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Online Certificate/Diploma in Education (Special/Inclusive Education)
- When does the programme commence?
- How will this online programme help me in working with pupils with special educational needs?
- What is the aim of this programme?
- What qualifications do I need to apply for the course?
- Do I have to be in full time employment in order to qualify for a place?
- How long does it take?
- How is the programme organised?
- What is the time commitment?
- Will there be assignments to complete and what form do they take?
- What IT skills do I need to participate in this programme?
- Is the course delivered entirely online or will I have to travel to St Patrick's College campus?
- How many online classroom sessions per module are there?
- How many students are in each group?
- If I have a problem who will help me?
- Will I have access to library facilities?
- What will I be awarded, upon completing the course?
- Does this course qualify me as a Learning Support Teacher?
- How can I use the Credits?
- How do I apply?
- How much are the fees?
- What have current students said about their experience?
1. When does the programme commence?
The programme commences in January 2010. Please note that applications need to be submitted on or before 10th December 2010. Late applications may be considered if there are places available.
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2. How will this online programme help me in working with pupils with special educational needs?
Through a combination of background reading, online learning and interactive activities including live classroom sessions, this programme strives to give practical support to teachers in meeting the diverse learning needs of pupils with special educational needs.
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3. What is the aim of this programme?
The programme aims not just to offer professional development to individual teachers in the area of special/inclusive education, but in addition it aims to create a community of learners, who will communicate and collaborate with each other in support of the teaching and learning of pupils with special and additional learning needs.
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4. What qualifications do I need to apply for the course?
Application is open to qualified teachers, at primary and post-primary level, who hold a recognised qualification from an awarding institution in Ireland or elsewhere. Consideration will also be given to:
Graduates (with experience of working in an educational, training or educational-related professional context).
or
Those holding equivalent qualifications with significant experience of working in an educational, training or educational-related professional context.
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5. Do I have to be in full time employment in order to qualify for a place?
No, you do not have to be currently employed as a teacher in order to qualify for a place. But you should hold a recognized teaching qualification.
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6. How long does it take?
The programme is delivered online and the duration is flexible to suit the needs of individual participants. The Certificate consists of four taught modules and must be completed within 3 years. The Diploma requires an additional module on research methods and a project of 7500-8000 words, which must be completed within 4 years from first registration.
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7. How is the programme organised?
The structure of the programme permits students to complete a maximum of three modules per year. Each module is taught online over a period of 8 weeks. The foundation module, which is mandatory for all students, focuses mainly on inclusive practice. Upon successful completion of this module participants will choose from a range of modules focusing on different aspects of special educational needs including: Mild General Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, Challenging Behaviour and Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
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8. What is the time commitment?
While this is an online programme, it is qualitatively different to many other online courses you may previously experienced, in that on this programme you are expected to actively engage with your classmates and the content through posting learning activities and attending an online class session for each unit ( there are four units in each module).
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9. Will there be assignments to complete and what form do they take?
Each module will have an assignment of 2,500-3000 word. The format of the assignment will vary according to the modular content, to include for example a written assignment, a piece of classroom-based action research or a reflective journal. During the course of each module, students are required to complete a number of interactive learning activities. The marking system is based on a combination of online participation and completed assignments.
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10. What IT skills do I need to participate in this programme?
In order to participate in the programme, you will need access to a computer, with headset and microphone, and internet access. Broadband access is strongly recommended. Familiarity with the internet and email is an expected requirement.
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11. Is the course delivered entirely online or will I have to travel to St Patrick's College campus?
Apart from a compulsory induction session in the College where you will meet fellow students and tutors face to face, the course will be delivered entirely online.
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12. How many online classroom sessions per module are there?
One online class session every two weeks will be arranged at an appropriate time in the evening.
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13. How many students are in each group?
While there are many students on the programme, the number in your group will not exceed 25, in order to guarantee an individualised level of support and personalised tuition.
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14. If I have a problem who will help me?
Each group is assigned a tutor who will offer continuous support and advice throughout the duration of the Module. In addition the Programme Directors, Programme Coordinators, and IT Coordinators will ensure a high quality of standards and delivery.
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15. Will I have access to library facilities?
As a registered student of St. Patrick’s College you will have access to all library facilities and services.
16. What will I be awarded, upon completing the course?
On successful completion of the course, you will be awarded with either a Certificate or Diploma in Education from Dublin City University. The qualification will be classified as Pass, Credit or Distinction.
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17. Does this course qualify me as a Learning Support Teacher?
No. Please refer to the Department of Education Circular 0003/2008 for details of Post-Graduate Diploma Programmes of Continuous Professional Development for Teachers involved in Learning Support and Special Education.
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18. How can I use the Credits?
Credit from the Diploma in Education (Special/Inclusive Education) 30 European Credit Transfers may be put towards a Master in Education Degree (90 credits) subject to certain conditions, including the attainment of a sufficiently high standard in the Diploma and the availability of places on the Master’s in Education Programme.
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19. How do I apply?
An Application Form can be downloaded from www.spd.dcu.ie/admissions or www.icepe.eu
Applications should be forwarded to: The Programme Director, Certificate/ Diploma in Education, Admissions, St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. by 10th December 2010. Late applications may be considered if places are available. Applications must be accompanied by a non-returnable administration fee of €25 (payable by postal order or cheque).
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20. How much are the fees?
There will be a fee of €750 per module. Tax refunds can be claimed against all fees paid. In addition, support for course fee payment can be applied for through the Teacher Refund Scheme administered through the Marino Institute of Education.
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21. What have current students said about their experience?
While some found the adjustment to this alternative way of studying a little difficult initially, the majority are very pleased with the structure, flexibility in learning methodologies, and ease of access regardless of location as is evidenced from some of their comments below:
“I enjoyed the course and found it of benefit to my teaching”
“This virtual world of learning is excellent, but takes a bit of getting use to. The few stumbling blocks at the beginning were only natural and I'd have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the experience”
“I found it very enjoyable and loved the fact that I could work at it when it suited me”
“It has been very enjoyable and rewarding... it's amazing to think that you can do all this on a computer. Thought it would be very impersonal but I really did feel part of the work”
For further information please contact:
Joint on-line course admissions, St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9.
Telephone: (01) 884 2197 or e-mail:
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or go to www.spd.dcu.ie/admissions
For ICEP Europe, telephone: (01) 6510618, email
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or go to www.icepe.eu
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