The Format of e-Learning
... through Calvary Life Tutors utilising advanced e-Learning
1. Introduction
The learning format, facillitated through Calvary Life Tutors is based on the Objective Directed Learning principle. It is offered on a part-time basis in Tuition Centres and due to its use of IT-based learning technology, is labelled as e-learning.
In order to explain this flexible model we list the main conventions:
2. Organizational Structure
Registration, learning, research, assessment and supervision are organized to operate within a decentralized structure:
- CU manages all learning activities through decentralized Learning Centres.
- Individual students are allocated to these centres who assign an academic tutor
- Every learner is guided through the learning process by an Academic Tutor
- Practical learning activities take place through face-to-face contact with the academic tutor and peers within a study group context
Note 1: The resources developed for our e-learning are also suitable for any contact method of tuition if there is a need for it and if the situation is conducive to this method.
3. Support Resources
The tuition model is characterized by the following learning and support resources:
- Course professor for each study field
- Academic tutor for each student
- Course study guide
- A prescribed textbook
- Course resource CD (if available)
- Continuous assessments
- Course Website
- Local support (peer) group
- Learning management (study guidance)
- The Academic Guide
- Administrative staff
4. Courses and Programmes
Note: The first five programmes are completed in part time (evening) classes and carry a weight of 80 credits each.
- A typical learning pathway in any of the faculties has nine successive programmes:
- Certificate
- Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
- Higher Diploma
- Bachelor
- Bachelor (Honours)
- Masters
- Doctorate
- Ph.D (Doctor of Philosophy)
- The successful completion of any programme leads to a qualification
- Approximately five to eight courses constitute a programme
- Courses quantified by number of credits each have a range of learning activities
- Credits are an indication of the amount of time spent (10 hours per credit) to acquire the academic skills to be able to perform expected outcomes
- Courses can be identified as Majors (17+ credits) or Minors (16- credits).
5. Learning Activities
The theoretical and practical learning activities as well as the continuous assessment of how objectives are reached (through observed outcomes) are implemented through the following five basic activities:
- Preparation through prescribed textbooks
- Attending a contact session with a tutor and for group work
- Performing self-assessment exercises
- Do research for academic writing assignments
- Performing a practical task or participation in a Project
Note 2: If this method is followed, the material from more than 200 lectures will have been processed by the student during ±1200 hours of activity to justify 120 notional credits. CLT will use these notional credits.
6. Assessment of Objectives
Different methods of assessment are used to gauge the depth of ability of the student. These ensure good integration and retention of the theoretical learning material and will reflect the level of outcomes (reaching the objectives) in four areas:
- Cognitive retention (memory) and grasp of academic knowledge
- Integration of learned facts, principles and models through writing
- Skills and abilities to perform real life tasks in a professional environment
- Group skills and participation showing ability to work in a people context
Each academic year, which in reality may take between 8 months and two years, is divided into courses or modules. The student will be assessed in each course or module. A practical mark may also be given for group work and a student's Workfile (portfolio) where required.
For more information see the article on assessments.
