Getting Started 'Online' Module

Abstract:

This is an elearning package focussing upon introducing students to online learning. The module will be available for use by EHU and partners, with design blueprints and principles available for use by sector.

This package will prepare students for online learning and orientation to elearning, rather than the specific academic skills needed to study that are covered in the Springboard module. It is felt that students will benefit from an introductory and familiarisation experience before they are expected to engage in detailed interactive learning technologies.

Baab (1999) highlights that online learning may be the only option for some students, and they may not be the motivated, organised, autonomous students who can handle the online experience well:

"For now, especially in our community colleges, we must be prepared to teach students whose skills leave something to be desired. We must commit time and energy to preparing them for a successful online learning experience." (Best practices in delivering, supporting and managing online learning)

Following their study at Oscail (National distance Education Centre – Ireland), Lorenzi et al (2004) highlight that:

"regardless of discipline, the development of preparatory courses for students to equip them with the skills for elearning is essential if maximum benefit is to be garnered from the potential of this exciting means of teaching and learning." (European Journal of Open, Distance and eLearning)

The module, to be able to prepare and orientate students needs to be relatively short, and completed before getting heavily involved in course content. It should also be manageable in conjunction with the start of course study, rather than needing to be undertaken prior to course start date.

The module is being developed to be accessible within any VLE, but also customisable for use within a specific VLE, should it be required.

There will be a short explanatory document which would assist in understanding the aims and structure of the module, elements that would be ideal for customising and extending, and guidance for developing further content.

There are a number of aims for the module that are covered within the 4 units of learning. Such aims include preparing students for using elearning tools, and familiarising students with the institutional VLE. Further aims focus upon online communication and behaviour. The 4 units are;

• Context of elearning
• Basic Online skills
• Electronic resources
• Online Communication & Behaviour

As students progress through the module, they will complete a number of tasks that will aim to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of the module aims in line with the units of learning.

Given these aims, there are no formal assessment criteria. Students are only expected to work through the tasks in order to benefit from the module content, and fully prepare them for online learning in their course of study.

Progress/Process of Development:

Before any work begun on the module a group was formed to ensure a variety of input into the development. Existing material including an ‘introductory module’ and a ‘Learn to Learn Online’ module were then reviewed – a process that has effectively fed into the Getting Started Online Module in order to create a suitable preparatory module.
Final peer review exercises are taking place prior to the dissemination of this module (Feb 2008).

Challenges/Issues:

Given our aims to develop a module that runs for a short period of time, we face a challenge to include the suitable amount of content and experiences that will develop students’ knowledge and skills sufficiently to go on to successfully study online modules. With this in mind, we must ensure that the module is concise and effective in meeting the aims and objectives.

If you have a particular interest or expertise in this area and would like to contribute, or if you would just like to learn more about our project, please contact Peter Reed (eQT Pathfinder Project Co-ordinator).

References

Baab, L (April 1999) Teaching in the Community Colleges Online Conference - Best practices in delivering, supporting and managing online learning –‘Coming and Going in All directions: Preparing Students for Online Learning’

Lorenzi et al (2004) European Journal of Open, Distance and eLearning – Preparing Students for Learning in the Online World. Available online at www.eurodl.org/materials/contrib/2004/Lorenzi_MacKeogh_Fox.htm

If you have a particular interest or expertise in this area and would like to contribute, or if you would just like to learn more about our project, please contact Peter Reed (eQT Pathfinder Project Co-ordinator).

Last updated: 28-Mar-2008