Overview

The details
Location: Online Mode of study: Part-time Qualification: Online professional course (20 credits) Study duration: 13 weeks
Start date:
Awarding body: University of Essex Delivered by: Kaplan Open Learning For queries: Call +44 (0) 1206 489 358

Discover how education can be transformed with the latest emerging technology in this online professional course. 

Throughout your studies, you’ll focus on the practical production of online learning artefacts and how they may be used within a larger course of learning. You’ll produce, edit and create a portfolio of digital learning products such as podcasts and other formative assessment artefacts using a range of commercially available software – including mainstream office programs and free-to-use web-based software. 

You’ll study a range of topics, including:  

  • exploring TPACK, transactional distance, community of inquiry, connectivism, multimodal literacy and Blooms Digital Taxonomy 
  • face-to-face learning, remote learning, online learning, and blended learning 
  • the role of the tutor, digital artefacts and others 

And upon completion, you’ll have the opportunity to study one of our full postgraduate education degrees. 

Course structure

You’ll study the following topics as part of the online professional course:  

  • introduction to Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL) theories 
  • the impact of Cognitive Load Theory 
  • current and emerging educational technology and digital learning technology 
  • modes of teaching 
  • transforming courses, modules and content 

Learning and assessments

Teaching methods 

Studying online gives you the freedom to complete your qualification when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or in a café.  

Our online professional courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you’ll have access to your study materials 24/7, including:  

  • multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments  
  • discussion forums for you to chat about the module content with fellow students  
  • live Q&A sessions with your tutors  
  • a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals  
  • support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team  

To ensure you receive high-quality tutor support, each class is capped at 20 students.  

 

Assessment methods  

You’ll be assessed exclusively through assignments. These include assessed discussion forums, written assignments and journal entries.  

We’re committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback in the following ways:  

  • our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent  
  • you’ll always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start  
  • you’ll be able to clearly view your marks in your gradebook whenever you log on to the learning platform  
  • there’s a seven-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work  
  • you’ll have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise  

 

Study duration 

Our Digital Production Methods in Teaching online professional course has a study duration of 13 weeks, including a one-week induction to help you settle into online study. 

Your future

The Digital Production Methods in Teaching online professional course offers a whole host of opportunities. This will be beneficial if you’re looking to upskill in your current role or move into a more senior teaching role – helping you stand out amongst the competition. 

If you wish to continue your studies and boost your prospects, you could choose additional education online professional courses. Alternatively, you could progress onto the PG Cert Digital Education (60 credits), PG Dip Digital Education (120 credits) or full MSc Digital Education (180 credits).    

Please note, acceptance on to a postgraduate qualification is subject to meeting the entry requirements of your chosen programme.  

For further information on our student demographic and the roles they work in, view our class profile. 

Entry requirements

No formal qualifications or experience is necessary.  

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency of English is required. If English isn’t your first language, your ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.  

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you’re a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries. 

Fees and funding

Full tuition fee:

£1,429 UK / £1,492 International (2025-26) Δ

£1,468 UK / £1,543 International (2026-27) Δ  

  • Our online professional courses are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included.  
  • Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you’re a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online.    
  • We offer a 14-day moneyback guarantee, so if you decide your course isn’t for you during the first 14 days, we’ll give you a full refund. Terms and conditions apply.  

Δ All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process. 

What our students say

testimonials

Erika Van der Merwe -Master of Education (M.Ed.)

You’re never too late to achieve your career goals with the University of Essex Online.

My passion for teaching presented an international opportunity to teach history at a secondary school located in Hyderabad, India. Living and working in India exposed me to a diverse and multi-faceted group of people and provided more opportunities to teach students.  I chose the Master of Education (M.Ed.) because I wanted to equip myself with skills and knowledge to apply in my teaching practice. The course covered modules like the use of...

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