Rapid Design of e-Learning Programs

‘Essentials of e-Learning Program Design in a Nutshell’

March 17 to April 19, 2010

The ‘Rapid Design of e-Learning Programs’ course has been developed jointly by the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) and the Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC).

The term “e-Learning” (electronic learning) refers to learning delivered or enabled by electronic technology. It covers a wide range of concepts—computer-based learning, Web-based learning, virtual classrooms and digital collaboration. It includes delivery of learning via Internet, Intranet/extranet, audio, video, satellite broadcasting, interactive TV, CD-ROM, and more.

e-Learning has been growing rapidly in higher education and corporate training in the past decade due to significant social and economic benefits such as flexibility, accessibility, scalability and cost effectiveness. In order to ensure students and trainees have quality learning experiences, educators and trainers must embrace e-learning solutions by expanding their notion and competence of instruction to include online courses and digital materials into their education and training programs.

Objectives

The 5-week blended course aims to update your notion of e-Learning and enhance your skills in designing e-Learning programs in a short time frame.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:
1.  Be aware of development status and trends of e-Learning in the world and to make connection to own context;
2.  Explain major learning theories and principles and their applications in adult learning;
3.  Improve skills of learning design in real world project, including target audience analysis, writing learning objectives/outcomes, and selecting learning methods and delivery mode; 
4.  Understand and experience blended learning with various delivery modes, especially videoconferencing, online learning and facilitation.

Methodology

The course consists of a one-day workshop via videoconference and local face-to-face activities, followed by four weeks online learning by using the open source learning management system (LMS) Moodle. You can bring a real learning scenario or a course design task to work on as your course project. During the online learning period, the course instructors will provide online facilitation and tutoring by moderating asynchronous online discussions, grading assignments and providing feedback on project work. The course also promotes peer-learning through interaction among participants. 

You are expected to study approximately 10 hours per week, depending on your background and English proficiency. 

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a course completion certificate issued jointly from USQ and TDLC.

Major Contents

1.  Course Preparation and Introduction:
Contents: Become familiar with the online learning environment; Course objectives/outcomes and contents; How to study the course

2.  Introduction of e-Learning and Learning Design
Contents: Concepts of e-Learning and related terminologies, e-Learning development status and trends, what is learning design

3.  Learning Theories and Instructional Design Principles
Contents: Cognitivism, Behaviorism, Constructivism and Adult learning theory; learning design principles and application in program design

4.  Learning design process and rapid design of your project
Contents: Learning design process, key skills of learning design and apply to your e-Learning project
Exercises and assignments are built in throughout the learning process to support immediate application.

Schedule

Certificate

A course completion certificate will be issued by TDLC/USQ to participants who complete the full course, including submission of course assignments.

Target Audience

Educators and trainers in the East Asia Pacific and South Asia region who want to include e-Learning in their program and instruction design. Potential participants can be:
•  Faculty members of universities
•  Educators/trainers for adult learners who are interested in e-Learning

Requirements

 
To successfully complete the course, you should have:
•  English proficiency, especially in reading and writing.
•  Strong commitment and self-discipline.
In addition, you will need:
•  A computer using Windows 95 or later, speakers or earphones, monitor of 800x600 resolution and at least 256 colors.
•  Internet connection and an e-mail account

Course Fees

•  USD $200 for resident of Group 1 Country (Australia, Japan, New Zealand)
•  USD $100 for resident of Group 2 Country (All other countries in East and South Asia and Pacific region)

Payment via PayPal at online registration or to the GDLN Center in your country

How to Apply

This course will be hosted and delivered via the open source learning management system Moodle. 
Online registration is now available at http://tinyurl.com/programdesign

Please register by March 5, 2010.

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