I currently deliver a distance learning program in Computer Aided Draughting and Design. However our teaching packs are hard copy prints and as such would be expensive to send overseas via post. I have piloted electronic manuals using Blackboard and camtasia for screen recording to support the packs. Being new to this type of delivery, do you have anything (advice or delivery methods) that might benefit the students or myself in the delivery and assessment of this course.

Using your college VLE is an excellent way to support distance learning students. Making your course materials available on the VLE with supported interactive resources such as the camtasia screen shots is a good place to start. Converting traditional paper-based resources to electronic resources is a difficult task and there are lots things to consider, particularly when designing materials to support distance learners. There are a number of JISC publications which offer advice about course design. You may want to have a look at the Effective Practice with e-Learning guide which offers a good introduction to e-learning and course design.

There are resources available for educational (not commercial) use which you could add to your course site on the VLE. It may be worth doing a search for existing electronic resources in your subject area. A good place to start is the RSC website which highlights a number of sources of materials which may be of use. For example, the NLN materials provide a wealth of multimedia resources including an interactive CAD drawing tool.

The VLE also offers an opportunity to provide additional support for your students via the communication tools. As well as email, there are a number of tools which can be used for keeping in touch with your students such as the notice board. You may want to use the collaboration tools such as the discussion and chat tools to ensure your students don’t feel isolated.

Designing the course to include effective formative assessments will give you an opportunity to provide timely feedback to your students. This will have the added benefit of highlighting students who may be struggling with aspects of the course in time to allow remedial action to be taken. Have a look at the eAssessment page of the RSC website for further information.