Online Learning
Online courses do not require students to be online at a set time or day. Students can access the system 24/7, so lessons can be completed around work and family schedules. It is important to know, however, that online courses require the same or greater amount of study time as an on-campus course.
In general, online courses require 10 to 15 hours per week per course of time to review the theoretical course material and complete assignments. You need to consider how you will balance work, family, social, and academic responsibilities, and how much of your time you can realistically devote to studying.
Students report that they are most successful if time is negotiated with their employer, such as:
a) taking the time off when classes and assignments are scheduled, and/or
b) having at least two to four days off each week for academic study in addition to class time.
Regular classes will not be held on statutory holidays or weekends. During these times, the online learning system will not be monitored by faculty and staff. For additional breaks and holidays, please refer to the School of Graduate Studies calendar here.
Preparation and Information
All the online courses revolve the usage of the Blackboard Academic Suite; it is vital that on-line students actively participate in discussions and monitor the site on a regular basis, as this will be the hub of communications between students and faculty
- Blackboard Academic Suite will contain the following:
a) Course outlines
b) Evaluation methods
c) Expected learning outcomes
d) Case studies
e) Important references and links
f) Discussion groups
Instruction on how to access the Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing website and blackboard will be given during the first residency. It is also important to have a computer system that meets the requirements of the online learning system.
Students will be provided with a document entitled "How to choose a computer" prior to starting the program. This will assist you in assessing your computer's capabilities against what will be needed to access the web site with ease. Below are minimum requirements to help you decide whether your computer is adequate:
Computer Requirements - Hardware
It is recommended that you have the equivalent of a Pentium-quality personal computer; a modem with a minimum of 56 kps; sound and graphics capability; and a CD-ROM drive.
Computer Requirements - Software
Microsoft Word or WordPerfect for word processing; Adobe Acrobat Reader for opening Internet files (See http://www.adobe.com to download for free).
An account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) with at least Internet Explorer 5.5, 6.0, or Netscape 7.1 with a screen resolution of 1024*768 pixels. Both cookies and JavaScript must be enabled in these browsers. Students are eligible for an e-mail account and discounts on Internet connection software through the U of T Information Commons: http://www.utoronto.ca/ic/.
**Please Note:
Although this program is entirely based on online teaching and learning, students are required to attend the 2 on campus residency periods, which are 4-5 days in length each.You are required to complete 700 clinical hours within the 3 clinical courses (1101/2H, 1109Y and 1110Y).