I have created a number of online courses that are hosted within the Open University’s OpenLearn Create online educational platform.
OpenLearn Create is based on the free, open-source Moodle software. Moodle is a Content Management System (CMS) that is used to build Virtual Learning Environments, hosting digital course materials to support synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities. It is free for anyone to use to host online courses, as long as those courses remain free to access for the general public.
There are many different online learning environments, but many of them offer similar features and capabilities, so although Moodle is the one I have most experience with, I should be able to help you to design and build online educational courses with you regardless of the platform that you use.
Some examples
Building Your First OpenLearn Create Course
Click here to visit Building Your First OpenLearn Create Course at OpenLearn Create.
I was comissioned to create this course by the ALPHAS project. Its purpose is to introduce participants to the OpenLearn Create platform, taking them step-by-step through the process of creating their own course.
MND Association’s Care Worker’s Module
Click here to visit MND Association’s Care Worker’s Module at OpenLearn Create.
The Motor Neurone Disease Association (MND) comissioned me to update an existing course that aimed to introduce care workers to the issues surrounding care for people living with MND, discussing equipment and procedures they may encounter, and making sure they have a good understanding of the specialist terminology involved.
What I can do
If you’ve already realised that you need to offer an online course, you’ll have reasons: the need for an elearning course can come from various sources, such as identifying a knowledge gap in your workforce or realising that an audience wants to learn or understand something better that’s related to your focus or expertise.
I can help with…
… any aspects of instructional design, from supporting your intial development of learning objectives, through flowcharting or storyboarding and structuring the learning journey, to writing content and assessments, and exploring the interactive opportunities afforded by your chosen platform.
I cannot help with…
… installing/purchasing/hosting your learning environment (I can only help you populate it once it’s in place); nor can I help you to create visual materials such as bespoke images and diagrams or other media (though I can record simple video and audio if necessary).
The bottom line is…
- You are the expert when it comes to the knowledge, skills and content relating to the course you’d like to offer, and the audiences that it is to be aimed at.
- I am the expert in terms of instructional design and general principles of learning and education.
- Combining these areas of expertise in a collaborative project gives us the best chance of building something with true value for you and your audiences.
Whichever stage you’ve reached in designing and building your online course, I can help: get in touch!