Discover who to contact about developing an ODL course, and how you will be supported.
Training and support
Throughout the development process, teaching of the module, evaluation and refresh, there are several people and resources available to support the academic team. Roles involved include:
- Learning designer - designs a framework structure for modules to follow to provide an engaging and consistent learning experience for students
- Instructional designer – supports with the planning and creation of the teaching and also develops learning practices and opportunities in the learning materials of the modules
- Digital producer - builds the learning materials and interactivity in digital format in the Canvas VLE module
- Learning technologist – deliver training and provide support for academics throughout teaching, development and module evaluation
- Librarian – liaises with academic staff to ensure appropriate resources are available online and built into the reading lists and advises on academic skills support
Our ODL Learning Technologists deliver essential training sessions for academics who are new to ODL courses at Sussex. These sessions are designed to give attendees an overview about ODL students, online teaching, best learning practices, engagement, social learning communities, guidance on marking and feedback, and information about available support for both academics and students.
Whilst you are teaching, the ODL Learning Technologists will offer ongoing support to the teaching team, addressing any queries related to module delivery, engagement, learning technologies, and potential content-related issues.
Other support and guidance available includes assessment design, content writing, accessibility, multimedia production, teaching best practice and reading list creation. There is also a dedicated Tutor Support Canvas module specifically aimed to support ODL academics.