Moving Distance Learning

MA Programmes to WebCT

Carmen Millan-Varela Nicholas Groom

Centre for English Language Studies

CELS ODL MA PROGRAMMES

» CELS Current Situation: » ODL MA TEFL/TESL » ODL MA Translation Studies » ODL MA Applied Linguistics

» Moving to WebCT» Redesign of WebCT Section» Online Essay Submission

CELS Current Situation

» Students: 260 worldwide» Solo / Via Local Administration Centres » Attitudes to online teaching & learning?

» Structure: 6 modules x 2 courses + Dissertation

» Assessment: 6 x 4,000 word assignments» Materials: Paper based & CD» Communications/Support: E-mail & Post» Staff: Lecturers, Tutors, Markers &

Supervisors

» Geographic variation» Internet access?

» CD/Paper based» Students’ social interaction?» Updating of course materials?

» Email support (direct postings or email lists)» Tutoring and General communication with Bham or

fellow students » Mail:

» Students still submitting but post » Markers receiving assignments by post.

Moving to WebCT?

» Benefits:» Time efficiency» Cost-effectiveness » Establishing a virtual learning community

» Concerns:» Technical» Adapting/re-designing course materials

Redesign of WebCT Section

» Complete structural overhaul » The old version

» Reflects a limited understanding of WebCT» More like a website that a WebCT section» Students don’t use it much

» The redesigned version» Based on a clearer understanding of WebCT» Simplified structure» Students will (have to) use it more

Online essay trial

1. Students upload essays to WebCT2. Markers download essays3. Markers upload feedback forms4. Moderators download essays and

feedback forms5. Moderators upload amended feedback

forms6. Students download feedback forms

Online essay trial

» 14 students volunteered for part 1 of trial» 9 uploaded their essays without difficulty» 1 uploaded after several unsuccessful

attempts;» 2 couldn't do it at all;» 2 did not attempt the test (external

reasons)

Our advice

» Learn about the software» Be prepared to adapt » Test on authentic user groups» Get to know your friendly

neighbourhood eLearning Consultant!