An part of my role at work, I worked on the pilot scheme for FÁS E-College, National Training Authority.

1. FÁS
E-College

2. An part of my role at CMD Training
Institute, I worked on the pilot scheme
for FÁS E-College, National Training
Authority.
FÁS had been looking for a way to
incorporate online tutor support to
their existing online training courses.
The aim of the E-College project was to
increase learner retention and the
levels of successful certification.

3. Aim of Pilot
• Improve certification levels
• Improve completion rates
• Increase retention rates
• Develop quality standards
• Evaluate and provide feedback for
continuous improvement

4. Aim of Pilot …
• Provide support to learners
• Advise learners on course progression
• Give job seeker advice
• Promote the concept and advantages of
online learning

5. Administration
• Administered the online learning
environment
• Carried out bulk actions i.e. [unenrolling
inactive learners]
• Grouped learners according to learning
status i.e. [active, inactive, exam ready etc]
• Scheduled and organised examinations for
online learners in a local test centre

6. Learner Support
• Once enrolled on an online course I was
able to support learners through
 Video call support [Skype]
 Phone support
 Email support
 Instant messaging [Moodle]
 Learner forums [Moodle]
 Technical support

7. Learner Support …
• Rapid response times to all queries
• Created a FAQ section on the course
• Provided ongoing support for technical, exam
and knowledge specific queries
• Embedded videos demonstrating the key
features in Moodle and how they are used
• Ensured online learners did not become
isolated by providing opportunities to interact
with other learners and regular contact

8. Learner Support …
• Advised learners on course progression
• Provided job seeker guidance
• Promoted the use of online learning

9. Learner Induction
• Provided training on Moodle for learners and
produced a learner manual for learners
• Established and clearly communicated course
instructions and tutor expectations to the
learners
• Provided learners with an exam manual
highlighting the key issues relating to the exam
at the end of the course

10. Course Format
• Created an interactive student-centred online
teaching and learning process
• Standardised course templates, style
sheets, outlines, overviews to prevent any
confusion for the learners and establish
familiarity
• Embedded videos where appropriate to add a
dynamic element to the course
• Course was created using a topic format to
cater for continuous intake of learners

11. Course Format …
• Design was kept simple, with a clean, sleek,
easy to navigate interface
• Course format allowed for course news and
regular updates
• Format and materials used catered to different
learning styles and a range of multiple
intelligences and skills levels
• Feedback systems were incorporated into the
course using features in Moodle

12. Course Format …
• Created activities within Moodle for learners
to practice skills and revise ahead of their
exams i.e. [online quiz]

13. Evaluation & Continuous Improvement
• Developed quality standards
• Conducted evaluation of entire project,
liaised with FÁS personnel
• Identified critical key success factors and
provided invaluable feedback for
improving the learning experience
• Established standards of evaluation for
E-College courses

14. Results
• Trained up to 400 learners on MOS courses
on E-College
• Identified and provided FÁS with common
factors influencing success on the pilot for
the purpose of continuous improvement
• Increased retention, certification and
completion rates for MOS courses

15. Results
• Following the successful completion of the
pilot scheme the E-College service was
rolled out at national level

16. Recommendations
David Kennedy:
E-Learning & Learner Support Manager @ FÁS

17. Recommendations
Claudine Teape:
E-College Tutor & E-Learning Training Specialist @ CMD
Training Institute

18. Pictures From E-College

19. Olivia Moran
Learn more about me and check
out more of my presentations at
www.oliviamoran.me