1 – How long will it take to complete all the courses in the program?
The training program which consists of five courses, each one lasting 45 hours, can be completed in under 18 months, on a part-time basis.
2 – In which languages can I follow the training?
Courses are given in English and French.
3 – Are there academic credits associated with each course?
Not at the present time. The School of Physical and Occupational Therapy of McGill University is currently drafting a proposal which would institute a post-graduate certificate. We expect an answer from the University in 2004.
Please note that, in the event that McGill agrees to offer academic credits for this program, it will not be possible for the student having successfully completed one or more “uncredited” program courses to retroactively receive credits for these same courses. However, the student will receive one or more certificates of completion, as described in the “Certificate of Completion” section. Moreover, only the student who meets all the admission requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and research of McGill University will be admitted to this training program. For example, the occupational therapist having successfully completed all five program courses could be awarded a a post-graduate certificate.
IMPORTANT: Please note that it is presently impossible for us to guarantee approval of the “credited” version of this program by McGill University officials within the prescribed time-frame.
4 – How does an online course work?
Participation in online courses is primarily asynchronous. Course contents can be accessed at any time, from anywhere on the planet. The course’s methodology is similar to other seminar-type classes, wherein the student evolves in a learning process attuned to his/her own pace, working independently while reading, analyzing, questioning, researching and reflecting, as is normally the case in a traditional learning context. The course is designed to facilitate a maximal interchange of ideas and a rich, interactive dialogue among professionals. All useful information will be available on the website in various guises: scientific content, audio-visual documents, hypertext links, case studies, tests and more.
The highly qualified instructor, whose expertise in driving ability screening, assessment and rehabilitation is recognized in his/her field, will conduct the pedagogy and manage the class. Each student will be asked to:
a. converse with peers and the instructor;
b. take part in discussions;
c. ask questions and offer answers;
d. become familiar with research papers.
5 – Do I have to be connected to the Internet at a specific time?
No, for the most part. Since the courses are asynchronous, you don’t have to be connected to the Internet at the same time as the instructor or other students. You carry out your work autonomously.
You will only be asked to connect at a specific time in the event that the instructor organizes a chat session. In that case, it would be possible to address questions or comments to the instructor, who is able to field them in real-time.
In the case of group assignments, it will also be possible to work synchronously, if this method is more appropriate for you. Furthermore, each student must advance through the course within a time frame recommended by the instructor. Advancing at the same rate as other students will better foster a lively exchange of ideas and a communal spirit as well as facilitate the realization of group assignments.
6 – What type of computer system do I need?
You will need a personal computer with Internet access and a web browser (Netscape 4.x or later / Internet Explorer 4.x or later). Though recommended, a high speed Internet connection is not mandatory. The technology behind this course enables the rapid transmission of content to a basic computer system.
7 – Is there a way to discuss specific topics with other students?
Yes. Group discussions will resemble the “round table or forum” format, in which you have access to all previous messages posted by the other students or the instructor, and where you can post a comment, question or message at any time to keep the discussion going.
8 – Can I contact the instructor privately?
Yes. The instructor will supply an email address at which he/she can be reached at all times. Telephone hours will also be specified at the beginning of the course.
9 – Is class attendance required?
No class or workshop attendance is required for courses 1 and 2, which are given entirely online. Attendance in a clinical context will be required in courses 3, 4 and 5.
Courses 3, 4 and 5 each include an intensive workshop, given over two to five consecutive days. Workshops to courses 3, 4 and 5 will be offered at the CLRC (Constance-Lethbridge Rehabilitation Centre) in Montréal or another specialized centre (if warranted by a significant amount of enrollments from students living in regional communities).
10 – How long does a course last?
All five courses have an equivalent duration of 45 hours of training. Courses 1 and 2 are spread over 13 weeks. Courses 3, 4 and 5 will be given partially online (around 10, 20 and 30 hours respectively). Online training will be supplemented by workshops in a clinical environment (condensed) with real users. In those cases, the course duration will be significantly shorter.
11 – How many hours a week will a course require?
The time required to read, analyze, study, write and carry out research will depend on the student’s commitment, time management and overall motivation. The amount of time spent on a course will therefore fluctuate from student to student. Nevertheless, an average of nine hours work per week is expected, time enough to become familiar with the materials, engage in class discussions, complete assignments and read the supplementary texts.
12 – Can I obtain a course extension?
Yes. A course extension is possible with the instructor’s permission. In some cases, an extension might prevent the student from registering for the next course in the training sequence.
13 – What if illness or a serious problem prevents me from working on my course for several weeks?
In this case, the instructor should be notified and provided with a doctor’s certificate. If the illness or problem interferes with the completion of the course within the prescribed time-frame, the student should request that this course be marked “Incomplete” on the transcript. Possible arrangements can be discussed with the program coordinator.
14 – Can I repeat a course?
Yes. However, repeating a course requires reregistration. Administrative and registration fees must also be repaid.
15 – How do I submit course assignments?
The instructor will guide each student as to his/her preferred transmission method : email, electronic bulletin board posting (BBS), fax or postal (snail) mail.
16 – When should assignments be submitted?
The instructor will inform each student as to the due dates of assignments. The student should consult the online calendar on a regular basis, in order to become aware of important postings relevant to assignments.
17 – How do I apply for admission?
Just follow the procedure explained at the REGISTRATION section.
18 – What should I do once I have been admitted to a course?
The program coordinator will contact each student informing them of their successful admission and the course starting date.
Each student will be assigned an access code and password giving him/her access to the website for the relevant course, which contains all the necessary information: the course outline and syllabus, the learning objectives and pedagogical organization, the schedule as well as the assignments for each unit.
19 – How can I address a question to the instructor regarding my course?
You should first try to reach the instructor by email. Another useful person to contact would be the program coordinator, at the following email: andre.lessard@mcgill.ca.
20 – How do the exercises work?
The exercises are predominantly practical in nature and can be developed and submitted for evaluation via email. Workshops will be evaluated with different methods of evaluation.
21 – What happens if I am unable to take an exam due to illness or a professional scheduling conflict?
You need the instructor’s permission to take the exam at a later date. Permission is only granted in the case of an emergency. In the latter case, a doctor’s medical certificate is required.
22 – How do I retake an exam?
First of all, the instructor’s permission is required before retaking an exam. Permission will only be granted in extreme cases. Subsequently, the instructor will fully inform the student of administrative and technical details relative to the exam.
23 – What if I want to drop my course and fail to inform the program director before the course drop deadline?
The final grade of “F” will appear on the course transcript and no tuition refund will be possible.
24 – What type of administrative document will I receive on successful completion of one or more courses?
A certificate of completion will be granted by the School of Physical and Occupational Therapy of McGill University for each course successfully completed with a final grade of B – (65%) or higher. (See the “Certificate of Completion” section).
25 – What if I find that my course does not suit my needs and I wish to withdraw?
Any request to withdraw from a course must be made in writing by submitting an electronic form to the program director. An official withdrawal from a course will result in a grade of “W” on the transcript. If an individual stops attending a course without officially withdrawing, he/she will receive the grade of “F”. The registration form contains information regarding withdrawal policies.
26 – Can I receive a refund if I cancel or withdraw from a course?
Yes. Tuition refunds are provided as long as the student officially withdraws before the drop/withdraw deadline. The registration form contains information regarding withdrawal policies.
