Welcome to my e-portfolio
Let me first introduce myself. My name is Neil Cochrane. I am a lecturer in the Department of Afrikaans and Theory of Literature at the University of South Africa (Unisa) - one of the largest and oldest distance education universitities (and mega universities) in the world.
I am currently enrolled for the Certificate in Technology in Distance Education and E-Learning at the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) - an open virtual university. I need to complete for the following modules - UCSP 611 (Introduction to Graduate Library Research Skills), OMDE 601 (Foundations of Distance Education and E-Learning), OMDE 603 (Technology in Distance Education and E-Learning), DETC 620 (Training and Learning with Multimedia) and DETC 630 (Emerging Technology Trends and Issues in Distance Education and E-Learning). The successfull completion of these modules will enable me to proceed with an M. Ed. (ODL)-degree at Unisa from 2013. I am part of the first group of Unisa staff enrolled for these programs. I am very hopeful that I will learn a lot of new skills which I may apply to my cuurent and future teaching practices at Unisa.
I am still on a learning curve regarding e-learning, although I thoroughly enjoy taking the first steps towards becoming more knowledgeable in the field. Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon once said - "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."
Enrolling for the certicate at UMUC has been the first time in my 33 years of existence studying in an e-learning environment. I am used to a more traditional face-to-face approach and did all my undergraduate and postgraduate studies at residential university (the University of Pretoria to be exact). It is still a little bit strange to have discussions with people you do not really "know" or see.
The purpose of this e-portfolio is to keep record of my e-learning experiences - the good ones, but also the bad ones. It is also a way for you - whoever or wherever you are - to take a look at my "footsteps" on this exciting journey and to share in a collaborative effort towards a better understanding of distance education. I will document my ideas and reflections in the learning journal. Furthermore, I will post assignments, projects (individual and collaborative) and comments from lecturers under Artefacts. Maybe you also like to check out Links and Resources - perhaps a useful tool for recourse sharing.
I am currently enrolled for the Certificate in Technology in Distance Education and E-Learning at the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) - an open virtual university. I need to complete for the following modules - UCSP 611 (Introduction to Graduate Library Research Skills), OMDE 601 (Foundations of Distance Education and E-Learning), OMDE 603 (Technology in Distance Education and E-Learning), DETC 620 (Training and Learning with Multimedia) and DETC 630 (Emerging Technology Trends and Issues in Distance Education and E-Learning). The successfull completion of these modules will enable me to proceed with an M. Ed. (ODL)-degree at Unisa from 2013. I am part of the first group of Unisa staff enrolled for these programs. I am very hopeful that I will learn a lot of new skills which I may apply to my cuurent and future teaching practices at Unisa.
I am still on a learning curve regarding e-learning, although I thoroughly enjoy taking the first steps towards becoming more knowledgeable in the field. Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon once said - "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."
Enrolling for the certicate at UMUC has been the first time in my 33 years of existence studying in an e-learning environment. I am used to a more traditional face-to-face approach and did all my undergraduate and postgraduate studies at residential university (the University of Pretoria to be exact). It is still a little bit strange to have discussions with people you do not really "know" or see.
The purpose of this e-portfolio is to keep record of my e-learning experiences - the good ones, but also the bad ones. It is also a way for you - whoever or wherever you are - to take a look at my "footsteps" on this exciting journey and to share in a collaborative effort towards a better understanding of distance education. I will document my ideas and reflections in the learning journal. Furthermore, I will post assignments, projects (individual and collaborative) and comments from lecturers under Artefacts. Maybe you also like to check out Links and Resources - perhaps a useful tool for recourse sharing.