The Open Training College’s unique approach to education means that students can enjoy the benefits of supported study while continuing to seek employment or work fulltime in the sector.

How You Learn: The Open training college’s Supported Open Learning Model

The Open Training College’s unique approach to education means that our students can enjoy the benefits of supported study while continuing to seek employment or work full-time in the sector.

We use the Supported Open Learning Model to deliver our courses, which uses a range of delivery and support mechanisms to provide maximum flexibility for your study.

Along with a Three-Way Collaborative Approach for some courses, which supports the application of students’ learning in the workplace, your learning will benefit from a sound theoretical foundation and the ability to apply your learning to your work life.

The College uses a range of delivery formats with an effective support system to facilitate effective learning.

• Extensive Online Learning Supports
• Open Learning Materials
• Skills Workshop/Seminar
• Telephone/Email Tutorials
• Helpdesk
• Workplace Support
• Local Study Groups
• Assessment Feedback
• Site Visits

Extensive Online Learning Supports

The College has created MyOTC, a unique set of online learning resources to help students communicate, collaborate and share their learning. MyOTC offers a range of supports including forums, online study groups, email contact with tutors and other students, links to useful websites and readings, quizzes and an online journal.

The College has completed two research studies in the area of online learning where both indicated that students found such a resource to be a significant aid to learning, course participation and networking with other students. A basic knowledge of computers and internet navigation is required for students to optimise their use of MyOTC.

Open Learning Materials

Students are provided with high-quality learning materials. These are regularly updated to ensure that reading and learning activities are relevant to contemporary practice in the voluntary and community sector.  Students access these materials through MyOTC two weeks ahead of any workshop/seminar support.

Skills Workshop/Seminar

Each new module starts with students attending a skills workshop or seminar. The content of the workshop relates directly to material in the corresponding open learning module. Outside presenters and members of the College team facilitate these workshops which are carried out in different venues.

These workshops give students a chance to get to know each other and work together on activities in a stimulating face-to-face environment.  Skills workshops/seminars are not mandatory and offer students further support in relation to the module.  Depending on the course of study, workshops are either half-day, one day or two-days’ duration.

Telephone/Email Tutorials

Students are allocated an individual tutor for the year. Regular contact is maintained through telephone/email tutorials during which any or all of the following areas may be discussed:

• student’s progress with the learning materials
• assignment preparation and feedback
• work-based support
• revision of study topics
• local study groups
• additional issues that may arise relevant to the learning process

Helpdesk

Students have immediate access to a member of the course team by telephone or email in case there is an issue that needs resolution prior to the next tutorial.

Workplace Support

For students of Applied Social Studies courses, workplace support is provided by a nominated Local Support Person. This person is usually the student’s line manager, or may be a supporting professional (e.g. occupational therapist, psychologist). He/she mainly provides practical support in organising work-based assignments and facilitating the student’s professional development.

Local Study Groups

The College supports participants to establish local study groups (from 2 to 6 participants). These usually meet every three weeks at a mutually agreed location and time. Study groups are self-managed and usually focus on revising study topics and planning practical assignments.

Exchange placements - Good practice placements

Some courses (eg. Foundation Diploma in Supported Employment) involve exchange placements or good practice placements. Participants spend up to two weeks in another service. They observe, shadow and participate in the other centre’s activities. These placements provide learners with a wider perspective, an alternative way of doing things, and an opportunity to reflect on their own practices, policies and procedures.

Assessment Feedback

Because assessment is continuous, tutors provide written feedback for assignments within four weeks of the submission deadline.

Site Visits

Tutors undertake site visits on some courses. They visit the participant’s centre, meeting their nominated Local Support Person and briefing them on assessment procedures. The Local Support Person is informed about their role in supporting a participant. They are also given an overview of the course objectives, content and expected outcomes.

Click here for further information on Courses available with The Open Training College.