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ATHABASCA

UNIVERSITY

About Athabasca University in general:

Athabasca University was established by Order in Council of the Government of Alberta on June 25, 1970. Originally conceived as a traditional campus-based institution, AU changed course in 1972 through a pilot project to test the concept of an open, distance university. Then it keeps with its mandate to explore new ways of delivering post-secondary education to students anywhere, any time, AU pioneered the use of computers to deliver online courses. Today, AU is one of the worlds foremost and fastest growing online and distance education institutions, serving over 37,000 students worldwide.

AU offers over 700 courses in more than 90 undergraduate and graduate programs in a range of arts, science and professional disciplines.

Regulations & Modes:

According to the university regulations students could get inroled by by one of the following modes:

1- Study as an Individual:

Individualized study may take the form of:

(Print-based courses)

Receive your course materials by mail at your home or workplace. Any Web-based, online components of your course are optional.

(Online web-based courses)

These courses are Web-based and delivered online. Access your course materials online and receive the print course materials package by mail. You require access to a computer and your own Internet connection. You should refer to the suggested minimum computer requirements.

2- Study as part of a Group:

Grouped study may take the form of:

(Classroom setting at a collaborating institution or learning centre)

Grouped study students typically attend courses in a classroom. Courses are delivered within a designated time period at collaborating institutions. However, teleconferencing and videoconferencing may allow you to attend grouped study at a distance.

(Web-based, online environment)

You study with group in a Web-based, online environment. Receive a print course materials package by mail. Course materials are augmented by online group discussions and learning activities.

Delivery Methods:

(Media online activities - Print materials - Web - E-mail - Internet - CD-Rom - computer software - audio/video conferencing - audio/video tapes - TV or radio)

Any particular course might use a combination of delivery methods. If you register for an online course, you will need access to a computer with an Internet connection.

Policy:

As an AU distance education student, you can:

• Work from anywhere, such as your home or workplace.
• Work at your own pace, on a schedule that suits your individual needs.
• Register for a single course or enrol in an undergraduate or graduate degree, diploma or certificate program.

Courses or programs may use one or more delivery modes to instruct you in your studies. You may select the method you prefer. Course instruction centers on a course materials package, developed by a team of subject matter experts. Start dates depend on the institution and/or course and course length differs for funded students.

Support:

As an AU student, you will benefit from an extensive network of student services including access to one-on-one support from faculty members, academic advisors, counsellors, tutors, help-desk personnel and other support staff who will, together, provide you with information, advice, and service.

A range of individualized accommodations and support services are available to students with physical, sensory, psychological or learning disabilities.

AU is also committed to facilitating student research and supports students in their research activities through an endowment for scholarships and funding for special research projects.

Costs:

AU course fees include the cost of books and most other learning materials, and you can pay as you go: one course at a time, or more - whatever is best for you.The greatest cost associated with getting a degree from a conventional university lies not in the cost of the education itself but in lost income from taking time off work and the expense of living away from home for several years.

My comment:

I have entered a sample course “Introduction to the History of Canada” to take the experience of taking course in this university and I liked many things about it. For example: when you start you will be supplied with an overview of the course, the outline of the course, evaluation criteria , course materials and whether you need any prerequisites in both theoretical or technical side of the course.

And on top of that first of all you can choose the way you like to learn and the methods you suggest and you choose the tutor you prefer. Then you can visit the web site designed for the course which is supported with all media, outlines, files, materials, links and support according to your choice of learning style.