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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
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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 • Students upload essays to WebCT • Markers download essays • Markers upload feedback forms • Moderators download essays and feedback forms • Moderators upload amended feedback forms • 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!