WillowDNA supports new Diploma in Digital Learning Design
Design eLearn is a consortium of eight Further Education colleges that have joined forces to develop the first dedicated Advanced Apprenticeship training route for Digital Learning Designers. WillowDNA have been part of the employers group supporting the design of the qualification.
The Digital Learning Design qualifications and apprenticeship will be going live in September. This qualification marks a significant milestone in the recognition of the expanding demand for online learning at all stages of education.
The launch, marking the professionalisation of the eLearning field, is much overdue. One of the challenges as supplier, is in the recruitment and development of the sophisticated skills required to develop highly valued and effective online learning.
“We have been liaising and recruiting from local universities and colleges as an excellent source of bright, young people.” Says Debbie Lawley, CEO of WillowDNA. “but digital learning is not a clearly identified profession for many students”. The online learning profession has not been an accredited professional field and yet the skills required are challenging, ranging from excellence in design, understanding and articulation of pedagogy through to technical and project management skills. “This qualification will help us both to recruit and also to enhance our training scheme for our employees” Suzanne Jones – resources manager, WillowDNA.
The qualification is targeted at level 3 and level 4 students including digital assessment design, user experience design through to using social media technologies and graphic design and imagery. Says Debbie Lawley, “ As a learning business, we felt it was imperative that we not only got involved as a potential employer but that we also gave our time to this important initiative. It is a long overdue recognition not just of the demand for this skillset but also the complexity of the profession.”
Says Lesley Price of the LPi, “The LPI are delighted to support this new qualification as it will not only provide a career path for young people joining the profession, but also give those already in these roles the opportunity to obtain a qualification.”
For more information on the curriculum go to www.designelearn.com.