Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for these programmes?
Applicants must be working within the Literacy services under the auspices of the VEC, Youth reach or Senior Travellers Training Centres to be eligible for these programmes.

How do I apply?
All applications must come through your local Adult Literacy Organiser, application forms and details on timetables are available from your local literacy scheme.

When do courses start?
All of the programmes are offered at the start of each academic year and modules are run throughout the year from September up to June.

Where do the courses take place?
The courses are offered at various locations countrywide, mostly in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Waterford.

What are the entry requirements for programmes?
All applicants must be working within the literacy services and working with a literacy scheme. For the Higher Certificate in Arts in Literacy Development (level 6) there are no additional entry requirements however applicants may be asked to attend an interview to determine their suitability for third level study. For applicants for the B.A. (Ord) in Adult Education, participants must possess the Higher Certificate in Arts in Literacy Development or equivalent. For the B.A. (Hons) in Adult Education, applicants must possess the B.A. (Ord) in Adult Education or equivalent.

Can I apply for exemptions from certain modules I have already studied?
Yes. You will be asked to submit proof of studies already carried out along with details on the module you feel you may be entitled to an exemption for. Your previous studies need to be at an equivalent level to the module you are applying for an exemption for. Exemptions will not be granted for more than 50% of all modules on a particular programme.

How much time is involved on the programmes?
All programmes are delivered on a part-time basis and designed to meet the needs of adult learners who are working full and part-time. Each module usually comprises 6 days of contact hours, divided into two blocks of 3 days set about 4 weeks apart. Recommended study time is 6-8 hours per week at Higher Certificate level, 8-10 hours per week at B.A. ordinary level and 12-15 hours per week at B.A. honours level.

How are the modules assessed?
The programmes use many different forms of assessment and include a mix of project work, reflective learning journals, essays, practical work and some examinations.

I am interested in working with my local literacy scheme what do I need to do?
You need to make contact with your local Adult Literacy Organiser and they will give you details on how to join the scheme as a volunteer.

Is the Higher Certificate programme a recognized qualification?
The Higher Certificate is recognised by the Department of Education and Science as the appropriate qualification for Adult Literacy Organisers. 

HIGHER CERTIFICATE SPECIFIC

How long does it take to complete the Higher Certificate programe?
If you follow the full programme schedule of 12 modules, the Higher Certificate takes approximately 26 months to complete. Individuals taking fewer modules per year may take up to 5 years to complete the programme.

Can I opt to do one or two modules instead of following the full programme?
Yes. The programmes are flexible and allow for learners to follow the programmes at their own pace. Learners can choose to take as little as 1 module per year to a maximum of 4 modules per year.

How much do the programmes cost?
The programmes are funded by the Department of Education and Science and are designed for those working within the literacy services in Ireland. A subsidized fee is charged for each module.

Is the Higher Certificate programme a recognised qualification?
The Higher Certificate is recognised by the Department of Education and Science as the appropriate qualification for Adult Literacy Organisers.

B.A. ORDINARY SPECIFIC

Can the course be taken as single modules?
The B. A. (Ord) consists of 6 modules and is usually completed in about 18 months, but if you wish to take just a couple of modules a year then you can avail of this option.

What progression route is available to graduates of the B.A. (Ordinary) in Adult Education?
Graduates of the B.A. (Ord) may progress to the B.A. (Honours) in Adult Education.

B.A. HONOURS SPECIFIC

What is the difference between Ordinary degree (level 7) and the Honours degree (level 8)?
The primary difference is the number of study hours involved (12-15 per week). At level 8 participants will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the theory, concepts and methods pertaining to the field of study. The knowledge, understanding and critical appraisal of the subject matter should be well developed and in-depth.

BLENDED LEARNING SPECIFIC

What is Blended Learning?
Blended learning is the mix or "blend" of various teaching methodologies. In the case of the NALA/WIT Accreditation Project online learning using WebCT (see explanation below) is mixed or blended with traditional face-to-face methods of delivery.

What is the structure of a blended module?
Students generally attend a two day face-to-face session at the beginning of the module. This is followed by a period of online access to WebCT supported by the module tutor - this online interaction generally lasts for 6 weeks.
 
What is WebCT?
It is an online system for managing courses. In our case the modules available on the system are Quality Management and Psychology.

How does WebCT work?
WebCT is extremely user friendly and is accessed online (over the internet). Once you have logged onto the Internet all you have to do is type in the following address webct.wit.ie (you put this where you would normally type www.nala.ie for example). You then need to supply a username and password ? these will be given to all participants of blended modules. Once you have logged into WebCT you can view the content of the module that you have registered for. Discussion forums, email, chat and other facilities replace traditional face-to-face communication.

How will I become familiar with WebCT?
An induction day is held for all participants prior to attending any blended learning module.  This induction covers everything you need to know about WebCT, how to login, how to view the lessons, how to use the various methods of communication etc.

What facilities do I need to participate on a blended learning module?
You need to have access to a PC with internet connection (broadband is preferable but not essential).

Do I need to be online at particular times of the day?
No. You can login at any time of the day or night. The only time you will need to login at the same time as your colleagues is if you want to ?chat? to them over the Internet ? this is not compulsory for any module.

Why should I participate on a blended learning module?
There are many reasons, here are a few:

• The course can be studied at your own pace in the comfort of your own home or office.
• You are only required to attend two days away from home in comparison to 6 days with traditional modules.
• You will have the opportunity to experience e-learning which has become a very popular teaching methodology, particularly over the past few years.
• Your computer skills will no doubt improve over the course of the blended module.
• There are great opportunities for groups of practitioners based at various locations over the country to have discussions online and for tutors to give tutorials.