Application of Online Learning

We hope to run this course again in autumn 2009 (to be confirmed)

[Background] [Aims of the course] [What the course offers] [Who should do the course] [Course structure and content] [How is the course assessed] [What past participants say] [Participant commitment and requirements] [Fees] [Further Information]

Background

As more and more organisations provide online or blended learning opportunities through virtual learning environments there is a greater need for teaching staff to have the skills, knowledge and confidence required in delivering and supporting online learning.

NIACE began delivering staff development training online in 2006. Our courses have proved very popular with participants from all sectors including:

• work-based learning
• adult and community learning
• further education
• offender learning and skills
• voluntary and community organisations

The participants feel they have really benefited from the combination of collaborative group work and self study.

Aims of the course

The course provides participants with the skills, knowledge and confidence required to create their own online learning courses, through practical experience of learning
online and being part of a supportive online community.

What the course offers

• High-quality purpose written course materials, which introduce and guide participants through the principles of online learning
• Support from experienced online facilitators and collaborative working in small tutorial groups
• National Open College Network accreditation at level 3. Participants will complete 3 NOCN units worth 3 credits each

Who should do the course

The course has been structured to allow for the varying needs of people employed in the education sector, whether managers, teachers, facilitators or support staff.
The ability to choose an optional module allows participants to personalise the course according to their needs.

Course content and structure

The course aims to provide participants with the opportunity to explore the potential of online learning and consider how it might be incorporated into their learning provision. It encourages a reflective approach and will contribute towards participants’ Continuing Professional Development.

The programme is delivered through the NIACE Moodle learning platform and consists of an online induction and five modules. Modules 1 and 5 are compulsory and participants choose one optional module from modules 2, 3, and 4, completing three modules overall.

Introduction

Introduces participants to the Application of Online Learning course and provides them with the opportunity to practise using Moodle.

Length: 2-3 hours

Module 1: Understand e-learning (introductory module)

Explores the pedagogy and principles of e-learning and online learning.

Module aims: The module aims to define terminology relating to online learning, examine basic principles of e-learning and e-learning pedagogy, discuss the benefits and disadvantages of e-learning and online learning and explore methods of incorporating e-learning into the participants’ organisation or curriculum area.

Length: 12 hours plus additional independent study time over 4 weeks

Module 2: Widening participation and e-learning

Explores widening participation by incorporating e-learning and online learning into participants’ delivery, and associated issues such as accessibility and outreach  provision. Module aims: The module aims to provide information about what ‘widening participation’ means, identify who ‘hard-to-reach learners’ are, explore existing practice in widening participation with e-learning and provide information about the use and benefits of e-learning for widening participation.

Length: 12 hours plus additional independent study time over 4 weeks.

Module 3: Developing online programmes

Explores the conversion of face-to-face courses to blended/online courses, useful software, and support mechanisms. Module aims: The module aims to provide an introduction to developing online materials, offer guidelines on instructional design for online learning and discuss some of the issues that may affect the success or  failure of online learning materials.

Length: 12 hours plus additional independent study time over 4 weeks.

Module 4: Personalised online support

Explores effective online learner support, the role of online facilitation, the use of communication tools and how to manage an online community.

Module aims: The module aims to provide information about the role of an online facilitator, advise on technical support for online tutors and learners, give an
understanding of how online learning can support individual learners’ needs, explore online communication tools and give an understanding of the structure and
management of an online community.

Length: 12 hours plus additional independent study time over 4 weeks.

Module 5: Evaluation and assessment of online learning

Explores a range of evaluation methodology for face-to-face, blended and online courses, and provides the opportunity to evaluate the participants’ own  blended/online learning experience. Module aims: The module aims to explore assessment methods including online assessment, examine ways of evaluating
a learning experience, enable participants to appreciate how reflective practice can contribute to personal development, allow participants to review their experiences of completing an online course within continuing professional development and enable them to create an action plan for moving forward with online learning within
their professional practice.

Length: 12 hours plus additional independent study time over 4 weeks.

How is the course assessed?

Assessment is through a series of assessment activities, which consist of written assignments, participation in collaborative activities and reflective journal entries.

What past participants say

"It has opened my eyes as to how well an online course can be run and I am looking forward to trying my hand at this."

"Content of the course is excellent in giving a good grounding in understanding e-learning and how and why it is developed."

"I have learned so much during this course, not only about the application of online learning but also about myself and how I learn and about technical skills which I
previously did not have."

"The facilitators were second to none. Great support and encouragement provided throughout the duration of the course."

"My confidence has increased and I feel the course has inspired me more to pursue delivering on-line within my own courses."

Participant commitment and requirements

To gain the maximum benefit from these courses, participants will need:

• Access to an internet-connected computer and an individual email address
• Experience of using the web, email, Windows® applications and office-based products such as word processing and presentation software
• Personal commitment to follow and complete an online learning course and adequate study time - participants can expect to spend five or six hours a week participating in collaborative activities and on independent study

Minimum technical specifications

Ideally, the computer you are using should have the following minimum specification and facilities:

• Intel Pentium 100 processor or above
• 1 Gb hard drive
• 64Mb RAM
• 56K+ modem or equivalent (broadband is preferable)
• Reliable access to the internet
• Internet Explorer 5 or above or equivalent
• Windows 98 or above or equivalent operating system
• Headphones/speakers
• Email account
• Word processor software
• Presentation software
• Up-to-date antivirus software and firewall
• Adobe Reader (free download)
• Adobe Flash plug-in
• Anti-spam software (useful)
• Printer (useful)

Fees

tbc

Further information

For information on start dates or to register your interest for this or any of the other online delivery courses that NIACE offers, contact: Raksha Kanani [Raksha.kanani@niace.org.uk]

For further information regarding course content, please contact: Sue Charlish [susan.charlish@niace.org.uk]