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.
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.
- Courses are activated in Avenue to Learn 3 days prior to the course start date. Once your course is active your will see the course details, including a complete course syllabus.
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.
- Courses are activated in Avenue to Learn 3 days prior to the course start date. Once your course is active your will see the course details, including a complete course syllabus.
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.
- Courses are activated in Avenue to Learn 3 days prior to the course start date. Once your course is active your will see the course details, including a complete course syllabus.
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.
Virtual Classroom Format
- Courses offered as a virtual classroom with classes held, as per the scheduled day/time.
- Classes will be held online, using a combination of synchronous, real-time, instructor led sessions, supplemented with asynchronous activities.
- You should expect to attend class at the same time each week, although not every session will be a full 3 hours of live instruction. Rather, classes will provide learners the opportunity to apply what has been covered by your course facilitator.
Considerations for Taking a Virtual Classroom 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 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 textbook (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 (WebEx or ZOOM)
- You have access to wifi/internet access, mobile device/laptop, microphone, and headphones and/or speakers