Web-Based Program Information

A Distributed Education Program

The MClSc program is a course based, graduate program and many of the required courses are delivered using a web based program called “OWL”. Courses will be comprised of several modules each of which will include resources (readings, lecture notes, etc...), and learning activities (structured discussions, scheduled teleconferences, assignments, or quizzes). An orientation on how to access and use many of the tools of Web CT will be provided during the first residency period. Students are also encouraged to review tutorials and other supporting materials (eg. manualettes) provided by Western ITS department (www.uwo.ca/its/) 

Community of Learning

“We can all learn from each other. To encourage the free and open sharing of information and ideas, we must all work together to develop a respectful and supportive environment”.

Respectful Learning Environment (Atmosphere Copyright © 2005 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)

This web-based, post professional program not only permits access to resources such as journal articles, web links and audio and videotaping of lectures, it also has a forum for interaction called “Discussions”.

Richardson P (2004) suggested that online courses may provide a greater opportunity to enhance critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills. A key to success in online learning is participation in discussion activities either asynchronous or synchronous formats. These discussion sessions promote interaction between fellow students as well as between students and faculty which are critical to establish a productive and helpful community of learning. For more information on e-learning students are encouraged to review recently published textbook.

Garrison DR & Anderson T, E-Learning in the 21st Century, New York, RoutledgeFalmer, 2003, pp. 22-32.

Hardware Requirements

Students enrolled in the MClSc program are required to have access to Computer hardware required to access the on-line courses. A list of minimal and optimal computer specifications needed to access Western’s online learning program (WebCT) is provided by the program in an introductory letter sent approximately one month prior to commencement of classes. Laptops are not required but strongly encouraged. Students can bring their laptops to the first residency period to check that it is configured in manner that with allow connection to the WebCT program via Western website. Some courses may require students to purchase additional computer accessories in order to participate in video/audio linked sessions (Eg. Webcam, headset, microphone). Configuration of home computer will be required by the student once they have returned home after the first residency period. 

Software Requirements

Viewing course materials: Course materials will be provided most often in Adobe PDF format, therefore and the latest version of Adobe Acrobat reader will need to be installed on your computer. 

Submitting Documents: Students will be required to generate and submit documents as attachments for on line submissions that are evaluated (e.g. assignments). Documents submitted for evaluation will need to be in Microsoft Office software 2003 compatible [Word, PowerPoint, or Excel files].

Types of Discussions

Asynchronous sessions: text based written communication using electronic communication that is answered by responders in their own time. Eg. E-mail. There is a compelling educational advantage of asynchronous discussion in its capacity to support reflective text-based interaction, independent of the pressures of time and the constraints of distance.
Threaded Discussion – an asynchronous text based discussion forum where students can respond to original discussion point that is usually posted by the instructor. Responses are organized by discussion topic and listed in chronological order. Used for brief commentaries, rapid responses on a topic and usually have time limits when the discussion opens and closes.

Mail – allows one to one communication between students and student and faculty, similar to e-mail. Since this mail system is limited to only faculty and students enrolled in the course, it is protected from viruses and will not include any junk mail. Students should use this tool for any social discussions or any issues unrelated to the particular discussion topic.

Synchronous sessions: allows for discussions in real time so responses are immediate. These discussion sessions need to be scheduled in advance to meet participants schedules remembering to consider differences in geographical locations and time zones.

Chat Room - text based real time discussion. Can be used for group/team meetings amongst students. This tool is not recommended for use with larger groups and will therefore be utilized to a very limited extent by courses in the MClSc program.

Teleconferences – some course instructors may elect to organize group discussions using phone systems. The timing of these conferences will be scheduled by the course facilitator at a time that is mutually convenient for all students and faculty involved.  When teleconferences are booked by the appropriate faculty member .   Information about the conference time and date and any necessary log-on details (toll free number and conference ID#) will be sent to all participants using an email-based teleconference announcement (entitled “Meet me Conference”.  Once the teleconference is announced on the course WebCT, student attendance is required.

Web based video links – using programs like WEBEX, SKYPE, or COLLABORATE students will be able to link with instructors or other students throughout the year.  Support is available from FHS instructional design specialist (Julie Whitehead) jwhiteh@uwo.ca to help students confirm they have the necessary software and hardware needed to attend these sessions and to problem solve any connection problems.

 

Western email address

All students, administrative staff, and faculty have been assigned a Western email address and password. This email address will be used throughout the program to access Western course material on WebCT. All communication from the MClSc program will be sent to the student and faculty using their Western email address. MClSc program resources will not be expended to send or provide program or course related material in any other manner (hard copies or resending to email addresses external to Western mail system). Students are responsible for checking their Western emails regularly (daily) for important information or announcements.

Student queries should be sent using Western email account to the appropriate staff or faculty member (see MClSc Contact list). Whenever possible, MClSc program administration and faculty will provide a response by the next business day. Emails received to the MClSc program administration from students using email servers external to Western email system will not be returned.

Computer Technical Support

Students lookig for general computer and web issues can contact UWO Information Technology Services (ITS). A help desk is available to all Western students 7 days a week. You can contact them by phone at 519-661-3800 or email: helpdesk@uwo.ca

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