How to succeed on this course
This course is presented on a dedicated learning platform, which uses a mix of text, video, quizzes and discussion to create a rich learning experience.
The course has its own home page, which you can always return to if you get lost. It has a menu on the left-hand side, which allows you to navigate through the main sections or 'modules'. A tracking system allows you to keep tabs on how much of the coursework you have done, and how much remains.
The main text guides you through the latest discoveries and provides a rich resource of information, publications, and websites related to the science of seed quality management. Throughout the course, there are a series of documentary videos, filmed on location in two CGIAR Centers. These videos are an important part of the course: they not only demonstrate how to carry out the processes discussed in the text, but they also explain the underlying science of why these processes are effective.
By reading the text, watching the videos and testing your knowledge on the in-module quizzes, you will increase your confidence and understanding of how to improve seed longevity and viability. At regular intervals, you will be encouraged to reflect on your own professional practice, and apply what you are learning to the work of your own organization – this is a great way of bringing the content to life. If you are interested in a particular topic, you can access original research articles in the ‘Useful publications’ section at the end of every module.
The course has been designed so that each module builds on what you have learned in previous modules, so it is important to work through the modules methodically. There will be plenty of opportunities to test and consolidate your understanding. If something seems difficult, don’t be afraid to go back over earlier modules, to check that you have understood everything.
The course offers a digital badge and certificate of participation. In order to qualify for these, there are certain things you must do as you work through the modules: you must read all the content, participate in all the discussions, and do an end-of-course quiz. You will greatly increase your chances of success in the final quiz by practicing on the self-test questions in every module.
Please note that learners in different organizations are working on different devices and networks. The online content may include video, images and interactive content that may not be optimized for your particular device or network. If you are experiencing technical difficulties, you may find it helpful to switch to a different browser. According to past learners, Chrome is a good choice.
Learning from colleagues is an essential part of the experience, and you will engage with each other, as well as with the organizers, through a number of channels. You will take part in discussions on the Forum, discuss real-world problem-solving tasks relevant to each module, and share your practice at live events.
You will attend three live events: one covering modules 1 and 2, another covering modules 3 and 4 and a final one for module 5 and revision of everything you have learned. You can work through the online modules in your own time, but it is important that you get through all the online material before the relevant live session. The course moderators will give you the dates and times of these events by email – make sure you do not miss them.
The course organizers design the agenda for each live event some days prior to the event, based on the key topics that have arisen during the module and the profile of the guest experts who are invited to join the live event. All live events will include some combination of the following:
- Introduction – the facilitator will explain the aims of today’s session.
- Guest experts – the course organizers will invite experts to join the live events, to share their knowledge and experience of topics covered in the modules.
- Q&A – the experts will address questions that you and other learners have raised while going through the relevant modules, either in the forums, or ‘live’ during the session.
- Small group discussions – you may be split into small groups, to discuss some of the more complex issues that benefit from group discussion.
- Polls – the facilitator may ask you to express your opinion in relation to issues addressed in the module, or the comments and questions you have posted online. For this, the facilitator may use Slido or other online tools. The facilitator and experts will use the results of these polls to explore the principles and approaches under discussion more deeply.
- Pop quizzes – the facilitator may run a quick-fire quiz, with questions related to the content of the module.
At the end of the course there is an assessed, final quiz. The purpose of this quiz is to help you revise what you have learned, and to prove to the organizers that you have mastered the subject. When you have successfully worked your way through all the modules in the course, taken part in the discussions, and met the pass-mark for the final quiz, you will be rewarded with a digital badge and a statement of participation.
After completing the course, you will still be able to refer back to the online material whenever you need it – it will become a useful reference source for your day-to-day work.
We hope you enjoy the course.
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