Delivery Mode

MSc IS courses will be delivered via online grouped study using distance education instructional design principles and enabling Web based technologies:

• Some course materials - textbook(s), CD-ROM, etc. - are sent through the mail.
• Other course materials - study guides, assignments, links to online resources, etc. - are made available through the SCIS servers.
• Courses may have required online components.
• Students work their way through the learning materials and complete assignments at their own pace, and communicate with the instructor, the university, or with other students through the internet.
• Students have access to an instructor, who may be contacted by e-mail. The instructor gives subject matter assistance and discusses scholarly issues, marks assignments, provides feedback, and helps prepare for examinations.
• Concluding examinations (where applicable) can be taken at many post-secondary institutions across Canada and overseas.
• Students are expected to use computer-mediated communications for the following purposes:
  • instructor and student-to-student interactions in computer conferences;
  • electronic mail, both within and outside of the course structure;
  • file transfer or file attachment of assignments and feedback between instructor and students and between students on joint projects;
  • accessing Web-based resources such as electronic databases (the AU library maintains subscriptions to ACM and IEEE digital libraries).

Online Grouped Study

A mode of learning involving online study as part of a group, with specific start and end dates. Synchronous communication requirements are generally more central to the learning process than in individualized study courses. In the MSc IS program this delivery mode will be used primarily for courses which have elements of professional practice requiring that students work in various group configurations to complete assignments.

Online grouped study courses in the MSc IS program will be offered during three sessions each year. Refer to Academics Schedule for each session start date. All course work should be completed during the semester periods. Extensions to these timelines may be granted if circumstances warrant.

Online grouped study delivery has the following characteristics:

• Students work with fellow students and instructors on a 13-week timetable.
• Sessions start three times each year: September, January, or April/May.
• Exams, where applicable, are written in the last scheduled week of classes.

Student & Academic Services - Last Updated April 05, 2011