EPLT provides dynamic learning environments that respond to your needs. We develop flexible models that use a blend of instructional methods to bring the Faculty of Education to you in various ways:
These options let you choose when, where and how you wish to study. Learning can take place anywhere as long as you have a computer with Internet access, and can be done at your own pace.
Fully online courses provide for rich interaction between you, your fellow students and instructors. They often have weekly scheduled learning activities or assignments in which you may work in collaborative groups or participate in discussion forums.
Learning at a distance requires self-discipline, persistence, and good time management and organizational skills. Online courses usually require a significant amount of reading, writing, reflection, interaction and completion of activities and assignments. Not every course, however, is the same. There are some variations, depending on the nature of assignments and instructor requirements.
At UBC we use the WebCT Vista (Web Course Tools) course management system as our virtual learning space.
WebCT Vista facilitates the creation of sophisticated web-based educational environments. It includes bulletin boards and chat rooms, online quizzes and surveys, a grade book, a calendar and other tools. Our courses provide media-rich experiences, bringing experts in your field to you through video or audio clips.
All of our courses are designed in accordance with accessibility standards, providing captions and transcripts for media material. Social software (blogs, wikis, etc.) is increasingly being employed, enabling you to share your work and resources with your peers or collaborate on a project.
All WebCT Vista course sites are password-protected. To log in, instructors and students have individual CWL (Campus Wide Login) accounts. Access to all WebCT Vista courses is available in several ways:
All our courses, regardless of their mode of delivery, begin on their official start date (check the UBC calendar), unless otherwise advertised.
Before you start using WebCT Vista for your online course, please check to ensure that you meet the basic technical requirements. UBC courses are run in WebCT Vista 4.2.2. If you are experiencing difficulties with your browser, check the WebCT Browser Tune-up website to see whether it is supported. Preparing your browser settings will include the following: enabling java, enabling javascript, taking care of cache, enabling cookies and enabling pop-up windows.
Students are responsible for purchasing, installing and maintaining all computer hardware and software required for their participation in online courses.
UBC IT Services provides help with technical issues:
For online course development and instructional support, instructors can contact Natasha Boskic.