Information on and examples of distance learning
References
Eastwood, D. (2002) Education for sustainable development by web-based distance
learning: postgraduate teaching of virtual PgDip/MSc courses. Planet Special Edition
4: Education for Sustainable Development. GEES Subject Centre.
Harris, R. (2003) Building a GIScience Community in Cyberspace: reflections on
GIScOnline. Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 27 (3) pp. 279-295
Jones, E. (2006) 20 key factors in internationalising higher education. Exchange.
Issue 5. The Higher Education Academy.
Killick, D. (2006) The internationalised curriculum: making UK HE fit for purpose.
Exchange. Issue 5. The Higher Education Academy.
Skerratt, G. & Murphy, C. (2005) Taking the distance out of distance learning. Planet
Special Edition, Issue 14: Postgraduate taught courses in Geography, Earth and
Environmental Sciences. GEES Subject Centre
Solem, M.N. et al. (2003) Using the Internet to Support International Collaborations
for Global Geography Education. Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 27 (3)
pp. 239-253
Examples of distance learning masters
Staffordshire University
MA Sustainable Development (Distance Learning):
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses/pgpt/sus_env/tcm6815223.php#factfile
MSc Governance and Sustainable Development (Distance Learning):
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses/pgpt/sus_env/tcm6815235.php
MA NGOs and Sustainable Development (Distance Learning):
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses/pgpt/sus_env/tcm6815222.php
MSc Sustainability and Environmental Management (Distance Learning):
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses/pgpt/sus_env/tcm6815255.php
MSc Water and Environmental Management (Distance Learning):
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses/pgpt/sus_env/tcm6815257.php
De Montfort University
MSc in Climate Change and Sustainable Development:
http://www.dmu.ac.uk/Subjects/Db/coursePage2.php?courseID=4040
University of Ulster
Campus One: institutional support for distance learning
MSc in Coastal Zone Management : http://prospectus.ulster.ac.uk/course/?id=2292
PGDip/MSc Environmental Management:
http://campusone.ulster.ac.uk/potential/postgraduate.php?ppid=9
University of Glamorgan
Sustainable Development Training by CD-based Distance Learning – Robert
Morgan
A project internally funded by the University of Glamorgan, was commenced in March
2004 to develop a new module “Tools for Sustainable Development” which would be
an option in the successful MSc. courses Environmental Conservation Management
and Coastal Conservation & Management. This module was first offered in
September 2004.
The module would be studied principally via a CD-ROM, supplemented by use of the
Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), internet access to University-based
data sources and a one-week programme of workshops and tutorials at the
university. The mode of delivery was intended to make the module accessible to
learners without the necessity to attend weekly lectures at the University. This could
widen participation, ease timetabling and increase study flexibility. Total time input
on content development was 125 hours, comparable to the time required to produce
conventional learning material for a 20-credit, Masters-level module.
Main course material was contained on a single Word document, equivalent to
approximately 175 A4 pages. This comprised an introductory section, an outline of
the concept of sustainable development, 12 main sections (one per Tool) and
glossary. Most sections contained hyperlinks, explanatory graphics and examples,
often taken from real case studies. The three assignments students were required
to submit were included, as well as self-assessment exercises. The CD also
contained 36 supporting documents totalling 20Mb to form the main background
reading and assist students with the assignments. A printed version of the main
learning material (Word document) was made available at a cost of £5 per copy only two students requested copies.
The module was the most popular of the three options (the others being Coastal
Change & Conservation and Tropical Environmental Field Ecology), amongst MSc.
students with 17 students enrolling on it. The most important findings were:
 Checking approximately 200 hyperlinks to external information sources was a
time-consuming task as inevitably some changed their address and/or contents;
 Problems were found with the Blackboard Digital Drop Box system, possibly
related to large file sizes. Reducing resolution of graphics would address this
problem;
 Self-assessment exercises need to be closely connected to the content of the
actual assignments;
 The module content initially presented a challenge to students accustomed to
technically-based material rather than sociological and management-based
content. However, feedback comments at the end of the workshop week were
very positive regarding the relevance of this material to the MSc courses;
 Making the first assessed material relatively straightforward, accustomed students
to using the hyperlinks on the CD and supporting material to find simple
information. While the task of accessing material in a novel way may have been
challenging at first, once this was done the required information was easy to find
and built up the student’s confidence.
 Previous discussions on distance learning have often mentioned the large amount
of staff time that needs to be devoted to dealing with student queries via
telephone and e-mail. The time spent in this case appeared to be no more than
for a conventionally-delivered module. Overall, the learning format used was
judged highly efficient and cost-effective in delivering learning to Masters-level
students.
Useful Websites
http://www.globalgateway.org/ : a website aimed at ‘bringing an international
dimension to education’. A gateway to educational partnerships between schools and
colleges across the world. Has a Higher Education ‘zone’ that Includes interesting
links for international collaborations, e.g. UKIERI- India/UK initiative, BRIDGE
(UK/Russia), EAP (England/Africa)
http://www.gees.ac.uk/events/2004/inlt/igupapc.htm : A link to the discussion area for
INLT workshop paper on ICT, Distance Learning and the Curriculum.