DS4TC21 PAC - Getting started

Getting started – Digital Skills for Teaching in the 21st Century

Dear [First Name]

Welcome to Digital Skills for Teaching in the 21st Century (DS4TC21), a free online course offered by COL and PACFOLD, designed for Pacific TVET, vocational, and secondary teachers.

I’m Dr. Deepak Prasad, your course facilitator. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be supporting you with regular updates, practical guidance, and reminders. Whether you're just starting out with digital tools or looking to enhance your skills, I’m excited to be part of your learning journey.

Step 1: Set up your course access

Before you begin, we recommend taking 45–60 minutes today to set up your personal learning environment. This will help you get comfortable and ready to start the module of your choice.

Please complete the following:

Register a user account on the course website and enrol in the DS4TC21 course here: https://pacificopencourses.col.org/ds4tc21/. This will provide additional benefits to support your learning.
Explore the Start Here section to familiarise yourself with the course website.
Complete the Pre-course survey; it should take approximately 5–10 minutes.
Visit the course site’s feed page and post a comment to share why you are taking this course.
Learn how to access the modules, discussion forums, and learning challenges so your are ready to begin.

If you have any issues, feel free to post your questions in the DS4TC21 General Support Forum. Peer learning is an important part of this course—support each other whenever you can!

Step 2: Establish your Personal Learning Environment

Today you will focus on creating accounts on different websites. This will become your Personal Learning Environment (PLE) to connect with fellow learners during and after the course.

As this course focuses on building digital skills, we use the Internet as the learning platform to deliver content and support interactions rather than a single application like a learning management system. In the beginning you may find this approach different to what you have experienced online before, or even a little challenging if you are not familiar with these online tools. Rest assured, thousands of learners have mastered these approaches and if you persevere, you will also succeed and reap the long term benefits!

All instructions you need are provided on the course website. If you get stuck, don’t hesitate to post your questions in the online forums or other communication channels set up for support.

Here are the links for today’s session:

Visit the syllabus page for an overview of Session 0.
Work through the “Establish a PLE” learning challenge (remember to click through to all subpages of this learning challenge using the “Next” button at the bottom of the pages, or use the main site navigation by clicking on the “Establish a PLE” bar or navigation hamburger on a mobile device to progress through the sub-pages).
Introduce yourself to rest of us here!

Step 3: Choose your learning pathway

This course offers two flexible entry points. You may choose the one that best suits your experience and confidence level:

Not sure where to begin? We recommend starting with Module 0, especially if you’re new to using digital tools in teaching. It’s a short, practical introduction that gives you confidence before diving into more advanced skills in later modules.

Pathway A – Start with Module 0

Ideal for teachers who are new to digital tools. Module 0 focuses on using everyday technologies — such as mobile phones, tablets, or laptops—to support classroom teaching.

Module 0 runs from 9–14 June

✅ You can begin right after completing your setup.

✉ You will receive a separate email with Module 0 instructions today.

Pathway B – Start with Module 1

Ideal for those who are already comfortable with basic tools and want to build deeper skills.

Module 1 runs from 15–21 June

✉ You will receive a separate email with Module 1 instructions on 14 June.

Whichever path you choose, you’ll receive weekly guidance, engage with peers, earn digital badges, and work toward certification.

Certificates and Digital Badges

This course offers certificates and digital badges to recognise your learning achievements.

If you complete Module 0 only, you will receive a Certificate of Achievement.
If you complete Modules 1–4 (or all Modules 0–4), you will receive a Certificate of Completion for the full course.
You’ll also earn a digital badge for each module you complete.

For full details, please visit the Certification sectionon the course site.

Let’s begin by setting up your learning environment. If you're starting with Module 0, your instructions are on their way. If you're starting with Module 1, sit tight — we’ll send your module instructions on 14 June.

If you need any help, please reach out via the DS4TC21 General Support Forum or email me directly at deepak.v.prasad@gmail.com.

I look forward to hearing your ideas and seeing your first reflections as we begin this journey together.

Warm regards
Dr Deepak Prasad
Course Facilitator

Digital skills for teaching in the 21st century