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
Start off
University of Bedfordshire
decides a module to start
for a new group
2 Days of Direct
Teaching
Course Material
Online, CD-ROM
5 Days of Direct
Teaching for 8 modules
Local support
In co-ordination
with university
of Bedfordshire
Assignments & Grading
2/3 Online
Assignments
Term end
examinations
Local Tutors
University Of Bedfordshire
All 8 modules start
by flying faculty
Students get access to module
through SITs on BREO
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
Online
interactive
learning
modules
Pod cast/ video:
Experts’ Lectures,
discussions,
interviews, news etc.
Direct Learning Online Learning
Sessions
Modules
Collaborative
Learning
Online brainstorming &
discussions (text and voice
boards)
WIMBA Live classroom,
WIKI, BLOG etc
Work based
projects,
assignments
Work Based
Activities
Assessment
Experts’ Lectures,
Brainstorming,
group activities,
Individual tasks etc.
PDP
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
Thank you