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Supplementary resources

Advance organisers, flowcharts, weekly breakdowns, support resources and summaries to assist in providing a roadmap for learners

Samples

Your Online Learning Assistant (YOLA)

Numeracy support tool.

Source Your Online Learning Assistant
URL http://pre2005.flexiblelearning.net.au/projects/resources/yola_standalone/_yola_engine/yola_engine.htm
Use Learners who need to develop their numeracy skills in order to participate in other training.
Delivery Information for deliverers on how to use and download YOLA is available from http://pre2005.flexiblelearning.net.au/
products/yola.htm
Customisation YOLA can be used as a stand alone numeracy activity or can be linked to other online courseware.
Availability Your Online Learning Assistant is available on the Australian Flexible Learning Framework site from the above url.

Star Industries Induction

Audio/visual induction to the Human Resources Flexible learning toolbox.

Source Human Resources Toolbox, lead agent OTEN
URL http://flexiblelearning.net.au/toolbox/series5/506.htm
Use BSB50801 Diploma of Business (Human Resources)
Delivery Can be delivered via CD or the web. Can be incorporated into a Learning Management system such as WebCT, Janison or Blackboard.
Customisation The material in this Toolbox has been developed to allow for customisation. This diagram is constructed in Adobe Flash. You would need to have access to someone with skills in Flash to make modifications to this interaction.
Availability Details of how to purchase this Toolbox are available on the Flexible Learning Toolbox site

Fitness Toolbox Student Guide

Student Guide to the Certificate IV in Fitness Toolbox

Source Flexible Learning Toolboxes
URL http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/toolbox/demosites/series8/805/fit_tb/
Use Certificate IV in Fitness
Delivery Can be delivered via CD or the web. Can be incorporated into a Learning Management system such as Moodle, Janison or Blackboard.
Customisation This resource has been designed to allow for customisation of tasks, content, images and interactions.
Availability Details of how to purchase this Toolbox are available on the Flexible Learning Toolbox site

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Why include supplementary resources?

Online learners will not have face to face opportunities for clarifying course expectations and requirements. You can provide this support by incorporating a number of supplementary resources into learning packages.

Features

  • Induction materials can provide support in how to use the online technology.
  • Language and numeracy support tools and activities can supplement course content.
  • Study guides will outline how the various components of the program fit together. Often online learning programs have face-to-face and on-the-job components, hard copy texts, CDs etc. It is important that the learner is clear on how these components relate to each other and when each is accessed.
  • Weekly breakdowns can provide an overview of what is required at each stage.
  • Summaries can indicate what should have been covered at a particular stage of the learning. These can be sent via email or posted on a discussion board.
  • Frequently Asked Questions topics in discussion forums can provide learners with clarification of the requirements of the course.
  • Checklists will allow learners to monitor their progress, keep track of content learnt and activities competed.

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Integrating supplementary materials

Design steps

  1. Anticipate all the questions that learners are likely to have.
  2. Prepare a range of support resources in advance and distribute to learners.
  3. Schedule regular online communication events to clarify any issues that learners have.
  4. Set up topics in discussion forums.

Assessment

Learners are often anxious about assessment and this can be even more so in an online environment. You should ensure that there are adequate support materials to clearly explain all the assessment tasks. This involves making sure that:

  • the assessment requirements are clearly laid out within the online course
  • learners understand whether assessment tasks will be carried out online or in a face-to-face situation
  • online communication forums provide ample opportunities for guidance and feedback on the assessment process
  • the learner knows how to submit online assessment tasks electronically
  • the learner is aware of how to get further information.

Technical notes

The provision of supplementary resources will involve you in the development of documents using a word processor, uploading of documents to a website or a learning management system, the development of weekly timelines using syllabus tools and the management of an online discussion forum. Many of the information you need to inform your learners can be developed and shared in an accessible form using a range of web 2.0 tools including blogs, wikis, podcasts and online calendars.

Most Learner Management Systems include a calendar tool that you can link easily to assessment and activity due dates as well as posting events such as virtual tutorials, group work schedules etc.

An additional useful tool for sharing schedules with learners is Google Calenders but a variety of calendars are available.

Skills

Planning and mapping skills to anticipate and manage the range of support resources needed.

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See also

From the Framework

More resources from the Australian Flexible Learning Framework

  • Inclusive e-Learning research and policy reports
    Links to a variety of research and environmental scans including:
    • Selecting and Utilising Assistive Technologies in an E-learning Context
    • Connecting the Dots: breaking down the barriers to participation
    • E-learning for Target Learner Groups - Learners with Disabilities
    • Adaptive and assistive technologies in e-learning
    • Report on Assistive Technologies for Online Training Delivery
    • Bridging Pathways: The National Strategy for Increasing Opportunities
    http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/flx/go/home/projects/2006/inclusive/pid/229

Tools and resources

Last modified: 15/9/08