Topic outline

  • General

    eSkills logoeSkills for eLearning

    The eSkills for eLearning Course was devised by the RSC in 2006 and has recently been updated (June 2010). It has been designed to cover the essential skills and knowledge needed by teaching practitioners to enable them to use technology for learning and teaching.

    The sessions are a mixture of presentations, discussions & practical activities. When delivered in a face-to-face format, the course comprises of 9 x three hour modules as outlined below.

    For further information about the eSkills for eLearning programme call the RSC's Information Helpdesk on 01245 684090 or email the team at support@rsc-eastern.ac.uk

    There is also a support Blog with information on pilot providers experience and links to NOCN qualification criteria at levels 2/3 http://eskillsrsceastern.jiscinvolve.org/wp/

    The following links will take to individual modules:

    Module 1 - An Introduction to e-Learning
    Module 2 - e-Resources & Copyright
    Module 3 - Creating Interactive Resources (1)
    Module 4 - Desigining an Inclusive Curriculum
    Module 5 - Creating Interactive Resources (2)
    Module 6 - Online Communications & e-Tutoring
    Module 7 - e-Assessment
    Module 8 - Learning Platforms & Going Mobile

    Module 9 - e-Safety & Safeguarding

    Download Page

    Available in Moodle\Blackboard zip files

  • Topic 1

    Module 1 - An Introduction to eLearning

    e-Learning is about the application of ICT to education. The use of technology empowers learning, widens access and enables learning to take place in ways that suit the needs of individual learners. This module will give a better understanding of the application of e-Learning in the context of an individual's own teaching practice.

    Objectives

    • To have a common understanding of the term e-Learning

    • To ensure that the benefits and possibilities of using ICT are clear to all

    • To understand the types of learner centered activities that could be enhanced through the use of technology using simple tools & techniques

    To establish the technologies (both hardware & software) available locally for course teams to use.

    • Topic 2

      Module 2 - e-Resources & Copyright

      A wealth of electronic resources now exist which can enhance learning and teaching. This workshop will explore some of the JISC licensed, and nationally funded e-Resources available. It will also highlight some legal issues effecting practitioners in the context of learning and teaching, particularly those of IPR & Copyright.

      Objectives

      • To be aware of nationally funded online resources & learning materials, collections licensed through JISC and how to access them.

      • To understand the relevant copyright law & licensing arrangements for using digital resources in learning & teaching.

      • To be able to find useful, copyright free or copyright cleared e-Resources for your subject area.

      To be able to find useful, copyright free or copyright cleared images & multimedia to use for learning & teaching.

      • Topic 3

        Module 3 - Creating Interactive Resources (1)

        MS Word can provide simple solutions, which can be used to add interest & interactivity to electronic documents that enable teaching practitioners to use student centred approaches for learning and teaching. This workshop will enable practitioners to create interactive learning resources.

        Objectives

        • To have an understanding of how MS Word can be used to create learner- centred learning resources

        To be able to produce learner centered learning resources.

        • Topic 4

          Module 4 - Designing an Inclusive Curriculum

          This module will highlight the strategies we can all undertake to ensure that our materials are created in a more accessible manner. Based on the TechDis Accessibility Essentials Guides, this session will provide hints and tips to allow us to create resources that will be accessible for readers with a wide range of disabilities and learning styles. The workshop will provide an insight into some of the barriers experienced by learners, and highlight simple strategies to create resources which will ultimately allow people to get more from the information they access via Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and PDF documents.

          Objectives

          • To be aware of the barriers that exist for students who have different learning needs and styles

          • To understand the need for well designed materials

          • To be able to produce materials that can be easily accessed by assistive technology users

          • To be aware of different ways to personalise material to suit individual learning styles.

          • Topic 5

            Module 5 - Creating Interactive Resources (2)

            MS PowerPoint is a very effective piece of software for producing high quality learning materials. PowerPoint can be used to put together comprehensive learning packages that take account of individual needs and different learning styles. Student activities can be easily incorporated and other packages integrated with PowerPoint to build comprehensive and coherent learning packages. Practitioners will be shown how to create high quality resources that meet their own curriculum needs.

            Objectives

            • To have an understanding of how MS PowerPoint can be applied to learning and teaching

            • To be able to produce interactive e-Learning resources.

            • Topic 6

              Module 6 - Online Communications & e-Tutoring

              The rising profile of e-Learning and the use of web 2.0 tools have brought the use of communication tools to the fore. The effective use of online communication and collaboration tools needs consideration. This workshop will explore the use of these tools in the context of tutor support and will include consideration of e-mail, discussion tools, Wikis and blogs.

              Objectives

              • To understand the options available for communications & collaboration to support learning & teaching

              • To understand the role of the tutor when supporting learners online

              • To participate in online discussions/collaborations

              • To manage an online discussion/collaborations.

              • Topic 7

                Module 7 - e-Assessment

                e-Assessment is emerging as an important aspect of e-Learning with a number of benefits for the learner. This workshop will explore the design of effective e-Assessments, as well as demonstrating how to create e-Assessments content.

                Objectives

                • To understand the benefits & issues associated with using e-Assessment

                • To understand how technology can enable diagnostic, formative & summative assessment

                • To be able to design a range of e-Assessments that can be used across the spectrum of SCQF levels

                To create a formative e-Assessment relevant to the curriculum.

                • Topic 8

                  Module 8 - Learning Platforms & Going Mobile

                  The range of learning platforms available including VLEs and e-Portfolios can offer learners a richer learning experience. Access to online content gives flexible access to learning which can greatly assist in providing learning opportunities that meet the needs of different learning styles and preferences. This module will give an overview of learning platforms and mobile technologies currently available and highlight their application to learning and teaching.

                  Objectives

                  • To understand the range of learning platforms that can be used, including Virtual Learning Environments, e-Portfolios, Web 2.0 tools, Virtual Worlds, Gaming technologies

                  • To understand the possibilities of using mobile technologies for learning & teaching

                  • Summary of course.

                  • Topic 9

                    Module 9 - eSafety & eSafeguarding

                    eSafety is about the safe and responsible use of technologies and the internet (this is part of safeguarding).  The advent of Web 2.0 / social software, means the use of sites which support collaboration, conversation, and the sharing of different forms of media, such as social networking services, are now in the mainstream. Safeguarding learners & staff, and providing them with the skills to safeguard themselves when using this technology, is a vital part of the education that organisations should give to learners and their staff members.

                    Objectives
                    • To understand the implications of legislation covering the safeguarding of young people and vulnerable adults
                    • To understand the safety and safeguarding issues associated with using ICT for teaching & learning
                    • To have an understanding of in the context of safety the types of scenarios that may present themselves.
                    • To appreciate the need for institutional strategies and procedures regarding eSafety & eSafeguarding.