1. Moving Distance Learning MA Programmes to WebCT Carmen Millan-Varela Nicholas Groom Centre for English Language Studies

2. CELS ODL MA PROGRAMMES »CELS Current Situation: »ODL MA TEFL/TESL »ODL MA Translation Studies »ODL MA Applied Linguistics »Moving to WebCT » Redesign of WebCT Section » Online Essay Submission

3. CELS Current Situation »Students: 260 worldwide »Solo / Via Local Administration Centres »Attitudes to online teaching & learning? »Structure: 6 modules x 2 courses + Dissertation »Assessment: 6 x 4,000 word assignments »Materials: Paper based & CD »Communications/Support: E-mail & Post »Staff: Lecturers, Tutors, Markers & Supervisors

4. »Geographic variation »Internet access? »CD/Paper based »Students’ social interaction? »Updating of course materials? »Email support (direct postings or email lists) »Tutoring and General communication with Bham or fellow students »Mail: »Students still submitting but post »Markers receiving assignments by post.

5. Moving to WebCT? »Benefits: »Time efficiency »Cost-effectiveness »Establishing a virtual learning community »Concerns: »Technical »Adapting/re-designing course materials

6. Redesign of WebCT Section »Complete structural overhaul »The old version »Reflects a limited understanding of WebCT »More like a website that a WebCT section »Students don’t use it much »The redesigned version »Based on a clearer understanding of WebCT »Simplified structure »Students will (have to) use it more

7. Online essay trial 1.Students upload essays to WebCT 2.Markers download essays 3.Markers upload feedback forms 4.Moderators download essays and feedback forms 5.Moderators upload amended feedback forms 6.Students download feedback forms

8. Online essay trial »14 students volunteered for part 1 of trial »9 uploaded their essays without difficulty »1 uploaded after several unsuccessful attempts; »2 couldn't do it at all; »2 did not attempt the test (external reasons)

9. Our advice »Learn about the software »Be prepared to adapt »Test on authentic user groups »Get to know your friendly neighbourhood eLearning Consultant!