The Open Training College has successfully introduced a high consistency of supported learning each year during the past 19 years.  Again this year the College strives to give all students the most comprehensive array of innovative supports.  Directed by the ongoing student feedback which is gathered through the quality assurance system within the College, even more supports will be put in place this year that will undoubtedly provide positive outcomes for learners.

• more tutorial opportunities to support students during assignments

• more skills workshops on offer to students that will help face to face learning

• more location options for students to attend the skills workshops - Dublin, Cork & Galway

• less fees to pay - a reduction of €100 off course fees for each student who applies before June 30th

All of these supports are in operation hrough the unique Supported Open Learning Model that is student centred and adult learner focused. Please click here to read more about the model of delivery.

Click here to return to the Courses page.

Outside The Box shines a spotlight on issues of broad concern to disabled people, their families and representative organisations.  The show confronts issues head on and is not afraid to challenge commonly held assumptions about disabled people and the disability sector.  With an estimated 300,000 people in Ireland touched by some sort of physical, sensory or intellectual disability, the relevance of Outside The Box stretches far beyond the disabled community to industry, policymakers and the general public.

Discussion between Olan McGowan, the show’s presenter, and the three OTC teaching staff members - Raymond Watson, Alacoque McAuley Savage and Mick Keating - centred around the collaborative nature and flexibility of all courses on offer from the College to adult learners, particularly the  BA in Applied Social Studies (Disability).

Please click here to be directed to an audio link to hear the 24 minute show that released on May 21st, 2010.

Minister Sean Haughey presented the award to the Open Training College on February 22nd, 2010, during the STAR Awards ceremony which initiated the fourth annual Adult Learners’ Festival, coordinated by AONTAS - the Irish National Association for Adult Education.

The Open Training College was recognised by an independent judging panel for its contribution to adult learning through its Bachelor of Arts in Applied Social Studies (Disability) course. It is a HETAC accredited course placed at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications and offered to staff working or volunteering in frontline disability services.

The Adult Learners’ Festival is primarily about celebrating adult learning and the achievements of adult learners, and showcasing the work of adult education providers. The STAR Awards is a ceremony comprised of 13 categories, celebrating both local and national projects and initiatives within adult learning. 110 projects were nominated for a STAR award this year. The independent judging panel shortlisted and then awarded the Open Training College the STAR award within the Nationwide category.

Raymond Watson, the Social Studies Course Director made the comment that ‘it was very satisfying to be recognised and rewarded for being involved in something that is benefiting disability services nationwide. We have heard directly from many students and agency representatives over the years about the positive effects the course has had on services overall. It is a pleasure to see the course being recognised with this award today.’

The Open Training College, part of St. Michael’s House, has provided accredited courses to the disability sector since 1992, and continues today with HETAC accredited management courses to degree level offered to people working or seeking work in the non-profit/voluntary sector. With over 600 students currently enrolled, the College delivers all of its courses through the Supported Open Learning Model - a distance learning approach that encompasses many adult learner supports such as face-to-face skills workshops, fortnightly telephone/email tutorials and substantial feedback on each assignment.

Karen Finnerty, College Director acknowledges that ‘The Open Training College is delighted to be recognised for the contribution of its BA in Applied Social Studies (Disability) course to the disability sector especially during these very tough economic times. We created the degree course around a three-way collaboration between the student, the disability agency and the College. All three stakeholders inform the course content each year and the increasing number of graduates is a testament to the important role it plays in the lives of thousands of service users all around the country.’

‘Thank you to all who play your part in allowing adult learners such as myself to realise life long dreams, further our education and realise our potential. You are the true stars.’

Nadine Lattimore, BA Applied Social Studies (Disability) course participant.

Pictured above: Sean Haughey TD (Minister for Lifelong Learning), Orla Barry (Newstalk Broadcaster), Karen Finnerty (OTC, College Director) and Raymond Watson (OTC, Social Studies Course Director)

How did you hear about the Open Training College (OTC)?

I heard about the College about two years ago when I did a short evening course with the Carers Association. (Raymond Watson, Course Director with the OTC was delivering the course)

It was searching online that I eventually found the course which interested me and that could fit in with my busy life.

What is your role at work?

a) Secretary of Jig Saw Dublin 7/11 club (this is a social group that myself and three other mums set up two years ago, the aim of the group is include children who have special needs in their community.)    
b) SNA in a mainstream primary school.
c) Mother of 3 children, the youngest of whom has Asperger’s Syndrome.

Did you feel that going back to education would benefit your current role?

Yes, I felt that gaining more knowledge in the area of disability would definitely be of benefit to me and to those I work with. The particular modules on offer are very relevant to the area in which I work.

What appealed to you regarding going back to education?

I wanted to do something for myself and prove to myself that I could succeed.

What appealed to you regarding the OTC courses?

The OTC courses are very relevant to the area I work in. As I have a busy schedule one of the most important things in doing a course for me was flexibility. Being able to study at times that suited me was great. Also the idea that I can pick the particular course that suits me at a time of the year that suits me is super also. It is great the way in which the timetable of the
courses are set out for three years and the workshop dates are printed also, being able to plan ahead is very important for me.

Was the information easy to understand?

Yes, the information was laid out in a very easy to read format and was backed up with excellent online supports.

Did you receive timely and in-depth information about your course?

After looking on the College web site I emailed the College for further information about the courses and the suitability of them for me. I was promptly contacted by phone by the Course Director who went through the course content with me. He answered all my questions and concerns and was very encouraging.

The fact that it was HETAC accredited module, did that help you decide?

Yes the fact that the module was HETAC accredited certainly influenced my decision to choose the course. It was important to me to have a qualification that was of a high standard and well recognised.

What was the experience like?

At first I was very excited taking on this new adventure! Then I got very nervous.  It was a great comfort to read on the online forum that all the other students were feeling the same.

Did you feel there was a major time commitment involved?

I wouldn’t say it was a major commitment but to get the most out of the course I think you would need to commit somewhat. I would say that on average I would have spent 10 hours per week between reading and online work.

Did the use of computers scare you?

No, I would have basic computers skills and I felt that was sufficient to get through the course.

Did the MyOTC Foundation Course help you?

The MyOTC Foundation Course was a great help in preparing me for the main course. It’s a range of I.T. tasks to be completed over a one week period. It explained everything I needed to know in relation to the online component of the main course i.e. How to access the courses Learning Centre, using the College email system; saving documents and retrieving them and how submitting your assignment using the online service. I printed the notes and referred to them when I needed to during the main course.

How did your family feel about you returning to study at college?

My family were great, very supportive. I’d say to the kids I have to do my homework, and a lot of the time we would be sitting at the table in the kitchen doing our homework together!

What was the biggest surprise during the course?

What surprised me the most was how much I enjoyed the course. I found the content so interesting I became immersed in it and it didn’t feel like work.

I hadn’t written an essay since my school days and was anxious about having to write a long piece, but I was surprised at how much I had to say.

What kind of learning supports impressed you?

I found listening to the online tutorials very helpful. I watched and listened to these tutorials a number of times and I found it helped me have a better understanding of what I had read in the units of the study modules.

Did you attend the optional 1-day skills workshop?

Yes. I really enjoyed the workshop; it was great to meet the other students and hear their experiences. It was also great to put a face to the name of the tutors! The workshop helped reinforce the important points of the course through a power point display. We also did some group activities.

Was it actually more or less work then you thought before taking the plunge?

I found the course very manageable so I would say it was a little less work then I thought. I also needed to finish my assignment a week early as I had a planned trip and I achieved this.

How many hours study did you put in throughout the six weeks of the CPD course?

I would think in the region of 54 hours.

Would you recommend the CPD route to other people?

I would highly recommend the CPD route. It gives such flexibility to the student. It is possible to add to your qualification at times in your life that suit you. You may pick the courses that interest you and are relevant to you. Studying with the OTC was such a wonderful experience for me; it has given me confidence in myself.

Will the completion of this module motivate you to continue your studies?

Yes most definitely. I plan to finish the degree at my own pace.

Do you think it was good value for money?

Considering the amount of support you received during the course, I would say it was good value.

Click here to find out more about the CPD modules on offer.

For more information about the HETAC policy please visit their website by clicking here.

The Expert Panel was appointed by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) and chaired by Dr. Patrick Cashell.

Carried out in accordance with the HETAC Policy on Institutional Reviews of providers of Higher Education and Training 2007, the College received a list of commendations in the Final Report following a rigorous 12-month self-evaluation process by the College in accordance with the Terms of Reference of the review.

The list of commendations includes a Special Commendation:

‘The panel wishes to highlight the following example of exceptionally good practice with a special commendation -

• The seriousness with which the College took the institutional review process and the quality and comprehensiveness of the documentation provided for the review panel.’

There are also several important Summary Commendations:

‘The panel make the following commendations:

• The commitment of the staff to the concept of quality assurance.

• The responsiveness of the College to the needs of stakeholders, in particular those operating in the not-for-profit sector.

• The College’s well developed and comprehensive quality assurance system.’

In relation to Strategic Planning and Governance, the panel commended the ‘flexibility and creativity shown in responding to the needs of the the disability sector, and for its ability to respond to opportunities as they arise.’

In assessing the effectiveness of the quality assurance arrangements operated by the College: ‘The panel is satisfied that quality assurance is a major priority for the College. There is patently a commitment to a culture of quality which runs through the entire staff.’

Karen Finnerty, Director of the Open Training College, commented that ‘“the institutional review process is an extremely valuable process for the staff of the College and myself.  We are pleased, very pleased, with the commendations listed in the report and we will continue to strive to deliver high quality learning opportunities to our adult learners in the months and years to come.’

Click here to view the OTC Self Evaluation Report

Click here for access to the HETAC Expert Panel Final Report

Click here to view a copy of the OTC ‘Response to Recommendations made by the Expert Panel and Improvement Plan May 2009′

Be the Master of your own Career Destiny!

The Open Training College has launched a wide range of accredited Continuing Professional Development modules offering flexible professional and personal learning opportunities to staff.

“Successful careers are not the products of luck or planning; they are built by people who are able to seize those opportunities that match their own strengths.”

Peter Drucker

Did you know that during a recession more people engage in training and education in order to up-skill and future-proof their careers?  This way they will be ready to meet the new challenges and avail of the new opportunities that come with the change in the economy.

It is largely recognised in the modern world of work that continuing education is necessary to meet the ongoing needs of individual professionals in a changing work environment, and ensure that individuals are up to date in their knowledge and skills in order to continually provide a high quality service.  This principle of continuing education is enshrined in the Health & Social Care Professionals Act (2005) and the HIQA standards on Residential Care (2009).

The Open Training College recently completed a survey, which indicated to us a strong commitment to and enthusiasm for Continuing Professional Development (CPD), but with a recognition that flexible opportunities will be necessary for individuals to avail of such learning.  With this in mind the College is proud to announce the launch of our CPD programmes, which will be built upon and developed over the next three years.  All CPD opportunities will be offered on a single module basis, offering an affordable cost that will allow staff an opportunity to choose modules most relevant to their work while building their professional and personal skills.  All CPD programmes will be delivered using the hugely successful Supported Open Learning Model.  Programmes currently on offer through CPD include modules from our Social Studies and Management courses, which lead to HETAC accredited qualifications.  New programmes and modules are in development - watch this space for more information.

Current CPD programmes on offer (more to follow in the coming months):

Registration deadline: 3 weeks prior to each course date. Course dates shown below.

Prior to commencing a course, each student completes a one-week, tutor-led online course that will help to boost student confidence and fine tune online skills when using the OTC virtual learning environment, MyOTC. Click here for a copy of the course manual which lists the expected tasks to be undertaken by each student.

Social Studies:

• Exploring Disability: A Sociological and Historical Perspective (21/9/09 and 15/6/2010)
• Social Policy & Legislation (26/4/10)
• Professional Practice and Ethics (8/3/10)
• Effective Communication and People Skills (2/11/09)
• Focus on the Individual: Person Centred Planning (21/12/09)

(Please click on the individual links above for more information about each course.)

Due to popular demand, the College is offering the Exploring Disability module again in June 2010.

Cost: €695 each (€645 for each subsequent module). CPD students can avail of reimbursements when they choose to further their studies with the full degree course in Applied Social Studies (Disability).

Please contact the College for your CPD Application Form today or click here to download a copy.

Tel: (01) 2988544           Email: info.otc@smh.ie

Management

• Professional Development and Communications (30/11/09)
• Teamwork, Leadership and Motivation (18/1/10)
• Introduction to Employment Law (1/3/10)
• Managing Service Quality (24/5/10)

(Please click on the individual links above for more information about each course.)

Cost: €395 each (€345 for subsequent modules).  CPD students can avail of fees reimbursements if they choose to further their studies with the full Certificate or Higher Certificate in Applied Management.

Please contact the College for your CPD Application Form today or click here to download a copy.

Tel: (01)2988544           Email: info.otc@smh.ie

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow.  Learn as if you were to live forever.”

Mahatma Gandhi

Click here to view student’s experience of CPD modules.

In the last year the Open Training College has taken over the management and development of Lámh for a 2 year period on behalf of the Lámh Board.  Lámh was developed in the early 1980’s in response to the need for a standardised manual sign system for children and adults with intellectual disability and communication needs in Ireland.

Lámh has quickly become a very successful and important addition to the sector with over 1,780 participants attending Lámh training in 2008, on over 120 courses in 19 counties.  The training model developed by Lámh allows Lámh to train staff working in healthcare/education to become Lámh Tutors, who are in a position to deliver training to other staff members and families.  Currently, if a service or group does not have access to a Lámh Tutor, they can avail of a tutor to deliver a course to staff or families by contacting Mary Cullen at the Lámh Development Office, located in Carlow IT.

The original Lámh course for staff members, the Five-Day Basic Lámh course, has now been replaced by Modules 1 & 2, in order to offer a broader choice to staff members and since then over 2,500 SNAs, teachers, preschool staff, speech and language therapists, social care workers, etc. have attended training run in services around the country.

Other recent Lámh developments include the redevelopment of the website (www.lamh.org) and the soon to be launched ‘Lámh a Song’ nursery rhyme DVD for young children.  Lámh has linked with Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) on this project and the DVD will be available from Lámh and DSI when it is launched over the summer.

We will keep you posted on exciting new developments, as Lámh and the OTC are exploring accreditation of Lámh courses as a priority moving forward into the second half of 2009.

Pictured above: Aine Melinn (Assistant College Director), Triona Kearns (Chairperson, Lámh) and Mary Cullen (Development Officer, Lámh) reviewing the latest edition of the Lámh newsletter.