Course Description
This course focuses on the benefits and challenges of adult learning in an electronic environment. While many people consider e-learning to be primarily learning completely online, there are actually a number of different types of e-learning delivery methods. In this module, the benefits and challenges of e-learning solutions for adult learners will be examined. Participants will be shown the difference between text-driven, interactive, and simulation e-learning.
Based upon the specific needs of their final project, participants will create a training plan using a blended learning component for their project. Participants will also be shown different examples of how e-learning solutions can and have been implemented.
Course Outline
- Module 1: Learning Outcomes
- Module 2: Assessments
- Module 3: UDL and Layout
- Module 4: Online Presence and Engagement
What You Will Learn
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Define learning outcomes.
- Explain the importance of clear outcomes in an online course vs a face-to-face classroom setting.
- Describe the connection between outcomes, needs assessments, activities, and assessments in course design.
- Design learning outcomes for a given scenario
- Articulate the differences between formative and summative assessments.
- Identify how assessments align with outcomes.
- Design assessments for a given scenario.
- Describe the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
- Reflect on the ways you can incorporate UDL into your online courses.
- Design learning activities that reflect UDL and could be implemented in your teaching practice.
- Explain the connection between engagement and retention in online learning.
- Describe the three components of online presence.
- Identify strategies that can foster engagement in online learning.
Microcredential
This course provides learners with the opportunity to earn a microcredential. A microcredential is evidence of a skill or competency that is employment related. Dalhousie microcredentials are developed in collaboration with employers, industries, and/or organizations that relate to the content. A microcredential can be displayed on social media pages, digital resumes, personal webpages, and in email signatures. To earn the microcredential in this course, learners will need to successfully complete a competency-based assessment.
To learn more about microcredentials and how they can enhance your learning portfolio, watch this 30-second YouTube video (video opens in a new window).
Notes
For more information, please contact openlearning@dal.ca.
The Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development recommends an intermediate level of English language proficiency for the most effective learning and participation in our online and face-to-face courses. A list of minimum recommended scores on some common English tests can be found on our website. If you have questions about your English language proficiency and ability to succeed in this course, please contact openlearning@dal.ca.
Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Certificate in Adult Education : Required
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Professional and Leadership Studies : Elective Program - Adult Education and Training
Rick is an Organizational and Human Resource Specialist with over 20 years' experience with a wide range of public and private organizations throughout Atlantic Canada. For a number of years, Rick held Organizational Health and Human Resource positions with organizations such as Maritime Life Assurance Company and the IWK Grace Health Centre. He has taught at Henson College’s Advanced Management Centre and Dalhousie University’s Human Resource Development Unit in addition to his work in the Adult Ed certificate program. Currently, Rick is employed as Organizational Effectiveness Consultant with the NS Public Service Commission.