FET4640 Teaching and Learning in a Flexible Environment

FET	4640	74695	1, 2008	WEB	Teaching and Learning in a Flexible Environment	1.00	Toowoomba
Subject	Cat-nbr	Class	Term	Mode	Description	Units	Campus

Academic group:	FOEDU
Academic org:	FOE003
Student contribution band:	National Priority Teaching
ASCED code:	070109

Staffing
Other requisites
Rationale
Synopsis
Objectives
Topics
Texts
Reference materials
Student workload
Assessment details
Important assessment information
Assessment notes
Other requirements
Production date
PDF version

STAFFING

Examiner: Petrea Redmond
Moderator: Kaye Cleary

OTHER REQUISITES

Students cannot gain credit for the same program for FET3210 and FET4640. As the assessments in this course are context-based, it is necessary that participants have a sound appreciation of or access to an actual instructional situation in a formal education, community or industry setting. State law in Queensland (Australia) requires that all adults working/undertaking professional experience/researching with children under the age of 18, in the state of Queensland are required to possess a current suitability card (Blue Card). (See "Other Requirements" for further information.) Also see: http://www.childcomm.qld.gov.au/employment/bluecard/informationSheets.html.

RATIONALE

Flexible teaching and learning environments are becoming increasingly common in all educational environments including schools, post compulsory educational institutions and workplaces. This course is intended to introduce participants to the concepts and practices of flexible learning. Engagement with the course is intended to be both theoretical and practical in nature.

SYNOPSIS

Flexible learning is fast becoming a key agenda of those involved in education and training contexts. Participants will identify the key elements which underpin a successful flexible teaching and learning within online environments, and analyse potential barriers and opportunities within their context. Participants will plan and create an online learning module or unit relevant for their educational context. In addition they will participate in online dialogue and critically evaluate and give feedback about the flexible environments created by their peers.

OBJECTIVES

The course objectives define the student learning outcomes for a course. The assessment item(s) that may be used to assess student achievement of an objective are shown in parenthesis. On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

demonstrate an understanding of contemporary developments, issues and practices, flexible learning (Assignment 1)
identify and analyse the key principles and elements which apply to implementing flexible learning in a given context, including potential barriers and affordances (Assignments 1 and 2)
demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the range of flexible learning tools, media and applications relevant to your instructional context. Apply this knowledge and understanding to the planning, construction and implmentation of a flexible learning initiative for your instructional context. (Assignments 1 and 2)
participate in online discussion forums (Assignments 1 and 2)
evaluate tools used in flexible learning environments (Assignment 1)
develop online learning experiences (Assignment 2).

TOPICS

	Description	Weighting (%)
1.	Emerging perspectives and issues	10.00
2.	Principles and elements of flexible learning	15.00
3.	Tools, media and communication technologies	35.00
4.	Planning and implementing a flexible learning experience.	40.00

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

There is are no prescribed texts in this course.

REFERENCE MATERIALS

Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

Whether you are on, or off campus, the USQ Library is an excellent source of information http://www.usq.edu.au/library/ . The gateway to education resources is here... http://www.usq.edu.au/library/faculties/education/default.htm

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS

ACTIVITY	HOURS
Assessment	60.00
Directed Study	105.00

ASSESSMENT DETAILS

Description		Marks out of	Wtg(%)	Due date	Notes
ASSIGNMENT 1		40.00	40.00	18 Apr 2008	(see note 1)
ASSIGNMENT 2		40.00	60.00	13 Jun 2008	(see note 2)

NOTES

1.: The Examiner will advise the due date for all assessment items.
2.: Students will require access to tools, media and technologies for the development and implementation of a flexible delivery initiative in their instructional context.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

Attendance requirements:
There are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the students' responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration. This course contains a discussion forum where students' participation is formally assessed.
Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
To satisfactorily complete an individual assessment item a student must achieve at least 50% of the marks available for each assessment item.
Penalties for late submission of required work:
If students submit assignments after the due date without (prior) approval of the examiner then a penalty of 5% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment may apply for each working day late up to ten working days at which time a mark of zero may be recorded. No assignments will be accepted after model answers have been posted.
Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course.
Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks or grades obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
Examination information:
There is no examination in this course.
Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
There will be no Deferred or Supplementary examinations in this course.
University Regulations:
Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

1.	The due date for an assignment is the date by which a student must despatch the assignment to the USQ. The onus is on the student to provide proof of the despatch date, if requested by the examiner.
2.	In the event that a due date for an assignment falls on a local public holiday in their area, the due date for the assignment will be the next working day. Students are to note on the assignment cover the date of the public holiday for the examiner's convenience.
3.	Students must retain a copy of each item submitted for assessment. This must be produced within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt of request being made by the examiner. The student must retain this copy until the grade for this course has been finalised.
4.	In accordance with the University's assignment extension policy (Regulation 5.6.1), the examiner may grant an extension of the due date of an assignment in extenuating circumstances.
5.	All assessment items must be submitted using the official course online drop box facility. It is recommended that assignment submissions be constructed in a .doc (MS Word) format. The online drop box facility can manoeuvre .doc files easily, and your course leader or examiner is better able to provide precise and constructive feedback through .doc files.
12.	Marking criteria are provided in course material as mark sheets/guides or as part of assignment specifications.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Students enrolling in WEB courses MUST have ongoing convenient and reliable access to the Internet in order to access course materials and participate in activities that will affect assessment. The levels of equipment required may change from time to time, with the most recent specification listed at http://www.usq.edu.au/currentstudents/computingstandards/default.htm. You can check whether your computer system meets these requirements from USQAssist (http://usqassist.usq.edu.au/).
IMPORTANT NOTE: Working with Children: State law in Queensland requires that all adults (including university students, pre-service educators, trainers, vocational teachers, industry educators) working with children under the age of 18, in the State of Queensland*, obtain approval before commencing such work. Many education courses include a practical component (professional experience, project work, research, assessment etc.) that may require engagement with children under the age of 18. It is your responsibility to ensure that you possess a current suitability card (Blue Card) before commencing any practical components of this course. DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE WITH CHILDREN UNDER 18 UNLESS YOU POSSESS A CURRENT 'BLUE CARD'. For further information: http://www.childcomm.qld.gov.au/employment/bluecard/informationSheets.html *If you are undertaking practical experience outside the State of Queensland, Australia you should check local requirements.

This version produced 27 May 2008.