What is Vancouver Island University?
Vancouver Island University is a publicly-funded and accredited Canadian University with its main campus in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island (viu.ca). Vancouver Island University (formerly Malaspina University-College) has been in existence since 1969 and offers both vocational and credit degree programs in a wide variety of disciplines.
Do I need to sign up for all the courses in the program, or can I just take specific courses?
You can take one or many courses in the program. Each course you successfully complete moves you a step closer to obtaining a certificate.
In what order should I take the courses?
It's probably a good idea to start with Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel first. However, it's up to you, with the caveat that you must complete Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, and Microsoft Powerpoint before taking the Microsoft Office Integration course.
What texts or course materials do I need to buy?
You will need access to Microsoft® Office® 2007 or 2010 software. For the face-to-face classes, manuals are included and will be distributed to you on the first day of class. For the online classes, you can access all of the course materials in the online classroom.
What software do I need to buy?
You will need to have access to Microsoft® Office® 2007 or 2010 software in order to complete this program. Click here for details regarding the version of MS® Office required for each course in the MOST program. Click here for information on special student pricing available to you as a registered student in this program.
You do need to be aware of the computer and system requirements outlined under Technical Requirements.
What is the workload like?
The workload varies depending on the course you are taking (as well as the skills you are bringing to that course). On average, in the part-time program you can count on a commitment of about 4-5 hours per week per course (3 hours in the classroom or online, 1-2 hours outside of class for reading and assignments). In the full-time, compressed program, you can count on about 30 hours per week for reading, practice, and assignments).
How long do I have to complete the program?
You have 18 months to complete this program.
How was this program developed?
The MOST Program was initiated back in the Fall of 2001 to grant recognition to students completing a comprehensive array of Microsoft Office courses through Continuing Education.
Since then, the MOST program has been continually reviewed and enhanced to keep up with the ever-progressing versions of Microsoft Office.
Vancouver Island University''s MOST certificate program is now training on Microsoft Office 2007 and 2010, and is entering its 10th year of operation, meeting the needs of students and the job market in training students on the basics of Microsoft Office software.
How does our program compare to other similar programs?
Our program is similar in scope to programs offered at other public post-secondary institutions. A key advantage of our program is the flexibility it offers through its completely online format. Click here for some links to some other programs.
How can I get credit for previous education and experience?
We have a formalized Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process, which was set up to allow us to recognize and place students appropriately based
on their prior learning and experience. Link here for more information.
What is the online learning environment like?
For anyone not already familiar with Moodle® technology (the software used for your online courses), it is recommended that you access the Free Online Learners Course (link here for course access instructions). This orientation course includes sample tutorials, quizzes, assignments, readings, and discussions related to File Management (for Windows® XP®), to help you familiarize yourself with the way in which the online Moodle classroom works. You can also access this orientation and learn about our online learning environment free of charge, without registering for a course.
Interaction with the instructor and other students is done via an email-based online discussion group, where students and the instructor can read each others' email postings and responsd. You are also able to send private emails from within the online classroom. The Moodle Learning Management System (LMS) also enables students to upload completed assignments, complete interactive quizzes, and link to online web resources related to the course topic.
Do I have to log into the online classroom at a specific time or on a specific date?
There is no specific time that you need to be online in order to complete the online course. When you go online is completely up to you, to provide you with maximum flexibility. Lessons are released weekly, and assignments are normally due on Sunday nights so that you have the weekend to complete your assignments.
Will I receive any documentation indicating that I successfully completed individual courses in the program?
Yes, you will receive a Letter of Attendance (via regular post) when you successfully complete each course in the program. This Letter of Attendance will indicate the grade that you received in the course.
How do I get my certificate upon program completion?
Since this program is part-time and students may complete the program at various times, you will need to submit a request for your Certificate once you have successfully completed the required courses in this program. Link here for the Certificate Request Form.