Program Length
- 2 Years
Credential
- Graduate Diploma
To keep students engaged and connected to learning, it is crucial to keep up with the digital shift in education. Teachers who meet the many opportunities to connect and engage online increase the success of technologically savvy students of all ages. The Online Learning and Teaching Graduate Diploma is a program for professional teachers and educators looking to increase their technology skills and confidence.
The program is experiential and provided entirely online. Instruction is delivered on software programs and tools that are part of your curriculum. You will gain hands-on experience with creating online classrooms, delivering distance courses, and engaging through apps, websites, and more.
Graduates of this education technology diploma leave the program as technology experts in the field, paving the way for innovation in the classroom and the future of education.
The Online Learning and Teaching Graduate Diploma Program
Vancouver Island University has cancelled the Online Learning and Technology Graduate Diploma Program effective March 28, 2024. Current students will have access to regularly scheduled courses until the Intersession 2024 term. Students seeking to return from a leave should contact the Faculty of Education at educ.gp@viu.ca. Visit the Faculty of Education homepage for a listing of all graduate program offerings.
The Graduate Diploma in Online Learning and Teaching is designed to provide a solid foundation in the pedagogical and technical expertise required to effectively use technology to support effective eLearning in technology mediated environments. Students will gain insight into approaches and methodologies that advance the online learning experience for both the learner and the facilitator/teacher/instructor. This program will be especially appealing to educators at all levels engaged in online and blended teaching and learning, including K12 teachers and post-secondary instructors, locally, nationally and internationally.
Individuals working outside of formal teaching settings, such as corporate and workplace training, will also benefit from the program content and skills acquired. Skills gained in instructional design, distance delivery and technology-enhanced learning will meet the needs of employers seeking instructional designers, educational technologists and online teaching and learning specialists.
| Year 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester | |
| OLTD 501 - (Foundations of Online Learning) | 3 |
| OLTD 512 - (Instructional Design) | 3 |
| Spring Semester | |
| OLTD 503 - (Online Communication) | 3 |
| OLTD 504 - (Learning Systems) | 3 |
| Intersession Semester | |
| OLTD 502 - (The Digital Learning Continuum & Research) | 3 |
Total Credits | 15 |
| Year 2 | Credits |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester | |
| OLTD 508 - (Game-Based Learning) | 3 |
| OLTD 511 - (Blended Learning) | 3 |
| Spring Semester | |
| OLTD 509 - (Emerging Technologies and Pedagogies: Challenges and Opportunities) | 3 |
| OLTD 506 - (Digital Responsibilities and Professionalism) | 3 |
| Intersession Semester | |
| OLTD 510 - (Capstone Learnings) | 3 |
Total Credits | 15 |
Total Program Credits | 30 |
Note: The Graduate Diploma in Online Learning and Teaching (OLTD) program is cohort-based and offered in a totally online environment using synchronous and asynchronous delivery.
- Completion of either a Bachelor of Education degree, or a prior degree in another discipline with current teaching experience.
Flexible Admission
In exceptional circumstances, a student may be admitted with lower formal qualifications when there is significant professional experience relevant to the proposed area of scholarship. The objective of flexible admission is to recognize prior learning accomplishments and to ensure a high probability of successful program completion. Applicants must show evidence of having sufficient knowledge, skills, and attitudes to complete a demanding academic course of study. Applicants seeking Flexible Admission will be required to:
- Provide a personal statement of intent;
- Provide a detailed résumé;
- Provide two or more letters of reference;
- Provide official transcripts of all post-secondary coursework;
In limited cases, applicants may also be required to:
- Provide a portfolio containing evidence of applicable prior learning;
- Appear for an interview;
- Take a qualifying course; and/or
- Provide additional documentation as may be required to adjudicate the application.
Notes on Admission
Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
Transfer from other institutions
Applicants may apply to the Dean for possible transfer credits from other accredited graduate programs
Online learning is expanding rapidly in BC and beyond. School districts, post-secondary institutions, training colleges, and other educational institutions are challenged to find qualified teachers/instructors to meet this growing demand.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Cost per year | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (15 credits x $443.88 per credit) | 6,658.20 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) | 162.96 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) | 179.92 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $28.87 per month) | 230.96 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Total | 7,517.04 |
The Online Learning and Teaching Graduate Diploma is a two-year program (30 credits total).
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
Textbooks and/or course packages are required for each course. Contact the Education Department at 250.740.6223 for further information regarding books and supplies.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Cost per year | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (15 credits x $765.77 per credit) | 11,486.55 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) | 162.96 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) | 179.92 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $28.87 per month) | 230.96 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Total | 12,345.39 |
The Online Learning and Teaching Graduate Diploma is a two-year program (30 credits total).
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
Textbooks and/or course packages are required for each course. Contact the Education Department at 250.740.6223 for further information regarding books and supplies.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
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Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Visit the Department WebsitePrevious versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.