Linked on this page:

What is Merlin?

Merlin is an online product Olds College licenses from NAIT. Essentially, it is a secure database that is accessed via the Internet. Olds College Merlin has sophisticated tools that interface with the database on an Internet browser to manage and assemble:

  • competency profiles;
  • course outlines; and
  • courses.

You can also create surveys in Merlin. See Merlin Surveys for more informaton.

The system is based on the storage and retrieval of GAC (general area of competency) and module competency statements. Statements are the upper level or top of the hierarchy for the system and are assembled into GAC bands (sets of modules) which are then grouped into courses. Information can be disseminated from the database to build competency profiles from the statements in tabular or bulleted format. As well, course outlines and courses are generated using these statements.

You can add content to each module within a GAC band using a Word-like editor. GAC bands that are stored in Merlin can be retrieved by a user, then copied and edited. You can also create a new GAC band using statements you create and save in Merlin.

Courses (course shells) along with their accompanying GACs and module competencies have been entered into Merlin. This means a user can retrieve and edit any course or course outline in their group or, retrieve and make a copy of any course, GAC, GAC band, or competency profile in the system. Course content entry is the next phase of the Merlin project.

Access Merlin

  • Log me in to Merlin
    To access and user Merlin, you need:
    • a Merlin PersonID and PIN
    • Microsoft Internet Explorer
    • to belong to a Merlin Group

Contact:

Judy - phone 4620 / email jbuchholz@oldscollege.ca

if you require a PersonID, PIN or more information.

 

Job Aids

The following link to printable PDF files that will open in their own browser window. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader. {See also: Merlin Help in Merlin}

  1. Print an approved course outline from the Olds College Website (fastest)
  2. How to log in to Merlin
  3. How to log in to Merlin and print an approved course outline for your course
  4. How to print a competency profile using Modify Course Outline
  5. How to print any competency profile in Merlin

All About GACs

GAC is an an acronym for General Area of Competency. A GAC is the main, or general competency for a group of modules. A GAC band is a module or a group of modules. It contains the GAC which is followed by each module competency statement. Within each module there are tasks to perform the module competency and ultimately complete the GAC. Once assembled, one or more GAC bands makes a course.

In Merlin, a GAC is the core on which many other components are built. You will see the GAC in the course competency profile and in the course outline. In order for Merlin to be able to use the GAC in different places, it is referenced in the Merlin database by a unique ID (identifying number) and, each module competency associated with a GAC, has its own ID as well.

When the GAC and module competencies are assembled together in Merlin, the subsequent GAC Band also has an ID number. You can find these ID numbers on the competency profile for any course.

 

Course Outline Approval and School Contacts

Who can approve course outlines?

Who has access to all Merlin Groups and is the point of contact for your school?