Towards a short learning program on online learning at the Open University of the Netherlands

Iwan Wopereis, Kees Pannekeet, Tom Melai, Kathleen Schlusmans, Rieny van den Munckhof, George Moerkerke

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Article in proceedingAcademicpeer-review

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    Abstract

    This paper presents an evaluation of a series of six learning units on online learning that was developed by the Open University of the Netherlands and offered free of charge to educational professionals in the Netherlands and Belgium. Each unit (called ‘micro module’) had a study load of two to four hours and addressed didactical, technological, and managerial issues related to designing, developing, and implementing online education.
    Professionals in the educational domain showed interest in the micro modules. Over 2400 educational experts indicated in an inventory that they were willing to attend the series. In the end, approximately 1200 professionals participated in one or more modules. Participation decreased from about 900 participants in the first micro module (a general introduction on online education) to about 200 in the last (a module on research on online education). Approximately 120 professionals participated in all modules. Participants were positive about the content. Average ratings on content quality ranged from 6.9 to 7.9 (on a ten-point scale).
    The design, development, and implementation of the micro modules had to be completed in a short period of time, and therefore a rapid and agile instructional systems design (ISD) approach had to be applied. Although such an approach puts considerable pressure on the organization, it is essential for a swift implementation of state-of-the-art small learning units. Results of the evaluation on both products (i.e., quality of the micro modules) and processes (i.e., quality of ISD) will be the reference for the transformation of these micro modules into a certified short learning program.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationBlended and online education within European university networks
    Subtitle of host publicationThe Online, Open and Flexible Higher Education Conference Proceedings, Hosted by UNED, Madrid (Spain)
    EditorsGeorge Ubachs, Fenna Joosten-Adriaanse
    Place of PublicationMaastricht
    PublisherEuropean Association of Distance Teaching Universities
    Pages360-366
    Number of pages7
    ISBN (Electronic)9789079730414
    Publication statusPublished - Oct 2019
    EventOOFHEC2019: The Online, Open and Flexible Higher Education Conference: Blended and online education within European university networks - National Distance Education University (UNED), Madrid, Spain
    Duration: 16 Oct 201918 Oct 2019
    https://conference.eadtu.eu/

    Conference

    ConferenceOOFHEC2019: The Online, Open and Flexible Higher Education Conference
    Abbreviated titleOOFHEC2019
    Country/TerritorySpain
    CityMadrid
    Period16/10/1918/10/19
    Internet address

    Keywords

    • online learning
    • distance education
    • short learning program

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