A free-standing module from Lancaster University's Advanced Learning Technology (ALT) Programme requiring 60 hours of study time. Some of this time will be spent on-line communicating with other course participants and tutors. Most of the time will be spent reading and preparing a course assignment off-line.
The course will run from 1 February to 30 June 1997 for the MECPOL user trials. The last date for starting study on this course is 30 April 1997.
We will need two weeks notice in order to dispatch course material to you.
A good command of English is required. Much of the work on the module requires on-line discussion and the writing of an assignment. The on-line discussion is NOT real-time, and therefore you will have the chance to prepare your contributions before going on-line.
Centre for Studies in Advanced Learning Technology (C SALT), Department of Educational Research, Lancaster University, UK.
INSTITUTION COURSE CODE: ITL09
This module introduces the concept of "courseware engineering". The field of software engineering has encouraged the use of rigorously defined software development methods, based on sound mathematical and engineering principles. Courseware engineering seeks to apply and extend these ideas to the production of courseware. The module looks at courseware development through the different phases of the production "life-cycle" (such as analysis, design and implementation), and considers alternative life-cycle models. It also looks at ways in which the different stages of production could be supported by computer-based tools.
There are three main groups of readings for this module. The readings in Group 1 cover the different phases of courseware development, such as analysis and design. The readings in Group 2 look at ways in which the different stages of courseware development could be automated. The readings in Group 3 are all from the field of software engineering. They cover those aspects of software engineering which are most relevant to courseware engineering, such as life-cycle models, re-usability, maintenance and so on.
The Lancaster University Advanced Learning Technology (ALT) Programme has been designed to support the continuing professional development of people working with computer-based learning technologies.
This module is open to people who are currently involved in the design, development, use or evaluation of ALT systems. It is open to those involved in training and to staff working in higher, further or adult education who want to learn more about ALT. It is not oriented towards the needs of those who are primarily concerned with the use of computers in schools.
ALT is broadly defined, to include such things as the use of electronic communications and groupware, multimedia systems, electronic books, on-line help and performance support systems, simulations and exploratory learning tools, as well as more mainstream elements of technology-based training.
You will need access to a computer and the Internet using a World-Wide Web browser such as Netscape (version 2.x or above) or MS Internet Explorer (version 2.x or above). You will be accessing Lotus Notes discussion databases (conferences) via your Web browser.
A participant pack will be provided on request. This pack includes readings for this module. Alternatively, you may choose to find the readings yourself from a reading list which we will supply.
Other learning resources are provided on the module's Web pages, ALTLinks V1 and ALT Links V2.
The assessment task is meant to act as the motor for your learning on the module. It provides a focus for your studying and reflecting on the readings. It is the vehicle through which you can
The following suggestions may give you some ideas:
(1) Use the literature provided in this unit, together with your own experience to sketch out a set of requirements or "wish list" for the kind of computer-supported environment in which you’d like to work as a courseware developer. You should interpret the role quite broadly - don’t think of yourself as just a training needs analyst, or instructional designer, or interface designer, or courseware author. Think about covering the full courseware life-cycle. What kinds of tools would help in your job? Structure your assignment task by considering:
(2) Produce a report for senior management proposing a new courseware development method to be used in your organisation. This report should take account of ideas covered by the readings and any existing methods of development. Specify the new model that you are proposing in sufficient detail for a colleague to use it. You should outline the main stages of the cycle, their role in the overall cycle, any documents that will be required for communication, the resources and skills required at each stage of the cycle. You should outline the context of your proposal for the tutors benefit.
(3) Present a critical review of a project and its associated development method. You can use a project that you have been involved with or interview a third party if you don't have the requisite experience yourself. Identify both the problems, and where possible, the causes of those problems. Produce a plan for future projects which will try to avoid these shortcomings.
(4) Discuss the potential benefits and advantages of design rationales and propose a system of courseware development that employs design rationales to support reuse and enforcement of design standards.
(5) Design your own assessment or tailor one of the above assignments.
Consult the tutors electronically to discuss ideas that you could explore for your own assessment task.
In assessing your work we will be expecting you:
Assignments should be 2500 -3000 words, or an equivalent.
This module has a 6 CATS points credit
rating in the UK.
(A full masters course = 120 CATS points)
You will be assigned to one tutor who will discuss an appropriate assessment task with you and will provide tutorial support for an agreed period. The normal means of communication will be computer-based conferencing, email or fax, with telephone by arrangement. You will be expected to communicate regularly with the tutor.
The period between your official start date on the module and the submission date for your assignment will not normally be less than four weeks or more than twenty weeks.
Tutors are:
Dr. Karen Valley and Mr Patrick Hynes from Lancaster University, UK.
£100 for the participant pack for MECPOL partner students, otherwise £450.00 (pounds sterling). Please allow up to two weeks to receive your pack from the time of ordering. Packs will be dispatched by surface mail within one week. If you wish to receive your pack by courier there would be an additional charge.
MECPOL partner students may wish to acquire the readings for themselves, in which case no fees will be payable.
If you already have access to the Internet via a Web browser there is no additional cost. If you pay telephone charges related to your use of the Internet, then you will have additional call charges.
If you would like to register for this module, or you have any other queries, please contact:
ALT Programme Organiser- Alice Jesmont
C SALT (Centre for Studies in Advanced Learning Technology)Further details regarding the ALT programme may be found on:
http://www.lancs.ac.uk/users/edres/research/altprog.html