online courses faq page

Why online?
We want to make the course accessible to teachers who do not live near our centres or to those who simply cannot afford the time to attend the face-to-face course. Participants will be able to go online anywhere they have access to a computer and work through the units at their own pace.

What does the course consist of?
It has been designed around the contents of the centre-based course. There are 10 units, which deal with the main issues of teaching English to young learners and teenagers. The full course constitutes 15 hours of training but participants can spend as long they like on each part of the course. Once they start, they will have access to the content for 3 months.

How is the course delivered?
On Moodle, one of the most widely used online educational platforms. Course participants do not need any special computer skills to view the programme. As long as they have access to the Internet, the course can be accessed through any browser. Participants will be given a unique user name and password and can return to the course as often as they like during the 3-month period.

What will I find when I log on?
First an introduction on how to get the most out of the course. There is an orientation page to help you find your way around Moodle, although it is really very straightforward. Each unit has a series of tasks for participants to complete in their own time followed by our commentary. There is also a great selection of videos of real classes where participants can see procedures and techniques in action.

Can I communicate with other participants?
Moodle has an integrated discussion forum and you can post your experiences and queries at any time. You can also pose specific questions to the course tutor. You can choose if other participants can contact you or do the course completely independently. Obviously, we would recommend that you make use of all the resources available to you, but it is your choice.

Is the course formally assessed?
We view the course an as extension to a pre-service TEFL course like CELTA or for teachers who already have some experience in teaching Young Learners. The course is completely online, and as there is no observation of teaching, there is no assessed component. However, for those participants who would like some feedback on their progress with regard to planning and teaching, there is an optional self -observation assignment which is submitted at the end of this course. This is marked by the course tutors and written feedback is provided.

What is the cost of the course?
200 Euros. There is no formal application required to do the course but we remind
participants that the course is given completely in English and a B1 Common European Framework level is required to follow the course. We are aware that many of our participants may be non-native speakers and the trainers have taken this into consideration when writing the course.

How do I subscribe?
Follow this link to the online application form, and submit your details. The course administrator will contact you by email and once payment has been received, you will be given full access to the site.

What kind of computer do I need?
The course works on any PC or Mac with Internet connection. You will need Microsoft Word to open the worksheets and speakers or headphones to listen to the soundtrack of the video clips. Obviously, as the course is provided through the Internet, broadband (ADSL) connection is preferable but not essential.

When will the first course be available?
Form July 1st 2011. Teachers can subscribe NOW!. There is no official start date. Trainees can begin the course at any time.

Do you intend to provide other courses online?
Yes. The IH Madrid VERY Young Learner course and the DOS Director of Studies course will follow soon.

Try our FREE sample unit start here!

Sorry, but some of my questions have not been answered.
Please feel free to contact the teacher training department at any time for more information on any aspect of courses.