Graduate Certificate in Online Learning
(Higher Education)

Introduction | Program Syllabus | To Apply | Downloads | Further Information

Introduction

The University of Adelaide's Graduate Certificate in Online Learning (Higher Education) is an initiative to promote excellence in university teaching. It is presented within the CLPD, with the award being conferred by the University's School of Education in the Faculty of the Professions.

The aim of the program is to assist staff in further developing their expertise in the field of online learning and teaching practice and research. The program is valued by the University and successful completion will indicate a commitment to excellence in teaching.

For 2009, tuition costs will be waived for up to five University of Adelaide teaching staff who are offered places. The program is the equivalent of one semester's full-time study (12 units), and participants will progress at the rate of one or two 3-unit courses per semester. The course ICT Literacy in Higher Education must be completed before undertaking the other three courses.

For the five places with waived tuition costs that will be available to University of Adelaide teaching staff, enrolment will be conditional on approval by the Head of School and the Executive Dean of the Faculty.

If a Faculty approves more than one application, and if the total quota of five participants should be exceeded, the Executive Dean will be asked to rank the applications in order of merit and/or suitability for selection for the program.

Program Syllabus

ICT Literacy in Higher Education

3 units | Semester 1
An estimated 144 hours including scheduled live online classroom sessions.
Prerequisite: none
Assessment: A reflective journal, online participation, and a 2000 word assignment. Non-graded pass.

This course examines the technological implications of online learning within an educational context. It focuses on learning management systems (LMS) and other educational technologies which support both asynchronous and synchronous interactions among teachers, students and content within higher education. The participant will gain an understanding of how various online educational technologies enhance a constructivist and student-centred approach to higher order learning.

Online Learning Design, Assessment & Evaluation

3 units | Semester 1
An estimated 144 hours including scheduled live online classroom sessions.
Corerequisite: ICT Literacy in Higher Education
Assessment: A reflective journal, online participation, and the development of a 2000+ word curriculum and evaluation report. Non-graded pass.

This course incorporates online instructional design considerations which take into account learning styles and a constructivist, student-centred approach to higher order learning, as well as current research and development in scenario-based learning, online roleplay simulations and virtual classrooms. It also includes strategies on making assessment part of the learning process and promotion of learning through effective online assessment including collaboration, groupwork, discussion boards, exemplars and rubrics. Evaluating the impact of the online course design and assessment on student learning is a third and critical component of this course.

Online Learning Communities

3 units | Semester 2
An estimated 144 hours including scheduled live online classroom sessions.
Prerequisite: ICT Literacy in Higher Education
Assessment: A reflective journal, online participation, and a 2000+ word project report. Non-graded pass.

This course takes the view that whilst the aim is to develop learners to be independent thinkers, at the same time they also need to be interdependent, collaborative learners. A community of learners is a critical component of higher order learning and the technologies of online learning allow for both private reflection as well as public discourse. This course will expand on how online learning communication technologies are changing cognitive and pedagogical approaches to teaching and learning. It also examines a community of inquiry framework which can be considered when planning and delivering online learning. Effective online facilitation techniques will be incorporated. Cultural implications will also be covered.

The Changing Nature of Educational Research

3 units | Semester 2
An estimated 144 hours including scheduled live online classroom sessions.
Prerequisite: ICT Literacy in Higher Education
Assessment: A reflective journal, online participation, 750 word short assignment, 1500 word major assignment. Non-graded pass.

This course overviews various research methodologies used in higher education and explores how online technologies are impacting on these research methods. It also identifies emerging technology-enabled research methods including collaborative, interactive and open access research.

To Apply

Applicants must use the appropriate application form, which may be downloaded below or obtained in hard copy from:

Timing
ICT Literacy in Higher Education, the first course in the Graduate Certificate in Online Learning, will be offered in Semester 1, 2009.
This course will be completely online and will commence on Tuesday 10 March 2009.

Online Learning Design, Assessment and Evaluation will also be offered in Semester 1, 2009.
This course will be completely online and will commence on Tuesday 10 March 2009.

Online Learning Communities will be offered in Semester 2, 2009.
This course will be completely online and will commence on Monday 3 August 2009.

The Changing Nature of Educational Research will also be offered in Semester 2, 2009.
This course will be completely online and will commence on Monday 3 August 2009.

Cost
The cost for the Graduate Certificate in Online Learning will be $6000 (GST free) which corresponds to $1500 (GST free) for each of the four courses. The tuition cost will be waived for a maximum of five University of Adelaide teaching staff who have been recommended by their Head of School and Executive Dean.

Assumed Knowledge
It is assumed that applicants will be involved in teaching within higher education and have had some exposure to online learning management systems as a teacher and/or learner. Applicants should also be familiar with standard desktop software applications.

Deadline for Applications
The closing date for applications for enrolment in Semester 1, 2009 is Monday 3 November 2009.
Late applications may be considered.

Any University of Adelaide staff member who is also a PhD student on a scholarship should contact Judi Baron before completing the application form.

Please address applications to:

Centre Administrator
Centre for Learning and Professional Development
Level 2, Schulz Building West
North Terrace Campus
UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE SA 5005

Downloads

Brochure (pdf 267kB)
Application Form (pdf 117kB)

For further information contact