Procedures for Organising and Implementing Distance Learning

1.  General provisions

1.1.  The Procedures for Organising and Implementing Distance Learning (hereinafter – the Procedures) establish uniform principles and requirements for organising and implementing distance learning at the Skrivanek Training Centre (hereinafter – the Training Centre) when delivering adult non-formal education programmes (hereinafter – the Programmes).

1.2.  The purpose of the Procedures is to ensure a high-quality and comprehensive learning process suited to learners’ needs, delivered fully or partly remotely using information and communication technologies.

1.3.  Terms used in the Procedures:

1.3.1.  Distance learning – learning in which the learner and teacher are in different locations and use an online environment and digital learning resources;

1.3.2.  Synchronous distance learning – learning that takes place in real time, with the teacher and learners participating simultaneously in an online session (for example, a video conference);

1.3.3.  Asynchronous distance learning – learning in which the learner studies the learning content at a suitable time using previously prepared digital learning materials and assignments;

1.3.4.  Learning platform – the online learning environment and video-conferencing solutions used by the Training Centre to deliver distance learning. The Training Centre uses the Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Moodle platforms.

1.4.  The Procedures are approved by the Director of the Training Centre and are binding on all teachers and learners of the Training Centre.

1.5.  Distance learning may be delivered in full (the entire programme online) or as part of a programme combined with in-person sessions, where specified in the programme description.

2.  Organisation of distance learning

2.1.  Distance learning is delivered as an effective, high-quality and comprehensive part of the learning process, enabling learners to achieve the intended learning outcomes specified in the programme.

2.2.  The type, scope and schedule of distance learning are determined according to the programme’s objective, content and intended learning outcomes and are specified in the programme description and session timetable.

2.3.  Depending on the objective and task of distance learning, the following are used:

2.3.1. various forms of learning organisation – synchronous and asynchronous sessions, individual and group work, consultations, independent assignments and project work;

2.3.2. various digital learning resources – online learning materials, assignments, tests, video materials and other technological solutions.

2.4.  The session timetable specifies the times and format of distance-learning sessions (synchronous or asynchronous) and the connection procedure.

3.  Technical resources and learning environment

3.1.  The Training Centre provides an online technical learning environment that supports both synchronous and asynchronous distance learning and gives learners access to digital learning materials.

3.2.  Synchronous distance-learning solutions provide software for online video and audio communication with screen-sharing functionality and, where necessary, session recording.

3.3.  Asynchronous distance-learning solutions provide an environment for making digital learning materials available, for learners to complete and submit independent work, and for communication with one another and with the teacher.

3.4.  Before a programme begins, the Training Centre informs learners about the technical equipment required for distance learning (for example, a computer or smart device, internet connection, camera and microphone) and how to use the learning platform.

3.5.  The Training Centre provides learners with access to the learning platform and the technical support required to use it.

4.  Delivery of distance learning and responsibilities of those involved

4.1.  Teachers of the Training Centre shall:

4.1.1. prepare digital learning materials and assignments suitable for distance learning and aligned with the programme’s intended learning outcomes;

4.1.2. conduct synchronous sessions at the scheduled time and ensure that asynchronous materials are available;

4.1.3. provide learners with regular feedback and organise consultations where necessary;

4.1.4. record learners’ participation and completion of assignments in accordance with Section 5 of these Procedures.

4.2.  Learners:

4.2.1. participate in synchronous sessions at the scheduled time and complete asynchronous assignments on time;

4.2.2. provide the technical equipment and internet connection required for distance learning;

4.2.3. comply with the rules for using the learning platform, academic integrity requirements and communication etiquette;

4.2.4. promptly inform the teacher or the Training Centre of technical problems that prevent participation in learning.

5.  Recording participation and completion of assignments

5.1.  Learners’ participation in distance learning and completion of assigned tasks are recorded in the Training Centre’s electronic journal.

5.2.  For synchronous sessions, participation is recorded when the learner joins the online session; for asynchronous learning, participation is demonstrated by completing and submitting assignments by the specified deadlines.

5.3.  Learners’ achievements in distance learning are assessed in accordance with the Training Centre’s procedures for assessing learners’ achievements.

6.  Action in the event of technical problems

6.1.  If a learner cannot participate in distance learning or participation is disrupted for technical reasons, the learner informs the teacher or the Training Centre as soon as possible.

6.2.  If technical problems occur during a synchronous session, the teacher, where possible, provides a recording of the session or materials for independent study, or agrees with the learner on another time to cover the missed content.

6.3.  If the technical problems cannot be resolved within a reasonable period, the Training Centre assesses whether part of the learning can be delivered in person or in another format accessible to the learner.

7.  Security and data protection

7.1.  During distance learning, the Training Centre and its teachers comply with personal data protection requirements and ensure the secure processing of learners’ personal data.

7.2.  Session recordings, where made, are used solely for educational purposes, and learners are informed in advance that recording will take place.

7.3.  Learners do not disclose the access credentials provided for the learning platform to third parties and use them solely for educational purposes.

8.  Final provisions

8.1.  The Procedures enter into force upon approval.

8.2.  Amendments to the Procedures are approved by the Director of the Training Centre.