The Human Resources Program offers courses in four different learning formats (in-person, blended, online and online-self-study).  It is important that you consider the learning format and its suitability for you in order to ensure that you have a successful learning experience. 

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In-Person Format

• Courses meet one time per week for three hours and run for 12-13 weeks.
• Class size ranges from 13 to 50 students.
• You should expect to allocate at least three hours per week for reading, study and assignments, in addition to class time.
• Courses are held at McMaster’s downtown location, One James St. North, Hamilton, unless otherwise indicated.
• You should attend all classes as the classroom work represents a significant part of the learning experience.

Considerations for Taking an In-Person Course

• Your schedule allows you to attend class at the same time each week.
• You prefer interacting with your peers and feeling part of a classroom environment.
• You prefer weekly feedback from an instructor.
• You occasionally need reminders and reinforcements to get your studying done.
• You prefer the instructor explain the readings and the assignments. 

Blended Format

• Teaching methods include weekly readings, facilitated discussion boards,  group and individual projects, assignments and quizzes
• You will be interacting with your classmates and your instructor each week online. You will also meet in-person 3 or 4 times throughout the term. Those sessions will take place at McMaster Continuing Education on a weekly evening for 2 hours. During those in-person sessions, you will apply the content to real-life situations, discussion upcoming assignments, etc
• You should expect to allocate approximately six to eight hours per week to complete your work but you don’t need to log on at a specific time.
• A pre-course email with information on the course, course materials, etc. will be sent approximately 7 days before the course start date.  
• Courses are made “live” in A2L 3 days prior to course start date

Considerations for Taking a Blended Course

• You are good at keeping yourself on task to complete a project. You are comfortable asking for clarification when needed and expressing yourself in written form through email or a discussion board.
• You are able to read the material (and the assignments) on your own and understand the concepts.
• You are able to work independently, but you like to interact with others and have the opportunity to touch base in-person with your instructor and your class to make sure you are on track.
• You have a quiet place to complete your work.
• You are comfortable using technology. 

Online Format

• Teaching methods include weekly readings, facilitated discussion boards, videos, narrated PowerPoint slides, group and individual projects, assignments.  
• You will be interacting with your classmates and your instructor each week.
• You should expect to allocate approximately six to eight hours per week to complete your work but you don’t need to log on at a specific time.
• A pre-course email with information on the course, course materials, etc. will be sent approximately 7 days before the course start date.  
• Courses are made “live” in A2L 3 days prior to course start date.
• Final examinations are in-person proctored exams. Review course description to see if your course has a final exam. Students have the option of writing at McMaster University or at a university or college in their area.  Students are responsible for any proctoring/mailing fees that the offsite testing centre may charge.

Considerations for Taking an Online Course

• You are good at keeping yourself on task to complete a project.You are comfortable asking for clarification when needed and expressing yourself in written form through email or a discussion board.
• You are able to read the assigned readings (and the assignments) on your own and understand the concepts.
• You are able to work independently.
• You have a quiet place to complete your work.
• You are comfortable using technology. 
• View online learning video

Online (Self-Study) Format

• Courses are designed for you to work through and learn the course material on your own.  
• You have access to a tutor to support your learning as required. The tutor marks all assignments and provides feedback where needed.
• Deadlines are provided for completion of the course and for each assignment; however you may complete the courses at a faster pace, if you wish
• Courses are made “live” in A2L 3 days prior to start date of the course.  
• A pre-course email with information on the course, course materials, etc. will be sent approximately 7 days before the course start date.

Considerations for Online (Self-Study)

• You are able to work independently.
• You can keep yourself on task to complete a project.
• You are able to learn without peer discussions or weekly feedback from an instructor.
• You are able to commit to five to ten hours per week per course for course readings, exercises, case studies, assignments, etc.
• You are able to read the textbook (and the assignments) on your own and work through the concepts.
• You are comfortable asking for clarification when needed and expressing yourself in written form through email.
• You have a quiet place to complete your work.You are comfortable using technology.