E-learning

Postgraduate Certificate in E-learning: Theory and Practice

This course is designed for those in teaching or training interested in using new and emerging technologies to enhance their practice. This is not a ‘technical’ course; rather it is one that enables professionals to use technology to best effect in helping their learners learn. It is relevant to those involved in teaching and training in formal or informal settings whether that is in schools, colleges, university or industry. It will also be beneficial to those considering moving into teaching or training.

The course provides a contemporary vision of e-learning and will explore issues of pedagogy, design and implementation of new technologies.

Delivered by experts from both the UK and Europe, the course will develop your ability to utilise technology effectively to help your students achieve more.

The course is delivered entirely online, immersing participants in the very medium they wish to explore and is available throughout the world.

Career opportunities

Successful completion of this course will equip individuals with the skills and expertise to exploit new technologies effectively in their teaching or training context. Recent research has shown that students now have sophisticated IT skills and expect their tutors to use technology to facilitate their learning; this course will help you match these expectations.

There is a growing demand across the educational environment for individuals who have the knowledge and skills to use technology effectively; successful completion of this course will demonstrate such attributes.

Course content

The Postgraduate Certificate in E-learning consists of three twenty-credit modules, all of which are delivered entirely online:

Pedagogy and Practice

This module explores the nature of learners, how learning styles might influence the mode of delivery and how teaching ‘online’ may differ from conventional teaching.

Technology and Design

This module explores those technologies that can be used to support their learners.

Implementation and Management

Examines issues of implementing and managing online programmes.

Whilst each module can be studied individually, it is strongly recommended that these are taken as a coherent programme of study.

Entry

To study on this course you will need to demonstrate your ability to study at postgraduate level; this normally means holding an undergraduate degree or equivalent but we will consider non-traditional entry qualifications and previous experience. If you are unsure of your eligibility or would like to discuss the entry requirements please contact the course administrator.

You will require internet access, preferably broadband, and will be working with, or have access to, a group of learners. Some aspects of the course will be delivered using audio and/or video online, and you will require appropriate equipment (headphones / microphone) to participate fully in these activities. The course is delivered in English although we can accommodate some work in Welsh and aim to expand this provision. If English is not your first language, we strongly recommend that you make sure you can achieve a score of at least seven in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Again, if you have any concerns in this area, please contact the course administrator.

Course length

The course is designed to be studied part time over three semesters or 18 months.

If you have additional learning requirements or disability

We endeavour to be inclusive but some aspects of the course may present challenges to those who require additional learning aids. We are committed to assisting learning and, whilst some materials we use may not be easily accessible to those that have disabilities, we will provide support. Our disability support team are here to help and we promise we will do all we can to help you in your studies.

Academic support

The course is delivered by international experts in e-learning. We believe that, in an ever-shrinking world, an international perspective of developments in this area is vital. This is why the programme team includes a European-based member who provides a non-UK centric perspective of e-learning.

Your tutors will be there to guide you through your studies, provide academic support, and assess and provide feedback on your work. Our philosophy is that the tutors are companions on your learning journey; they are there to help you and participate in your learning experience. 

Assessment

Each module has two written assignments with a total assessment load of approximately 5,000 words. The assignments are context-specific; in other words they are centred on your own professional environment. As such, they also serve to inform and develop your current practice and are not simply academic exercises. Assignments are submitted electronically.

Course start dates

The course has a rolling start date with intake in September and January. Students are normally expected to enroll on the Pedagogy and Practice module initially although it may be possible to study alternative modules. Registration must be complete no later than 1 September for the September entry and no later than 1 January for the January delivery. Numbers are strictly limited and based on the initial registration date.

Further information

Please contact the course administrator, Ann Raynham, for further details or to register for the course.

Fees

For up to date information on fees please contact our Student Information Desk:

• Email: sid@glyndwr.ac.uk
• Tel: 01978 293439

Alternatively you can view our schedule of fees 2010/11.

The fees include all course materials, tutor support and assessment. You will require a computer with internet access, possibly telephone use, and other study costs such as stationery and printing.

You may be eligible for financial support and/or university bursaries. Please contact the Student Information Desk for further information.

Contact

Course Administrator
Ann Raynham
Email: a.raynham@glyndwr.ac.uk
Tel: 01978 293152