Designing and Writing E-learning Content
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The course
The course divided into eight modules and may be undertaken completely on-line or as an integrated learning course with a one-day classroom workshop. The programme is approximately 30 hours long and full individual e-tutoring is provided throughout.  It focuses on producing learning material content rather than technology, although an introduction to the technology used for on-line learning is included.

Designing and Writing E-learning Content is modeled on Institute of IT Training competencies and is the first to receive recognition from the Institute of Continuing Professional Development.  This course is accredited by the National Open College Network at level 4, an award recognised in most EEC states.  It has been mapped against 'Further Education National Training Organisation standards for the application of ICT to teaching and learning management in further education', version 2.1.   Click here for the details of the 'FENTO standard' mapping.

Certificate Course
A certificate is awarded on successful completion of the eight modules described below. For the certificate course, learners produce either one module of an e-learning programme or a ‘practice piece’.

Diploma Course
To gain the Diploma, learners complete the certificate course and go on to produce a complete e-learning text to post-validation stage. There is no fixed time limit on this part of the programme, but it is preferable that learners should complete their diploma course within three months of commencement.

Integrated Learning Course
Although the entire certificate course can be undertaken on-line, many people find it preferable to complete some modules in the class-room. We provide therefore a one-day workshop to cover modules 4.

The Certificate Course Modules

  1. The background to e-learning
    The history and learning psychology of programmed learning
  2. Basic HTML
    A reasonably non-technical introduction to the capabilities and limitations of the html language in creating interactive e-learning pages
  3. The learning process
    The learning cycle, learning styles, task analysis and integrated learning.
  4. Planning a learning experience
    Defining behavioural objectives, defining content, teaching points, order of presentation, and prioritisation
  5. Organising the learning material
    Defining conventions, using graphics, developing structures, learning reinforcement.
  6. Producing interactive elements
    Question design, answer analysis, exercise and assignment design and providing feedback.
  7. Writing the text
    How to write concise, accurate and interesting learning texts that are grammatically correct and unambiguous
  8. Validation and publication
    Designing, administering and analysing pre- and post-course tests.

The course includes short exercises, assignments, numerous interactive elements and reviews. Learners have full on-line tutorial support throughout.

Moderated Learning Communities (MLC)
On joining, learners are invited to join a Moderated Learning community. With an MLC, you have the best of both worlds.  You have flexibility to learn at times and in places that suit you, but fixed points by which you have to complete elements of learning. 

For instance, 4 to 6 learners in an MLC start the course on the same day.  They will be expected to have completed Stage 1 by a certain date and to meet on or near that date in an on-line forum for a moderated discussion about the module and its implications.   

Learners can join a fast-track, standard-track or slow-track MLC and, to a limited extent, may move between tracks during the course according to variations in their schedules.

Fast track = 1 Module per week (about 4 to 6 hours of coursework)
Standard track = 1 Module per fortnight (about 2 to 4 hours of coursework per week
Slow track = 1 Module every three weeks (about 1 to 2 hours of coursework per week)

Learners whose schedules are too variable may work as ‘independent travellers’ (the back-packers of the learning world), dropping in on other people’s forums as and when they can.  

What learners say about 
‘Designing and Writing E-learning Content.’

"I was impressed with the thoroughness of the course, which continually made me question the suitability of my writing and design for learners on-line. The coverage of "good English" is very sound. The coverage of page-formatting is limited* but sufficient to make the learner consider the key differences between the screen and the printed page. The promptness of feedback from the tutor was excellent, usually within 24 hours."  Nigel Bailey

*This is because page-formatting is handled by the Sherpa graphics team.

"Really helped me to benchmark against best practice"  "Excellent feedback from the tutor.  Rapid response to work sent in, helped me to progress at my own speed"  Teresa Williams

". . . this is an exceptionally well planned and organised course with clear aims and objectives."  Gloucestershire Open College Network

Cost

Certificate course (on-line)

Certificate course (integrated)

Diploma course
(Resulting in a finished programme)

£500.00

£700.00

+£500.00*

* (In addition to chosen certificate course)

A course book, 'Designing Web-Based Training' is required and can be ordered on site.

Prices shown are per person and exclude VAT.

About the Senior Tutors
Brian Holley MCIPD MIITT Dip CG was trained in programmed learning techniques in the early 70s. He has been a member of the Institute of IT training since its inception and produced a text-based CBT authoring programme in 1995. He is an experienced and qualified trainer, Managing Partner of communication skills specialists, The Holley Warren Partnership, and Managing Director of Sherpa Integrated Learning Ltd.   Brian is the author of 'Designing and Writing E-learning Content'

Elizabeth Holley MA  read  English at Aberdeen University and has taught in colleges and schools in various parts of the UK. She is a qualified proof-reader, an experienced trainer and is Editorial Director of Sherpa Integrated Learning Ltd. Elizabeth is a Partner of The Holley Warren Partnership.  She tutors the Writing Module of Designing and Writing E-learning Content and sub-edits final drafts on both the Certificate and Diploma courses..