Title: Competency-based education in an electronic-supported environment: an example from a distance teaching university

Authors: Markus Deimann, Theo Bastiaens

Addresses: FernUniversitat/Distance Teaching University Hagen, Institut for Bildungswissenschaft und Medienforschung, Universitatsstrasse 11, 58084 Hagen, Germany. ' FernUniversitat/Distance Teaching University Hagen, Institut for Bildungswissenschaft und Medienforschung, Universitatsstrasse 11, 58084 Hagen, Germany

Abstract: Competency-based instruction can be applied to various settings, including an academic programme with a focus on producing performance-based learning outcomes. This paper provides theoretical and practical information about underlying characteristics of competencies and introduces a Master|s programme, which has recently been started at a distance teaching university. It is aimed at fostering competencies needed in a knowledge-based society and prepares learners to respond to increasing demands of the working life. Its focus is on technology-enhanced settings such as e-learning, e-teaching or blended learning. A detailed description of the introductory module will be given to illustrate how theoretical and didactical approaches can be combined in a practical way.

Keywords: distance education; educational technology; authentic learning environments; competency-based instruction; distance teaching; distance learning; universities; higher education; academic programmes; performance-based outcomes; learning outcomes; knowledge-based societies; working life; technology-enhanced settings; e-learning; electronic learning; e-teaching; electronic teaching; blended learning; theoretical approaches; didactical approaches; Germany; continuing education; life-long learning; electronic competence; e-competence; lecturers; academic staff.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.2010.037046

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 2010 Vol.20 No.3/4/5, pp.278 - 289

Published online: 22 Nov 2010 *

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