Distance Learning University of Bedfordshire Professor Ashraf Jawaid Deputy Vice Chancellor External Relations
University of Bedfordshire New University created in August 2006, merged University of Luton and de Montfort Bedford campus 16,500 students; 1800 with UK partners & 1550 with overseas partners Strong links with institutions O/S for progression Strategies developed for Distance Learning: Supported Distance Learning Online Learning using VLE
Supported Distance Courses Courses have historically been developed from the ground up by course teams MBA by distance learning in the Bedfordshire Business School (initially supported by CD-ROM and flying faculty, now converting to VLE) Public Health MSc (Distance Learning supported on VLE) Support to students with partners on VLE
The UoB MBA round the World
How MBA Works? Admission and Course access Students are enrolled for the MBA University of Bedfordshire decides a module to start for a new group Students get access to module through SITs on BREO University Of Bedfordshire Start off All 8 modules start by flying faculty 2 Days of Direct Teaching Course Material Online, CD-ROM Assignments & Grading 2/3 Online Assignments 5 Days of Direct Teaching for 8 modules Local support In co-ordination with university of Bedfordshire Term end examinations Local Tutors
Curriculum Benefits Group work: Inter-student support Sharing resources research, expertise Mostly assignment-based : freedom to plan, to set your own pace Customisation: 70% of assessments can be tailored to participants' sector or organisation
Assessments 26% Group Work; 74% Individual Effort 22% Written Examination Work 14% Oral Presentations 64% Written Assignment Work Case Study Analysis Reports Business Plans
Study Materials Course materials is available via UoB's virtual learning environment ' BREO' interactive online study materials specifically written for MBA Online downloadable study materials specifically written for MBA ICT Handbook WIMBA Live classroom guides Netmail Referencing Handbook Digital library Discussion Forums
Packaging of MBA Course Pod cast/ video: Experts Lectures, discussions, interviews, news etc. Online interactive learning modules Work based projects, assignments Direct Learning Sessions Online Learning Modules Work Based Activities Collaborative Learning Assessment PDP Online brainstorming & discussions (text and voice boards) WIMBA Live classroom, WIKI, BLOG etc Experts Lectures, Brainstorming, group activities, Individual tasks etc. MBA student, working professional
Strategy for Online Learning (2008-2011) To further Develop supported Distance learning Institutional funding has been agreed Markets identified - CPD & overseas 12 programmes running by 2010 from 4 Faculties Mode 1: Baseline using BREO to distribute course information and carryout course administration Mode 2: Blended learning: comprehensive online provision with face to face learning; communication - text & voice over email, content, online submission & feedback Mode 3: Online: Students may undertake entire programme of study by online means enable learners to learn at times & places of their own choice within clearly defined, structured learning programme
Online Learning offers potential for mixed cohorts sharing same space and resources allows for fully distance or distance with optional contact sessions over the duration of a course allows for continuing professional development
Online Learning Development Curriculum development remains a matter for academic teams who need to: benchmark against similar departments in other institutions examine market opportunities propose new curriculum areas in line with research Added central structures to support online curriculum development, driving evolution of delivery styles Blended Learning Unit works with teams on curriculum development, providing guidance on online course planning, pedagogy, and online learning design
Online Learning Development Blended Learning Adviser works with designated course team to produce a detailed plan with economic model identified reporting milestones fully-identified and costed resource needs plans for validation agreed through the university s QA processes BLA working with academic staff focused on the application of curriculum-orientated pedagogical approaches for designing DL online course
Institutional Challenges Quality Assurance - modify existing procedures and adapt for the online context, student work Staff expertise staff development with academic teams, Blended Learning Advisors work alongside to develop understanding Infrastructure IT support Student support
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