26 September 2010, 17:49

Hi all, the following is unashamedly a promo for an initiative both Flexible Learning and Catalyst has been involved in setting up on behalf of the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand.  Please forward the following and spread the word among your own networks as we’re promoting the initiative on a shoe-string. The objective is a new approach to education in open source as it is focused very much on engaging with communities. Most of the courses are open to see and review, and feedback is most welcome! It may be that the two Moodle courses are of particular interest.

regards
Richard
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A new way to learn open source skills
An exciting opportunity is now available to get qualified in the open source environment.The launch of the Open Source Learning Laboratory now allows the delivery of high quality, accessible training in open source software.

Specialised courses for effective learning
Six courses specifically designed for the open source environment are available now for enrolment:

• Moodle Administration - This course will develop the skills and knowledge to configure the Moodle Learning Management System to meet an organisation’s specific learning and development delivery requirements, manage learner and course data, identify security and maintenance issues and deliver appropriate reports for business decision-making purposes.
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  Developing Courses in Moodle - This course teaches the learner how to apply online course design skills using the Moodle learning environment. Moodle is now the predominant learning management system being used in the New Zealand Tertiary Education Sector as well as having a large take-up by education and vocational training institutions worldwide.
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  Technical Documentation – This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills to; make decisions about appropriate technical documentation to meet a specific technical requirement, and business need; how to manage the process of technical documentation production, and how to develop technical documentation according to industry standards within an Open Source development project.
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  Open Source in Business – The course aims to prepare learners to make decisions about implementing an Open Source application including deployment, maintenance and licensing. The course will assist learners to understand the value of different tools or applications in a business context; make choices about software purchases; identify the opportunities for Open Source in a business context.
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  Programming for Open Source Software with PHP – This course provides an introduction to developing programs in PHP and integrating with other technologies to develop Open Source web applications.
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  Open Source Software Development Model – This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills to identify the attributes of an open source (OS) development model, the processes and organizational implications of managing and using such a model in IT development projects and the protocols of working within an open source community context.

Dedicated tutors with proven industry experience
Tutor support is available in all courses by experienced tutors with specialist knowledge in the open source environment.

Limited spaces available at a special price
We are currently offering places in all courses at special introductory prices, go to www.eduforge.com to see details. Courses are short, suitable for part-time study delivered entirely online, starting on 1 November 2010. They run for 12 weeks with a break for Christmas.  Places are limited and are on a first come first served basis. There is also general information on open source technologies, a showcase area and project spaces at www.eduforge.org.

Enrol online today
To reserve your place in any of the courses available, visit www.eduforge.com and complete your enrolment soon as places are limited.