The learning materials are based upon the view of the role of the lecturer as facilitator of learning rather than disseminator of information. Approximately 30 courseware modules have been developed to meet the needs of both beginning and experienced teachers. For 1997, the materials have been trialled with approximately 20 experienced teachers and a second group of approximately 20 beginning teachers. For the 1998 academic year, the programmes will be offered to approximately 200 Diploma in Education students and approximately 50 experienced teachers. All of the courseware modules are passworded and Internet-delivered to enrolled students.
Students have dial-up access and are thus able to study on campus or elsewhere.
An enormous amount of time went into developing the programmes and this work is continuing. Myself and 3 graduate students were involved in developing the programmes. The programmes were radically under-funded but I found that my graduate students were willing to put is a great deal of unpaid effort which saved the day. I would be prepared to make similar time investments again, but only with adequate funding. Do not assume that administrators will understand the investment of time and effort required to set-up and maintain a flexible learning programme.