VIU’s Online Learning and Teaching graduate Diploma (OLTD) program

welcomes applications from teachers and instructors with a passion for best- practice in
online learning.

Vancouver Island University is receiving rave reviews from current students enrolled in
a unique Online Learning and Teaching graduate Diploma (OLTD) program and is now
seeking applications for the next intake.
The program was launched last fall and the first cohort is completing their second semester.
“We’re recruiting prospective students for September 2013,” says Mary O’Neill, OLTD
Program Coordinator. “Applicants must be practicing teachers, instructors or have a
Bachelor of Education degree.”
O’Neill says distance-learning is one of BC’s educational growth areas and
teachers with expertise and education in this area are in demand.
“With the New BC Education Plan, the BC Ministry of Education is encouraging the use of
technology and online delivery models, so there is a big focus on teaching integration and
blended learning where students can take courses partially online and face to face,” explains
O’Neill.
O’Neill adds that there are currently 53 Distance Learning Schools in BC, many of which are
looking for qualified distance learning teacher/facilitators.
“Certified distance-learning teachers can expect to find employment in a variety of
educational settings; K-12, post-secondary, training schools and other online learning
organizations locally, nationally and internationally. There are great opportunities for
qualified grads.”
The two-year part-time, fully online program, trains students to use existing and emergent
technologies to optimize online learning and teaching opportunities for a range of diverse
learners.
Areas of study include social networking, cloud computing, open educational
resources (OER), online communication, mobile learning and educational gaming,
emergent technologies along with pedagogical and research-based foundations
for best practice in online learning design, teaching and facilitating.
“Technology changes so quickly,” says O’Neill. “One of our goals is to model best-
practice teaching and engage today’s new Web 2.0 tools and current technologies
to support student success.”
O’Neill says VIU was at the forefront of an educational wave when it established
its online learning and teaching program last fall.
The VIU program is taught by a team of eight faculty members who have achieved
provincial, national and international acclaim. “They are known in their fields as
industry leaders and active practitioners,” she adds.
Another unique aspect of the VIU program is that graduates can ladder into VIU’s
Master of Education in Educational Leadership program with only an additional 10
credits of project-based thesis work.
Program graduates who are practicing teachers in BC’s public system may qualify
for increased TQS salary increment (dependant on their current salary
placement.) Transfer credits from other graduate programs may be considered.
Dr. Harry Janzen, Dean of VIU’s Faculty of Education, says VIU’s graduate diploma
“adds to the continuum of education offerings at VIU and enhances access to
graduate education for students on Vancouver Island as well as those practicing
at a distance or planning to do so.”
“We are pleased to contribute to the new 21st century learning mandate by
engaging students in rich, technology-based learning environments focused on
academic success,” Janzen adds.
Interested applicants are encouraged to discuss opportunities with the OLTD
Program Coordinator prior to applying. Applications will be accepted throughout
the year with the next intake beginning September 2013.
For information, email mary.oneill@viu.ca. or call Mary O’Neill at 250-753-3245,
local 2550.
Please visit the program website
http://www.viu.ca/education/OLTD