Online Self-Learning Course for OPAL authors

Every semester, the University Computer Center offers various training opportunities on how to use the tools and application software provided, on accessibility issues or programming. For lecturers, this offer always includes training in the use of the central learning platform OPAL. According to feedback, however, the training courses or online consultation hours are not always suitable in terms of time, as questions need to be clarified directly, for example, or teaching materials have already been prepared.

For this reason, we would like to offer an online self-study course that allows students to familiarize themselves with the functions and possibilities of the OPAL learning management system at their own pace. The course is divided into four chapters, each of which can be completed with an anonymous self-test to independently check the knowledge acquired:

• Chapter 1: Introduction and Overview
  This chapter includes background information about the OPAL system, examples of various teaching/learning scenarios, a description of the role and permission concept, as well as information about the layout of the interface and course management.
• Chapter 2: Getting Started with Course Creation
  In this chapter, the various course components and their purposes are briefly described, and it is shown how courses can be created in detail and designed with different content. It also addresses access restrictions and the visibility control of individual content.
• Chapter 3: Group Management
  The third chapter focuses on creating and configuring groups, as well as their use for various group-specific teaching and task scenarios.
• Chapter 4: Assessment Tool
  The final chapter of the course is dedicated to the review and evaluation of acquired knowledge, also delving into the integrated e-assessment tool ONYX in OPAL, which allows tests and examinations to be created and incorporated into one’s own courses. It presents both automatic and manual grading of these scenarios and the provision of certificates.

The course can be accessed via the course link mytuc.org/mjtx, and no enrollment is required. Upon successful completion of all four self-tests, each participant can download a personal certificate.

For questions or discussions regarding the individual chapters, in addition to the contact module in the course menu, the integrated forum is available, which allows access to the collective knowledge of all participants. Additionally, there is the option to subscribe to a newsletter directly within the course, through which we regularly inform about functional updates of provided services, new tools, changes, or training offerings from the e-learning team.

You are also welcome to come to our online consultation hour with your questions, every Thursday from 1 to 2 p.m. in the BBB room mytuc.org/spel, no registration required. We look forward to exchanging ideas with you.