eLearner Support

Strategies for Guidance Counsellors: Support your eLearners!

Some Background Information

Most AMDEC courses follow an asynchronous elearning model:

Asynchronous elearning: students begin the course at different times and work at their own pace (within guidelines) to complete the course.
Some AMDEC courses are semestered. Students will work through these courses synchronously and follow due dates prescribed by their teachers.

What Does Successful eLearning Look Like

A wide variety of students can be successful in elearning
Asynchronous delivery models require students to have stronger skills at the outset of the program.
Successful students are persistent in asking questions if they need help.

Basic Tools Required for eLearning Success

Computer literate (able to create documents, save and organize files, create folders, email, conduct web-based research)
Responsible
Organized
Motivated

Others that will also help:

Self-directed
Able to manage his/her time
Able to multitask
Flexible, with a willingness to learn
A problem solver
Self motivated
A critical thinker
Honest
An effective communicator, especially in written communication
In possession of an up-to-date, working and reliable computer

The Four Stages of Assistance

Pre-Registration
Getting Started
Monitoring
Course Conclusion

Pre-Registration Assistance

When a student approaches you with an interest in taking an AMDEC course, some things to consider and discuss with the student are:

The computer literacy of student, and the strengths of student versus the requirements of an asynchronous delivery elearning program
Review the program with the student (through course units in the OERB, AMDEC Student Handbook, AMDEC website information, etc.) and discuss whether elearning is an appropriate choice for the student
Make sure students are aware of, and able to access, the technical, equipment and software requirements of LMS (Learning Management System) and the specific elearning course(s)
SERT at enrolling school should be consulted in the case of a student on an IEP
The enrolling school should inform AMDEC of relevant information for students on an IEP at the time of registration in the elearning course.
The bottom line… Initial investigation (prior to registering a student) into the student’s suitability for elearning and ability to access the course and system requirements can prevent problems once a student is registered in the course

Getting Started Assistance – Registration and Orientation

Assist students to complete online registration and make sure all required documentation is correctly submitted
When possible, watch a student complete the orientation program, so you can assist other students if questions arise
Help students deal with any difficulties they may encounter with orientation (interpretation of information, tech issues)

Getting Started Assistance – Initial Phase of the Program

Assist student to locate textbooks and/or other course supplies, as required
EP/IPRC students should have available supports arranged through SERT at the enrolling school
Manually enter AMDEC courses into student’s OUAC/OCAS accounts as necessary
Make sure student reviews AMDEC Student Handbook

Monitoring Strategies

One of the largest factors contributing to student success in elearning courses (from a guidance perspective) is that ‘caring adult’ at the home school
Check regularly (at least monthly) with student about progress in their elearning course(s)
Monitor student attendance in each elearning course regularly
Maintain contact among home school guidance counselor, and AMDEC teacher(s), AMDEC guidance, AMDEC VP and AMDEC administrators as required
Monitor student academic achievement
Manually update student OUAC/OCAS accounts with updated marks, as necessary
Email is your friend
- Provides a ‘paper trail’ reminder of interventions taken
- Allows for easy organization of information
Check Red Apple Office, Front Desk regularly

Red Apple Office, Front Desk

Use Red Apple Office, Front Desk to monitor student progress in course
Student Tracking: (assignment completion)
Attendance
Achievement: Teacher email addresses available here

Course Conclusion

Assist student with arrangements for completing final . Student must write the final exam at your school no later than the date specified on the Registration Agreement. The proctor must be a principal, vice principal or teacher.
Gather final marks and enter into student’s history and OSR
Forward elearning final marks as necessary to facilitate post secondary pathway

Wrap Up

Support strategies to encourage student success in elearning are appropriate right from the time the student first expresses an interest in elearning until the course has finished
Support strategies required will vary depending on:
- The skill set of the student
- The course(s) being taken
- The home support for the student
- The equipment available to the student

Contact Information

We look forward to working with you and your students. If you have any questions about our program or how you can support your elearning students please do not hesitate to contact us.

Email

Main Office: AMDEC.office@ed.amdsb.caGuidance: AMDEC.guidance@ed.amdsb.ca

Principal: AMDEC.principal@ed.amdsb.ca

Vice Principal: AMDEC.vp@ed.amdsb.ca

Phone

Telephone: (519) 482-5428

Office Fax: (519) 482-8795

Technical Assistance

Tech Help email: AMDEC.Techsupport@ed.amdsb.ca

Tech Telephone: (519) 482-5428 x 513 or 1-800-592-5467 ext. 513 (If you receive a busy signal please dial the “482” number)