Using Emerging Technologies in Online Course Delivery: A Course Showcase and Lessons Learned

Corinne BREEN, M.Ed

Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland

Abstract

In response to the growing demand for flexible educational programming, the Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland has developed a number of post-secondary courses from our degree, diploma, and professional certification programmes for online delivery. The Internet, communications tools, learning technologies, and course specific CD-ROMs are integrated into courses where they are best suited in terms of instructional design. The audience for these courses has included full time, part time, in-house, and virtual adult learners.

This paper will illustrate how the Marine Institute is adapting to the changing landscape of education with its efforts for providing alternate educational options to accommodate the schedules and circumstances of our clientele. In particular, we will showcase both the instructional design and developmental process, and final delivery of a fully online course for offshore fishers entitled Navigation and Stability. A description of the uses of the new technologies employed in our course design will be explained and discussed. Experiences and lessons learned concerning asynchronous and real-time features of technologies will be addressed. Logistical and technical considerations will also be noted along with an opportunity to view the components of the course. To conclude, the changing demand for learning opportunities and the enhancement of post-secondary maritime education will be discussed.