Online Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Curriculum guideline

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Course
ECED 1000
Discontinued
No
Course code
ECED 1000
Descriptive
Online Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Department
Early Childhood Education
Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Credits
3.00
Start date
End term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester length
Flexible delivery ranging over 2 to 15 weeks
Max class size
10
Contact hours
60 hours
Method(s) of instruction
Online
Learning activities

Student self-directed, online learning, 1:1 instruction

Course description
This online course is intended for early childhood education practitioners with at least two years of experience who are preparing to earn credit toward an Early Childhood Education Diploma. Students may earn up to 75% of a credential based on assessment of their work/life learning. Students will work with an instructor within an on-line environment and will learn how to use various methods of communication to support their completion of a wide range of prior learning assessments.
Course content

The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:

  • Reflective self-assessment, linking theory to practice, critical thinking and problem solving are integral components of exemplary practice in the fields of early childhood education
  • Practitioners are required to communicate clearly and effectively in a variety of modalities that include technology
  • There are a large number of non-credentialed early childhood educator practitioners and a critical shortage of licensed practitioners in BC.  Many practitioners are looking to receive acknowledgement of their work/life learning which has resulted in prior learning assessment and recognition becoming a significant component of Early Childhood Education programs.
Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Practice self–assessment of Early Childhood Education knowledge, attitudes, values and skills
    • Reflects on own knowledge, attitudes, values and skills
    • Links personal learning evidence to program themes and course learning outcomes
    • Identifies resources for feedback
    • Initiates learning objectives and plans to bridge gaps and improve abilities
    • Seeks out new learning resources and opportunities
  2. Demonstrate effective critical thinking and problem solving across multiple contexts
    • Uses problem solving and critical thinking strategies to link learning to a variety of assessment situations
    • Problem solves issues as they arise, seeking assistance when necessary
  3. Communicate clearly in a variety of ways
    • Communicates clearly in–person and by distance (phone, online)
    • Writes clearly with sufficient depth and breadth, especially through online technologies
  4. Use a variety of computer related technologies effectively
    • Works comfortably in the WebCT online environment
    • Uses distance based communication such as e-mail, phone and web cameras
Means of assessment

This course will conform to Douglas College policy regarding the number and weighting of evaluations.

  • On-line quizzes
  • Self-assessments
  • Reflective narratives
  • Case studies
  • Personal interviews
  • Demonstration by audio/video tape
  • Courses earned as a result of ECED 1000 prior learning assessment and recognition will be graded in the same way that courses are listed in the College Calendar.

ECED 1000 is a Mastery course.

Textbook materials

T.B.A.

Prerequisites

Permission of ECE Faculty