VIU launches new graduate diploma program in Online Learning and Teaching

Vancouver Island University is offering an exciting new opportunity for teachers and those holding a Bachelor of Education degree.

The University’s Board of Governors has approved an innovative graduate diploma program in Online Learning and Teaching (OLTD.)

“We’re accepting applications immediately,” said Mary O’Neill of VIU’s Faculty of Education. “The first intake begins in September 2012. There are 25 seats available.”

The two-year part-time, fully online program, trains students to use existing and emergent technologies to optimize online learning and teaching opportunities for a range of diverse learners.

Areas of study include social networking, cloud computing, open educational resources (OER), online communication, mobile learning and educational gaming, emergent technologies along with pedagogical and research-based foundations for best practice in online learning and teaching.

“Technology changes so quickly,” said O’Neill. “One of our goals is to model best-practise teaching and engage today’s new Web 2.0 tools and current technologies to support student success.”

Faculty, graduates, practising teachers and distance-learning partners are excited about the new program. Distance-learning is one of BC’s educational growth areas and teachers with expertise in this area are in demand. Certified distance-learning teachers can expect to find employment in a variety of educational and training schools and other online learning organizations locally, nationally and internationally, said O’Neill.

“The BC Ministry of Education requires distance-learning teachers to have professional development opportunities in this challenging field,” she added.

Students accepted into the new program must have completed a Bachelor of Education degree from an accredited university. Teaching experience is not a pre-requisite but strong technology skills will serve applicants well.

Graduates of the OLTD program can ladder into VIU’s Masters of Education Leadership program with only an additional 10 credits of project work.

Dr. Harry Janzen, Dean of VIU’s Faculty of Education, said the OLTD graduate degree adds to the continuum of education offerings at VIU and enhances access to graduate education for students on Vancouver Island as well as those practising at a distance or planning to do so. Upon graduation, the certification will also qualify practising teachers in BC for the 5+ salary increment.

“We are pleased to contribute to the new 21st century learning mandate by engaging students in rich, technology-based learning environments focused on academic success,” Janzen said.

Interested applicants are encouraged to discuss program requirements with an Education Advisor at VIU before applying. Applications will be accepted throughout the year.

For more information, call Mary O’Neill at 250-753-3245, local 2550 or email Mary.O’Neill@viu.ca.