The Webautism course is unique in that it weaves the interactive power of the Internet with audio and video material. This doesn’t just make learning more engaging, it makes it more accessible too.
The programme has been carefully designed to enable you to learn in a variety of ways. These include viewing video, discussion practice with your fellow students, accessing online course materials, reading printed material to name but a few. This programme offers real flexibility that allows you to study around your work and family.
To help you through the course, you’ll also be allocated a Regional Tutor. If they live relatively close you’ll be able to benefit from face-to-face tutorials. If, on the other hand, you’re not too close, or you’re unable to travel, we can allocate an ‘online only’ tutor.
What course materials will I receive?
Each module includes its own selection of online course materials – including audiovisual clips and essential reading material. The materials combine to form what we call ‘Blended Learning’. You’ll work your way through the online course materials referring at times to essential reading and the audio visual (AV) clips. As well as the online content, you’ll have access to online discussion forums (bulletin boards). Here you can interact with your tutor and the students in your tutor group, with all the other students on the programme, or with us here at the University.
How much studying will I have to do?
We would normally recommend that you spend about nine hours a week. That’s three hours online, and six hours self-study (background reading, note taking, tutorial time, etc). However, because the Webautism course is so flexible, you’re free to work around your other commitments. There are also timetabled elements to the course, where we expect you to participate regularly and meet certain deadlines – but don’t worry, we’ll give you clear instructions.
I know the course is web-based, but how ‘techie’ do I have to be?
Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a computer whizz to use our web-based content and activities. Everything is written for ordinary people. And where we do have to use the odd techie word, we’ll put a clear explanation of what we mean right next to it. Here are the kinds of things that we’re looking for:
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You know how to use a computer
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You can find information on the web
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You can use your web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari,etc)
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You can send and receive emails
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You can download and install software from the web
What technical equipment do I need?
We don’t expect users to have the latest, greatest computers and blistering-fast, high-speed broadband Internet connections. However, once again, there are a few things we’d like you to have:
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You need to have Administrator access to a computer. Or, in other words, you’re able to download and install software, make changes to your web browser, etc.
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A fairly modern computer running Windows 2000 or later (or a comparable Mac or Linux operating system), and with web browsing software.
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Broadband Internet connection – if possible. While dial-up connections do work, they take longer to access our systems and may not be as reliable.
How is the programme structured?
The programme runs from September to September.
Module 1: September – January
Module 2: January – April
Module 3: May – September
Each module is divided into three units, with each unit further divided into six sections. Each section usually consists of elements such as an introduction, audio or video clip, a ‘pause for thought’, a presentation and a summary.
How will I be assessed?
You’ll complete a portfolio of work at the end of each module. Each portfolio consists of an assignment with three parts (3 x 1500 words): a short essay based on course material, individual study evidence of caring or work-based practice and summaries of web-based discussions.
Could I take my studies in autism higher?
The University of Birmingham offers a range of programmes in autism and other related fields. Details may be found on our professional development pages.