Distance and Life Long Learning

This course presents known e-learning systems as well as existing standard or ad-hoc course production patterns. The course examines the content, aims and modern trends of distance education as well as the forms and processes which are necessary for its realization. It also includes the analysis, design and production of distance learning courses, including their multimedia constituents, taking into account existing instructional design specifications and standards. Moreover, it examines the use and evaluation of integrated systems for synchronous and asynchronous distance learning and training. Another focus is the study of learning methods and means for transferring knowledge in the most effective way. Finally, it explores the tools which can be used to automate and manage educational environments.

Objectives

At the end of this course students will be able to: • Remember (know), Understand, Apply, ANalyze, Create and critically Evaluate the methodology for the analysis, design, production and evaluation of distance learning courses o accurately report the key features of this methodology. (R) o recognize the specificity of the learning material used for distance education, its special requirements and features, as well as the different kinds of learning material. (R) o identify the tutor-student relationships in accordance to the principles of adult learning. (R) o explain what distance learning is, which is its importance, and which are its main characteristics. (U) o explain what e-learning systems are, why they are necessary and what technologies are used to implement them. (U) o describe the modern social and economic developments in Greece, in Open Education, the Open University of Greece as well as other institutions of open and distance education. (U) o determine how students’ assessment is conducted. (A) o explore the potential of the Moodle e-learning platform through the design and development of an online course that provides distance education. (A) o differentiate the types of learning material and assessment methods, depending on the use they have in an online course. (AN) o evaluate how to carry out the design of activities and exercises intended for assessment / self-evaluation and their responses to play an important didactic function for the benefit of students. (AN) o design learning materials suitable for distance education which meets certain standards and has various forms. (C) o create a comprehensive methodology for assessing students. (C) o evaluate and grade students’ contributions in various discussion forums and chats they are involved. (E) o define specific evaluation criteria by which students can evaluate the tutor, the learning material, the assessment methodology as well as the whole educational process that was applied. (E)

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites

Syllabus

1. Introduction to distance learning. 2. Presentation and analysis of the project work, which aims at designing e-courses in the Moodle platform. 3. Introduction to the use of the Moodle platform. 4. The Bloom taxonomy and its application to e-course design. 5. Specifications for designing educational material for distance education. 6. Instructional design of online courses in the Moodle platform. 7. Design of SCORM-compliant multimedia educational material. 8. Design of an appropriate methodology and materials to assess students. 9. Relations / communication / tutor-student and learner-learner interaction: Face-to-face meetings / design and use of asynchronous and synchronous communication, Open University of Greece, DL Institutions, Virtual Universities, Economic and Social Issues, Development Methodology. 10. Evaluation of Open and Distance Learning Systems. 11. Implementation of an online course through the Moodle platform. Blended learning. 12. Ways to monitor participation, progress and performance of students using the Moodle platform.