The course
This two-weeks online course aims to familiarize you with the theory and practice of online learning and to enable you to start developing your own online course. The course is based on TNU's approach towards online learning: Participants will embark on a process of collaborative learning in which they gain insight in the essentials and pitfalls of online learning. Frequent interaction and joint discussions are central. Having attended the course, participants should be able to critically assess how and when they can best use online learning for their own purposes

Course topics

Part 1:
Preparation
In the first week you are familiarized with the preparations for a course in an online environment. When should you opt for an online course, who is your target group and how do you reach them online? What learning objectives can be met and how do you create an online environment that is conducive to learning?

At the end of this section of the course you should be able:
1. To understand the characteristics, challenges and opportunities of online learning
2. To understand the difference between creating a traditional training programme and creating an online course.
3. To understand the importance of providing the learner with various kinds of support throughout the online course.
4. To distinguish between various kinds of electronic learning environments (software packages that facilitate online learning) and to understand the different functionalities they offer.

Part 2:
Content
In this part you will reflect on the best way to bring the content across based on decisions taken in the first week. Which navigation structure and layout is most effective? What are the advantages of a layered presentation? What should the assignments cover?

At the end of this section of the course you should:
1. Be able to identify ways to present content in a way that reinforces the message and engages the learner.
2. Know how and when to layer the content in a way that enhances learner understanding.
3. Be able to understand the benefits and limits of different multi media channels in which course content can be presented.
4. Understand how to design challenging and engaging assignments and be able to apply the difference between group and individual assignments.

Part 3:
Interaction
This section helps you to develop and understand the online tools and techniques that can make online learning a truly interactive experience. Based on your particular knowledge needs, this week will explore the best way to make an online course as interactive and effective as possible.

At the end of this section of the course you should be able:
1. To understand why it is important to promote interaction online and to be familiar with ways in which interaction between students can be created in an online course.
2. To understand the need to support and motivate the learner throughout an online course.
3. To understand the role of edutainment as a means of enhancing learner understanding of the content involved.
4. To use various methodologies for engaging and motivating students to stay committed and connected to the online learning course.

Part 4:
Evaluation
One of the main advantages of online learning is the possibility to instantaneously change, adapt and add new material. How should the experiences and knowledge, which is created during a course, directly be integrated into a programme? And, how can you constantly improve an online course based on the experiences of the participants?

At the end of this section of the course you should be able:
1. To understand the need to be able to change, adapt and update material in an online course within the framework of life long learning.
2. To understand the role and function of evaluation and to identify various ways to evaluate learning in an online course.
3. To determine how and when to involve alumni in the further development of your online course.
4. To understand the way that online learning can form a catalyst for broader organisational changes.

Assignments
During both two weeks you will be working on assignments which aim at deepening the main issues addressed and, in case you intend so, at applying them to your own online course. The assignments differ in length, complexity and time they require for completion. They are thought to give you an idea of the range of possibilities that exist regarding the design of assignments. They have to be completed either individually or jointly. Next to that, you can be asked to react on fellow participants' results in the 'Forum' so to give and receive feedback on your contributions. The exchanges in the Forum are an essential part of this online course and we want to highly encourage you to make full use of it during the time the course is running.

Collaborative learning
Participants are asked to actively contribute to the course. Participation can be in form of useful contributions to the discussions, asking of critical questions to fellow participants and coaches, suggestions for informative websites or co-operation with others in the completion of the assignments. Whatever form the participation takes, it is important to keep in mind that in the programmes of TNU, the participants are co-responsible for the content and level of interaction of the course.

Time frame: 'A-synchronous' learning
The amount of time needed to participate and complete the assignments depends on the participants' experience with Internet, level of participation and familiarity with the subject. The course takes the busy schedules of working professionals into account and is spread over a period of two weeks. Each week the participant is asked to spend approximately 10-12 hours on the course. This will include time spent on reading, debating and completing assignments. The course is taught 'a-synchronously'. Attendance can be spread over the week to attend when most convenient to you.