THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ALL-NEW, WEB-BASED DISTANCE LEARNING COURSE BY THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM

摘要

This presentation outlines the development of an all-new, web-based distance learning course by the School of Education, University of Birmingham, UK. The course offers post-experience professional training to parents and carers of people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders(ASD), leading to the award of University Certificate (after 1 year) or Certificate of Higher Education (2 years). The CertHE is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree, and can be used as a springboard for further study. The course is currently being delivered to 110 students from the UK and Ireland in its pilot year. Initial development has been funded by the Shirley Foundation, and the course is expected to become self-sufficient in the near future, with increasing student numbers (enrolment of 250 for 2003) and a widening market.