What is Good Education?
Consider Distance Learning and other forms of Alternative Education.
Different shapes and forms, and traditional education systems do not suit everyone. Some people simply don’t learn as well in a highly structured or conventional situation. Sometimes, a parent or employer seeks a different kind of learning: perhaps one that is more focused on the capacity to be innovative and creative and less focused on learning facts and skills; or learning that is more based on developing problem-solving skills. Also, there is a worldwide increasing demand for more flexible forms of delivery or multi-model education. We have designed this course for educators and trainers who want to develop the skills and broader perspective that will help them meet these new and changing demands. It will help you develop alternative education strategies and alternative educational options to meet the changing needs of students and employers.
Course Content:
- Six modules as outlined below.
- You must successfully complete an assignment for each lesson in each of these modules; and sit and pass a closed book exam at conclusion of each of the six modules
- Exams may be sat anywhere in the world. Additional exam fees apply as you come to each exam
CLASSROOM DELIVERY SKILLS BWR006
The course contains eight lessons:
1. Interpersonal Communication in Education
2. Listening Skills
3. Understanding Motivation
4. Motivational Factors
5. Applying Motivation to Education
6. Stress Management
7. Conflict Management
8. Mediation and Negotiation
COURSE WRITING BGN107
There are 8 lessons in this module as follows:
1. Bases for Education
2. Course Writing Methodologies
3. Level of Study
4. Curriculum Documentation
5. Course Materials
6. Course Material Creation
7. Reviewing and Updating Courses
8. Recognition and Accreditation
9. Application and Implementation.
DELIVERING DISTANCE EDUCATION BGN108
There are nine lessons in this module as follows:
1. Scope and Nature of Distance Education –how it is different
2. Getting the student started
3. Supporting Students
4. Real Time Support
5. Managing Resources
6. Assessment
7. Student Administration
8. Communication Skills
9. Supporting Graduates
EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY BPS105
There are eight lessons in this module as follows:
1. Introduction –Development & Learning Theory
2. Behavioural Learning
3. Information Processing
4. Memory Retention & Loss
5. Individual Needs
6 Constructivist Learning
7. Motivation
DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY BPS210
There are ten lessons in this module as follows:
1. Theoretical Approaches and Key Concepts
2. Early Childhood – Cognitive & Social Development in the First 6 Years
3. Middle Childhood – Cognitive, Moral & Social Development in the Primary School Years
4. Challenges of Middle Childhood
5. Adolescence – Cognitive, Moral & Social Development
6. Challenges of Adolescence
7. Adulthood - Cognitive and Psychosocial Development in Early and Middle Adulthood
8. Challenges of Adulthood
9. Late Adulthood - Cognitive and Psychosocial Changes in the Elderly
10. Challenges of Late Adulthood
WORKSHOP I
There are 3 lessons in this module, each requiring the student to complete a problem-based learning project:
1. Workplace Tools, Equipment and Materials - Identifying and describing the operation of tools and equipment used in the workplace; routine maintenance of tools and equipment; identifying and comparing materials used in the workplace; using different materials to perform workplace tasks.
2. Workplace Skills - Determining key practical skills in the workplace; identifying and comparing commonly-performed workplace tasks; determining acceptable standards for workplace tasks; implementing techniques for improving workplace efficiency.
3. Workplace Safety - Identifying health and safety risks in the workplace; complying with industry OH&S standards; developing safety guidelines for handling dangerous items.
Small Business Opportunity for graduates -Franchise or Lisencing ACS courses as an affiliate or lisencee. Open to investors, established schools and start up operations, who can commit to appropriate investment of time and money, and ethiccs. See our standard conditions (contract), and requirements at http://www.acs.edu.au/affiliates/default.aspx
WHAT APPROACH TO TEACHING WORKS BEST?
Teaching practice is generally defined into 5 main models:
* Exposition Model - is teacher-centred whereby the teacher narrates and explains, and practice and revision is used to consolidate the learning. It is based on the traditional approach. It is not inflexible, but the narration, explanation, revision and practice are considered basic to effective teaching. Content focuses on traditional subjects, with a strong emphasis on the basic skills.
* Behavioural Model - based on well structured steps of learning and the use of reinforcement. Can be used in formal full-class teaching or face-to-face instruction. It is still teacher-directed.
* Cognitive Development Model - teacher creates a supportive atmosphere, selects tasks according to pupil's developmental level, and elicits pupil's reasoning in relation to the tasks. Requires planning of steps, but emphasis is on student's reasoning. A number of cognitive approaches are examined within the context of this model. The pupil learns in a resource-rich situation by using reasoning to solve problems.
* Interaction Model - emphasises learning based on the student's interaction with other people and with society, ie. personal interaction. This model works mostly on group situations. Focus is social interaction. Content focuses on social-moral-cultural problems which produces self-aware people.
* Transaction Model - is a pupil-centred model involving a range of teacher structuring with which the self-directed pupil interacts and changes as a result of that interaction. Teacher functions more as a guide rather than as a teacher. Focus is the action (transaction) of the learner. This model is derived from progressive education and open learning.
There are no definite boundaries between each of the models. No one model is regarded as superior to another. A thorough knowledge of all models leads to greater teacher flexibility and efficiency.
THE WORLD IS CHANGING –AND SO IS EDUCATION
Flexible Study
Choose how you study, where you study, what you study, how much you study, and when you study.
- Work fast or slow –you choose the intensity of study
- Start, pause or restart according to changing demands of work, family or lifestyle.
- Mix and match modules so you only study what you want or need to learn -We allow you to construct your own “tailor made” certificates or diplomas
- Options in assignments allow you to focus on things with greater interest to you.
- Study electronically (online or using a CD); or using printed notes.
- Use (or don’t use) supplementary services for extra learning want –unlimited access to tutors, an online student room, social media, bookstore, etc
- Orientation video and student Manual at the start of your course will provide a clear guide to how you can study and get all sorts of support no matter where you live.
Why Distance Education is Better
Classroom based education today is in crisis. Funding is under pressure, teachers are often stressed and increasingly, text books that were the back bone of courses in the past are becoming unavailable as electronic publishing impacts on the print media industry.
These pressures (and others) have resulted in the quality of classroom education diminishing. At the same time, technological advances have been allowing distance education to get better and better every year.
ACS started in 1979, and by 1982 was using computer technology to write and print courses. We have developed our school alongside a global technological revolution; adopting and applying new technologies to distance education as those technologies have emerged. Our experience has taught us how to deliver education in the most effective way, using modern technology; and allowed us to build a reputation that sets our graduates apart in the global marketplace.
- Too many courses today are stuck in the past; giving graduates qualifications (often accredited), but leaving them with out of date skills and often unemployed.
- Too many students commence courses with their sights on a job that exists when they start studying, but not recognising the fact that industries are changing so fast that by the time they finish studies, their job prospects may be completely different (The job they started out chasing might not even exist by the time they finish studying).
Fantastic Opportunities
This fast changing world of ours can be unsettling for some. We all prefer to set our sights on a long term goal, and achieve it. The reality is that the ability to live that way is diminishing every year that passes.
You have two choices in your education –
- One is to ignore the changes underway in our world; and hope that studying something that has worked in the past, will work for you in the future.
- The other is to recognise that that there will be unforeseen opportunities in the future, and then prepare yourself as best you can to capitalize on those opportunities.
Graduate Outcomes
- Being prepared to capitalize on future opportunities in your field of study.
- Awareness of the subject and the industry
- Understanding of how to use what is learnt in real life situations
- Ability to communicate with greater confidence and accuracy
- Capacity to solve problems related to this subject
ACS Distance Education Home Study College, offers over 400 external study, online training courses and home study courses; including online business certificates, online computer courses, short courses and other flexible learning and alternative education choices. Internationally recognised by the International Accreditation and Recognition Council.
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