Odyssey Learning Systems Site Researching Best Instructional Practices In Computer-Mediated Learning.

The Rhineland Regional Alternative Education Centre (RAEC) in Altona, Manitoba has recently received a grant from the Office of Learning Technologies in Canada to research the most effective instructor methods in a computer-mediated learning (CML) environment. Partnering with Odyssey Learning Systems, the project will explore Odyssey's Nautikos, WebCT and Learnlink, and research the most effective instructor methods to bridge the digital divide.

Five years ago, the Rhineland Regional Alternative Education Centre (PRWEB) April 10, 2002 -managed learning platform.

They landed on Pathfinder Nautikos, an earlier version of Odyssey Learning Systems Nautikos. "The unprecedented level of flexibility that Nautikos offered really clinched the decision for us," says Vice-principal Leanne Braun. "It lets different learners work at their own pace and in their unique learning styles. It also gave us a great deal of latitude in developing and customizing existing courses. As an Education Centre that offers self-directed learning opportunities for both youth and adult learners, these features were just what we needed."

Today, RAEC has become one of Odysseys closest allies in redefining e-learning. Just recently it received a grant from the Office of Learning Technologies to research the most effective instructor methods in a computer-mediated learning (CML) environment.

Partnering with Odyssey, the project will explore the Nautikos platform, WebCT and Learnlink, and research the most effective instructor methods to bridge the digital divide. Deliverables will include the creation of a diagnostic tool to measure the impact of instructor intervention on the learner, as well as recommendations on instructor preparation and best practices specific to these environments.

"A lot of people think that CML is a simple plug and go operation. But in reality it should be more than just slapping content into a computer and presenting it to learners," says Braun. "We aim to establish guidelines for achieving an optimal combination between technology and instructor intervention, so that every learner in a CML environment can effectively build academic skills and confidence.

The Centre is currently looking for instructors in the field to assist in monitoring the impact of their interventions on learners working in Nautikos, WebCT or Learnlink. If you are interested in participating, please contact either Leanne Braun at BraunL@rhineland.mb.ca or Carol Braun BraunC@rhineland.mb.caat the Rhineland Regional Alternative Education Centre.

About Odyssey Learning Systems Inc. (www.odysseylearn.com) - Odyssey Learning Systems Inc. is dedicated to developing, delivering and supporting cutting-edged computer-managed learning products and services, enabling educators to design and build integrated learning systems to meet the unique needs of their learners and to maximize their potential, regardless of who they are, how they learn, where they are, or what language they speak. The companys flagship product Nautikos is the most versatile computer-managed learning platform on the market. Nautikos delivers effective eLearning onsite or online, with or without the Internet, and simultaneously in any language. The company also offers educational and corporate courses operating on the Nautikos system.