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| June 2009 | français|
Quick Links NEWS NPPA Changes Latest Move to Enhance CHRP Designation HRPAO Introduces Experience Requirement and Assessment of Experience CCHRA represents HR profession during national talks on internal labour mobility Team from Saint John Participates at the Excalibur Tournament Successful 23rd Edition of the Excalibur Tournament ARTICLES The
Wellness Trail Thinking
of an Online Degree? Here are the Top Things to Consider. The
Bench Collusion
in the Workplace: Let Me Tell You a True Story… Businesses
need HR leadership (HR leadership during the economic downturn)
Why
Workplace Inspection Are So Important! The
Rising Stock of HR: Seven ways the HR Department can add more value
to the organization TOWES
Now Available in New Brunswick Right
Sizing & Out Placement With the Predictive Index®
Program Reducing
Absenteeism: Yes We Can Preparing
for the Challenging Interaction While Juggling Responsibilities Sales
Recruiting In Today’s Economy Despite
the Recent Economic Recession, the Reality is That Employers are
Fighting a Losing Battle in Atlantic Canada |
June 2009 Newsletter Thinking
of an Online Degree? Here are the Top Things to Consider With the growing number of universities providing online degree programs, it is increasingly important that students choose to study at an accredited institution. In Canada, accredited universities and colleges must maintain standards set forth by Provincial governments to obtain degree-granting status. “Meritus University, based in New Brunswick, Canada, has approval to offer its first three programs from the New Brunswick Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour. These programs meet the normal high standards expected of all universities in Canada, as the standards applied are uniform across the country,” says Dr. Crossley. The programs and courses offered meet the student’s personal and professional goals. Students should also closely review course catalogues to determine whether the program and courses meet the academic and professional requirements of their field as well as their overall expectations. Dr. Crossley says, “Students should seek a high quality curriculum that covers what they need to learn to prepare themselves for the positions they desire. The programs and courses offered at Meritus University have been designed with Canadian content and context in mind and with sensitivity to the needs of learners from other countries. The focus is on the education and skills sought by employers." The online classroom focuses on interaction among students and between students and faculty. There are different types of online classrooms that reflect different approaches to education. Some, following a traditional distance education model, attempt to replicate traditional in-class lecture courses, may have minimal participation requirements and often have a large number of students in the class. Others use the latest computer and Internet technologies to bring students and faculty together in real time; this requires fairly sophisticated computer equipment, software, and Internet connectivity. “Meritus classes are small – at most twenty students – and emphasize engagement with the course material and interaction among students and faculty. There are few lectures or tests and many opportunities to discuss, read, write, analyze, and problem-solve. The classroom environment allows students to participate at times convenient to them; they do not have to ‘show up’ at any particular time. In this model, if you know how to use email, a word processor, and a web browser, you have the skills needed in the online classroom,” says Dr. Crossley. Students are provided access to a comprehensive online library. The institution should provide students access to a comprehensive library of resources required to complete coursework. “The databases accessible through the online University Library at Meritus University contain thousands of scholarly journals and periodicals holding 20 million full-text articles. Meritus University students need nothing more than an Internet connection to have immediate access to a plethora of academic materials,” says Dr. Crossley. Distance learning students should not be burdened by having to travel to the nearest university or college library – which may not have the materials they require. The institution has the infrastructure in place to support remote students. Enrolling in an online degree program can be a challenging process. It is essential that the distance education provider you choose to study with has the necessary resources and the capacity to manage new enrolments and any unforeseen issues. “Meritus University assigns individual students with their own enrolment counselors and academic advisors who provide ongoing personalized support and information on course selection, finances and technology amongst other issues of concern to students,” says Dr. Crossley. The institution offers a leading technology infrastructure. Distance education students often work with classmates located around the world and in different time zones. This is one of many exciting features of the online learning model; however, this reality could pose enormous challenges for an institution that does not have the infrastructure needed to manage a geographically diverse student population. “At Meritus University, a typical student may find himself/herself in a class with individuals from around the world – Saudi Arabia, Mexico, the Cayman Islands and New Brunswick while their instructor may be in Vancouver. To ensure students have access to technical support if needed, our technical support staff is available 24/7,” says Dr. Crossley.
The quality of the faculty.
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