Welcome and Introduction
Welcome to the Graduate Diploma in Climate Action Leadership (GDCAL) and the Master of Arts in Climate Action (MACAL) programs. This course is called Connections and it will be your first step of your journey. We look forward to working with you and learning from you as you move through the one-year GDCAL or the two-year MACAL program.
The GDCAL and MACAL both take place in the Learning Management system called Moodle. We also use Zoom conferencing software for synchronous sessions, and BC Pressbooks for access to both Creative Commons (open) learning resources, and as a site for building your program professional portfolio. To set you up for success in your graduate program, the following three online experiences are required prior to beginning your first course:
- Connections – This is where you are now, your first step. It is your opportunity to gain some understanding about the program, the university, and each other, prior to starting your first course.
- The LaunchPad – you should have already have done this but if not dive in – it’s an online experience intended to provide you with a deeper understanding of the resources, services, and opportunities available to you at RRU. It is located in Moodle for registered students and can be accessed via the Toolkit tab at the top right of this site.
- Academic Integrity – this online experience is intended to help you understand the principles of academic integrity as you adhere to them in the work you do as a graduate student. You will be sent a Welcome email with information about course dates and requirements.
Connections – Digital Skills for Open Learning & Graduate Studies
Connections is the first step on your journey through your Climate Action Leadership program. Our goal is for you to gain some understanding about the program, the university, and each other, prior to starting your first course.
As above, this Moodle shell, which is used for both the GDCAL and MACAL programs, is where the course schedule, readings, activities and other course resources are located. The Moodle shell is also where you will upload your assignments and receive feedback and grades. You may also use the Moodle discussion forums in some courses in the program.
It is our expectation that you will complete all activities in Connections according to the dates set out in the schedule. You must complete Connections prior to starting your first course.
To access Week 1 and Week 2 content, scroll to the top and click the down arrow next to Schedule.
Quick link to the Schedule.
Your online hosts are listed below. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask by emailing the program office or using the Ask Us Anything Program Office Q & A Forum in the Moodle shell for the course. Chances are several others have a similar question so we invite you to post so that everyone can benefit from the response.
You can contact:
SES Program Office – Angela Howlett and Mariana Costa
Dr. Robin Cox, MACAL Program Head
MACAL/DipCAL Connections is shared under Creative Commons Licensing in the hopes you will use, remix, and share relevant aspects just as it is a remix of the LINK offered by the MALAT/DipLAT program at RRU. However, when you make modifications and changes to the content, please attribute the original ownership of the materials. MACAL Connections is a remix of THE LINK and is attributed to: The Link, Dr. Jo Axe, and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International license.