Introducing the Learning Catalogue
In celebration of Teaching and Learning Month, we are thrilled to launch the Learning Catalogue, a collection of free, open access teaching and learning modules that’s open to the McMaster teaching and learning community and beyond.
The Learning Catalogue is a collection of new and preexisting modules and training resources. Some of these were previously found on Avenue to Learn and elsewhere. We have collected and updated these modules and have organized them on our website for ease of access.
The launch of the Learning Catalogue grants educators access to a variety of teaching professional development without enrolling in a course or even logging into anything. You are now able to take a self-directed approach and engage with topics and content that interest you and at your own pace.
We invite you to explore our Learning Catalogue and interact with any of the modules that seem relevant and helpful to you.
We’ve answered a few questions below to tell you more.
Q: Are similar modules still available in Avenue?
A: Teaching assistants taking modules as part of mandatory, paid TA training still have access to these modules through Avenue to Learn and MUST complete these modules in Avenue to Learn to have their completion tracked and paid.
Q: Who can take these modules?
A: Anyone with an interest in teaching and learning in higher education is welcome to complete these modules.
Q: Is the Learning Catalogue available to those outside of McMaster?
A: Yes, the Learning Catalogue is available to anyone.
Q: Is there any sort of accreditation / proof of completion available after modules have been completed?
A: If you are completing the modules as an independent activity, there is no certificate attached to the completion of a module.
To help us collect participant feedback and to work towards continuous improvements, in the coming weeks an optional survey will be added to the end of each module. McMaster educators can complete this survey to show a record of their completion.
Likewise, if you are a McMaster educator and enrolled in programs such as the Teaching & Learning Certificates of Completion Program you may find that some courses in the Certificates will use Learning Catalogue modules as part of their content.
Mandatory, paid TA training must be completed through Avenue to Learn.
Q: If I complete a module on my own and then enrol into a course that uses the module as content, do I have to complete it again for the course?
A: Yes.
Q: Can I use any of the Learning Catalogue modules in my teaching?
A: You are welcome to link to any page of the Learning Catalogue modules for educational purposes. Please note that the modules and content may be subject to change as the modules will be reviewed and updated periodically.
Q: Is the MacPherson Institute offering learning support for these modules? Is there someone to reach out to with questions?
A: The modules in the Learning Catalogue are designed to be self-directed learning experiences. There are no instructors or facilitators monitoring module activity. However, if you are an educator at McMaster University and would like to speak to an Educational Developer, you are welcome to request a consultation.
Q: Who can I contact if I’m having trouble with the website?
A: If you’re having technical difficulties with the website, please send your comments and questions to mi@mcmaster.ca.
Q: Do you take requests? There is a topic I would like to learn more about, but I don’t see a learning module that covers it.
A: Suggestions for learning modules topics are welcome! If you would like to see a learning module for a specific topic, please send your suggestions to learncat@mcmaster.ca