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Create New Programming
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Last modified: Monday, 2 December 2024, 12:57 AM
Design learning opportunities that make an impact
This page provides an overview of the extended learning options available at CBU, including their formats, delivery modes, and processes for listing new programming.
Learn about different learning formats, such as workshops, webinars, online learning modules, and non-credit courses, along with their characteristics, features, and ideal use cases. Explore delivery modes, including in-person, online (live, self-paced, and blended), and dual-mode options, and understand their unique considerations and applications.
You’ll also find information on developing microcredentials and extended learning series, including their purpose, requirements, and the process for proposing new programs. Additionally, this page outlines how to list new extended learning opportunities, including courses, workshops, webinars, and online modules.
Use this resource to navigate and contribute to the dynamic offerings of extended learning.
Microcredentials
Listing requirements and guidelines for microcredentials
EXTENDED LEARNING OPTIONS
CBU Extended Learning supports four types of learning experiences, each with its own advantages, considerations, and use-case. What you choose to develop and deliver should be informed by the needs of the target audience, your goals and objectives, experience and comfort with the format, and resources. Learn more about the features and characteristics of each learning option below.
Courses (Non-Credit)
A structured program of study that leads to the acquisition
of specific knowledge, skills, or competencies that contribute to addressing
identified labour market needs, meeting continuing education units (CEU)
requirements and certification criteria for industry accrediting bodies,
internal employee and student career development objectives, or community
outreach goals. A course is built around learning outcomes (usually
competency-based), and learners are assessed through clearly linked formative
and/or summative assessments.
CHARACTERISTICS
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Workshops
A focused and interactive learning experience
designed to address specific topics or skill sets, workshops emphasize hands-on
activities, group engagement, and real-world application. Workshops are ideal
for short-term, targeted learning objectives, offering participants an
opportunity to gain practical knowledge or skills in a collaborative
environment. They may cater to professional development, industry-specific
training, or community needs and are well-suited for small to medium-sized
groups.
CHARACTERISTICS
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Webinars
A webinar is a live, virtual session designed to deliver
concise, interactive, and engaging content on a specific topic. Webinars
typically focus on sharing expert knowledge, fostering dialogue, and addressing
immediate learning needs in a format that allows for real-time interaction.
They are ideal for broad audiences seeking accessible and timely insights,
professional updates, or continuing education. Webinars can also serve as
standalone learning opportunities or as part of a larger series.
CHARACTERISTICS
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Online Learning Modules
Self-paced online learning modules offer flexible,
independent learning tailored to meet specific educational or professional
development needs. These modules are ideal for learners to engage with content
at their own pace without the constraints of scheduled sessions. Online
learning modules can be standalone options or scaffold into more robust
learning programs, providing a platform for industry-specific topics or foundational
concepts in various fields. With continuous registration, their strength lies in
a design for accessibility and convenience.
CHARACTERISTICS
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DELIVERY MODES
- In-Person
- Online–Live (Synchronous)
- Online–Self-Paced (Asynchronous)
- Online–Blended (Bichronous)
- Dual-Mode (Synchromodal)
In-person delivery occurs in a physical classroom or on-site setting, ideal for hands-on learning and fostering direct interaction. Benefits include immediate feedback, active participation, the ability to use physical tools and materials, and the sense of community created through face-to-face engagement. However, this format is limited to local participants, requires access to limited facilities, and may be less accessible for those with scheduling or travel constraints.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR IN-PERSON DELIVERY
- Ensure the venue meets accessibility and capacity needs.
- Plan for materials, equipment, and scheduling logistics.
- Provide participants with detailed and accurate directions and location information.
- Ensure liability coverage if taking place off-campus.
Online live sessions are delivered in real-time through Microsoft Teams. This format allows for geographic flexibility and real-time interaction with participants. Benefits include broad reach and the ability to engage learners in dynamic discussions, while drawbacks include potential technical difficulties, reliance on participants’ internet access, and scheduling challenges across time zones.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR ONLINE (LIVE) DELIVERY
- Activities and assessment strategies should consider the Extended Learning learner profiles, and the familiarity and ability to use online tools.
- Provide technical requirements and support for participants.
- Incorporate engagement strategies to maintain focus and interaction.
Self-paced courses and modules allow learners to engage independently with pre-designed content. This format offers maximum flexibility, scalability for large audiences, and accessibility across time zones. However, it lacks real-time interaction, relies on learner self-motivation, and requires careful content design to maintain engagement and clarity.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR ONLINE (SELF-PACED) DELIVERY
- Include varied media (videos, readings, quizzes) for engagement and learner needs.
- Provide clear navigation and instructions.
- Incorporate interaction opportunities, like discussion boards, for coursework.
Blended online learning combines live sessions and self-paced learning and activities, allowing learners to manage their time while benefiting from live interaction. Benefits include accommodating diverse schedules, promoting learner engagement through multiple touchpoints, and offering structured and independent learning flexibility. However, this approach requires careful planning to ensure coherence between live and asynchronous content, and instructors must effectively manage both formats to maintain quality.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR HYBRID DELIVERY
- Clearly outline the relationship between live and self-paced components and how one supports the other.
- Ensure live sessions add value to the learning and incentivize participation.
- Provide time to answer questions or review self-paced activities in live sessions.
- Maintain communication between online sessions, including reminders of upcoming modules and sessions and sending participants recaps and recordings.
Dual-mode delivery simultaneously serves in-person and online participants in a live learning format, offering flexibility and accessibility for synchronous delivery. This format supports diverse participation and expands reach, but it requires advanced technology and skilled facilitation and can result in differing experiences for online and in-person learners. Additionally, Dual-Mode classrooms are limited and rarely available as they are primarily used for academic courses.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR DUAL-MODE DELIVERY
- Ensure instructors and facilitators are trained in using dual-mode technology to effectively deliver lessons for both in-person and remote participants.
- Design activities that engage both in-person and remote participants equally.
- Actively involve both in-person and online learners by eliciting responses and monitoring online chat for participation.
- Provide materials before sessions or ensure they are in a format all learners can access.
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