Blended and Online Learning and Teaching - Strategies for success
Athabasca University, Canada's Open University, is dedicated to the removal of barriers that restrict access to and success in university-level study and to increasing equality of educational opportunity for adult learners worldwide. AU is dedicated to removing the educational, geographical, financial, social, cultural, and other barriers that often limit access to post secondary achievement. AU staff is committed to excellence in teaching, research and scholarship, and to being of service to the general public.
Learner supports
Student support is offered for skillful use of technology, online study skills, research materials, and specific learner needs.
Technology support
BOLT modules require students to have access to certain computer hardware and software. AU's standard computing platform is a computer running Microsoft Windows with MS Office. This is the primary system supported by AU's IT Help Desk. Only very limited assistance for other hardware and software platforms is offered. For complete details please refer to the AU IT system requirements.
eText specific requirements
AU courses and modules that use eTextbooks may have specific technical requirements. See the eText Initiative website for updated information. Moodle is the Learning Management System used by AU to create virtual classrooms.
Library and research resources
The AU library offers a wide variety of scholarly resources and student supports. Please view the helpful AU Library tutorial. Under the Get Help tab on the Library website, follow the links to research, writing and referencing help. The Write Site assists students with academic writing suggestions and various levels of support. On the web are numerous sites, such as the Purdue Owl Writing Lab, to support the proper use of the American Psychological Association (APA).
Study related resources
A variety of study related resources are available through AU and on the web. BOLT has been designed with the learning needs of busy K-12 teachers and administrators in the timing and delivery of the modules. Yet, it is a fine balance as an adult student managing professional and personal demands. Although the convenience of independent learning may appear to require less effort, in actuality it requires more discipline and self-motivation. As a distance student, you will learn to budget your time, stay motivated, and complete your academic requirements. Suggestions for successful online learning, in addition to information available through the listed helpful external links, may enhance your learning experience. Additional learner supports may be found through Support Services.
Connect
Because the field of blended and online learning continues to grow, BOLT curriculum requires participants to develop a Professional Learning Network (PLN). An integral component to a PLN is locating professional organizations and associations that will support ongoing and current professional learning. The following list is only a beginning to building your own PLN. Visit and bookmark these websites so you may learn of conferences, webinars and changes within the professional learning of K-12 online and blended educators.
- Alberta Distance Learning Centre (ADLC)
- Edmonton Regional Learning Consortium
- Blended and Online Learning and Teaching (BOLT) Multi-Authored Blog
- Centre for Distance Education: The Community of Inquiry (CoI)
- Centre for Distance Education: The Inclusive Educators' Toolbox
- The Alberta Teachers' Association: Educational Technology Council
- CanELearn
- Aurora Institute
- Open and Distance Learning Association of Australia
- European Distance and E-Learning Network (EDEN)
Celebrate
Shop the Athabasca University online store for a wide selection of merchandise, apparel, sportswear and accessories. Show your pride, spirit and support by wearing your Athabasca University gear.
Updated July 24, 2023 by Digital & Web Operations (web_services@athabascau.ca)