Distance Education
Michener offers education for health science professionals in four different distance modes. The method(s) of delivery is/are indicated in the "Media" section of each course description. More than one delivery mode indicates that the course is offered in multiple formats or combines several different formats.
 CDROM |
 Online |
 Correspondence |
 Video |
- CD-ROM - CD-ROMs allow students to access a large volume of material, including extremely detailed images and video clips, without the download speed concerns associated with Internet images. Highly portable and easily accessible, they make excellent reference resources and may include interactive assessment tools to help you test your learning. System requirements are minimal.
- Correspondence - Print-based correspondence courses include course outlines, lecture notes, self assessment quizzes and assignments. When required textbooks are not included in the course material, this is clearly indicated in the course description along with detailed information on the author, title and edition.
- Online - Michener's online courses are offered using the BlackBoard e-Learning software platform. The software is entirely web-based and doesn't require lengthy downloads or installation, although some courses use Internet plug-ins. BlackBoard enables you to access course information and assignments; e-mail your instructor and fellow students; participate in discussion forums; and link to other online resources - all using a single, intuitive interface. System requirements are minimal.
- Video - Videotapes incorporate educational material presented by content experts. Most are presented as self-study sessions and do not include evaluation or tutor support, although print materials and notes are included with some videos.
Distance Education Start Dates
Most continuing education courses offered online or through correspondence have three sessions each year (starting October 1, February 1 and June 1, respectively), and you have one year from the start date to complete the course. Videotapes, CD-ROMs and selected online continuing education courses are available throughout the year and you may begin them at your convenience.
Professional part-time programs offered through distance education may have program-specific start/end dates, pre-requisites and/or a set course order - please refer to the individual program page for details.
Tutor Support
Course and program tuition includes all tutor support and evaluation, although professional examination fees (if applicable) and some shipping/telecommunication costs are your responsibility.
In most distance courses, you will be assigned a tutor who is thoroughly familiar with the course and a content expert. Tutors provide you with academic support, instruction and encouragement as well as grading assignments, examinations and projects.
You are encouraged to communicate with your tutor by letter, telephone, fax or e-mail when you have questions about the material covered, assignments, marks, dates or extra reading. Please submit assignments directly to your tutor for marking. The tutor will provide instructions for how this should be done. Most tutors have access to fax and e-mail. For online courses, students may be asked to post assignments in a specific area of BlackBoard, Michener's educational platform. The turnaround time for assignments (mailing, marking and recording marks) is approximately four weeks.
Tutor support and evaluation is included in your tuition, and all materials sent to you by Michener or your tutor are shipped prepaid. Costs associated with submitting assignments, communicating with tutors, and professional examination fees, and communicating with tutors, where applicable, are your responsibility. Additional charges may apply to international students.
Assessment
Evaluation varies by course and program and may include individual or group assignments, examinations (on-site or web-based) and/or skills assessment.Assignments
Assignments are part of the ongoing evaluation/learning process for many courses. It's a good idea to keep a copy of your assignments, in case there are problems with its transmission/receipt.
Assignments must be word-processed, double-spaced and 12 point font. If this is not possible, please notify your tutor at the beginning of the course. Please use only one side of each sheet of paper, and include your name, assignment number and course number on each assignment.
You are required to submit all your assignments to your tutor prior to sitting the final exam. Tutors are instructed not to mark a final examination if all assignments have not been received, and you will receive a mark of zero for any assignments received after the final examination date.
Examinations
In most cases, a final examination is written upon completion of distance course work. There are no exemptions from final examinations - all students must write the exam or receive a failing grade. When you are ready to write your exam, the following applies:- Students living within 100 kilometres of Michener - exams are held at Michener and invigilators are provided
- Students living more than 100 kilometres from Michener - you may write your exam at Michener or arrange your own examination centre and invigilator as per Michener's Examination/Invigilation Policy (41k - pdf).
- Students taking on-line courses may be expected to complete the exam on-line.
- The Distance Education Administration Office will be happy to help you make these arrangements.
Supplemental examinations may only be arranged when exceptional circumstances, such as documented illness, have impaired your ability to successfully complete the course. You must submit a request in writing to the Distance Education Administration Office within four weeks of the issuance of your final grade. Additional fees may be charged depending on the time needed for re-writing and re-marking your examination.
Michener's Examination/Invigilation Policy (41k - pdf)
Michener's Supplemental Exam Policy (14k - pdf)
Grading
Distance education courses that include a final examination require students to achieve a minimum grade of 60% on each assignment and the final exam with a final course grade of at least 60%. The final grade is a weighted average of the assignments and the final examination, as detailed in the course outline.
If you are dissatisfied with your grade(s), a review of your situation may be necessary.
- Students in Certificate, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Degree/Diploma programs should refer to Michener's Academic Rules & Regulations for guidance in this matter.
- Continuing education students may submit a request for an appeal, in writing, to Student Services within one month of receiving your final grade(s). A $40 administrative fee applies, which will be refunded if your appeal is successful. You may also appeal the results of this second marking (in writing to Student Services) within one month of issuance of the revised grade. An ad hoc appeals committee will review your case and determine a final grade. This committee's decision will be final.
Course Extensions and Completion
Most courses offered by distance education allow a full year (from the date of registration) in which to complete the course. Individual course/program dates and deadlines are included in the course outline.
Should you require a change of examination date or an extension of the course completion date, please send a letter clearly stating the reason for the change/extension, along with a $30 processing fee to:
Distance Education Administration Office
The Michener Institute
222 St. Patrick Street
Toronto, ON M5T 1V4
Fax: (416) 596-1207
Michener accepts certified cheques or money orders (payable to The Michener Institute), Visa and MasterCard. You may also remit the processing fee by cash or bank debit card, in person during business hours. Please don't send cash in the mail.
Distance Education Support Services
Distance education doesn't mean you're on your own - Michener staff are happy to assist. Please help us help you, by directing your e-mail/phone call to the appropriate area.
BlackBoard Support
For help with the BlackBoard online learning platform:
Monday to Friday 0800 to 2100h
Weekends 0900 to 1700h
bbsupport@michener.ca
Urgent Issues and BlackBoard FAQs
Student Services
For help with registration, payments and receipts:
Monday to Friday 0800 to 1700h
Call (416) 596-3117
Toll Free 1-800-387-9066
info@michener.ca
Distance Education Administration Office
For help with BlackBoard password and account changes and all other administrative matters:
Monday to Friday 0800 to 1600h
Call (416) 596-3101 x3061
Toll Free 1-800-387-9066 x3061
de@michener.ca
Learning Resource Centre - Distance Education Students
Your Guide to Distance Education at Michener (188k - pdf)
BlackBoard Learning Platform
