a Study Guide
• schedule study time to achieve course objectives and complete assignments
• prepare for and complete assignments on time

Course materials may include:

• textbooks
• workbooks
• audio and videotapes
• computing resources
• project kits
• study guides
• manuals
• computer conferencing information.

Students communicate with their instructor via e-mail, and assignments are submitted via the internet. Computer conferencing may be used to enhance print-based course materials; therefore, learners must have access to a computer that meets the University's prescribed standard computer requirements. It is imperative that students have regular and reliable internet access because instructional support is primarily by e-mail.

Always consider availability when selecting courses: some courses are not always available, nor are some instructors. There may be instances when an instructor is unavailable for several weeks during a six-month period (research and study leave, for example). Normally students can work without direct supervision during these periods, but students who find their learning negatively impacted by such absences should contact the MA-IS Office to have their course-contract extended. Should course-related questions arise during an instructor's absence, students should contact the MA-IS Office for assistance.

Courses available for individualized study begin on the first day of every month, on a year-round basis. Registrations for individualized study courses must be received by the MA-IS Office at least one month prior to the course start date. The course-contract period for individualized study courses is six months.