1.5 Developing a framework for cost-effective distance learning
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The document discusses developing a framework for distance learning programs. It summarizes feedback on an online MSc in Shipping Operations program, which received positive feedback but faced risks of growing too quickly. Actions were taken to address the risks by adjusting student numbers, curriculum structure, and hours. The document recommends reviewing the cost model and developing a generic model for future distance learning programs. It poses questions about improving current online delivery and exploring new approaches to make delivery more cost effective.
1.5 Developing a framework for cost-effective distance learning
- 1. Click to edit Master title style Developing a viable framework for distance learning Dr Carina Buckley & Mark Bee 23rd March 2016
- 2. Click to edit Master title style MSc Shipping Operations • On-line distance learning package • Great feedback, excellent quality, industry first, • BUT…
- 3. Click to edit Master title style Risks • Growing too big, too soon. • Lack of university confidence • Not sustainable
- 4. Click to edit Master title style Action taken • Hours • Ways of working • Student numbers • Curriculum structure
- 5. Click to edit Master title style What next? • Cost model to be reviewed • Develop a generic model for future Distance Learning programmes
- 6. Click to edit Master title style Cost Effective Delivery of Online Learning • What are we already doing that we can do better? • What are we not yet doing that we could? • Why would we do either of these things?
- 7. Click to edit Master title style Respect Ownership Inclusivity Engagement Integrity Teamwork MSc Shipping Operations as a living case study Model for wider use Longitudinal evaluation
- 8. Click to edit Master title style Possible themes • Innovative teaching and learning • New type of virtual/digital classroom • Widening participation and industry recognition/involvement • Transferability across courses/Schools/subjects – new model of working
- 9. Click to edit Master title style Learning from Experience carina.buckley@solent.ac.uk
Editor's Notes
- #7: The CEDOL project was established to look at how we could take forward distance learning at Solent in as efficient and effective a way as possible, by building on the lessons we've learned from MSc Shipping Ops and seeing how they might be applied more broadly. The principle goal, aside from retaining and expanding this expertise, was to develop a reliable costing framework that can be applied to any course in any school, one which is economically viable and properly supported and resourced. Secondly, thinking in this way opens up all sorts of possibilities for professional short courses for those already working in industry, for example. What about top-ups? Masters? Professional development units? It frees us from the constraints of a degree and it allows us to think of a campus unbounded by physical space. This also means we can think differently about how these courses are staffed. What about an online tutor, someone who is the first point of contact on the course but doesn't necessarily need to be present on campus? This is a role we're keen to introduce, to make better use of senior lecturer time and introduce more consistency across the whole course. The simple question is, why would we not do these things? By thinking about 'students' and 'campus' in a different way, even how we understand a tutor to work, it allows us to see that there are more ways of interacting than the traditional model. That form - 18 year olds in a lecture theatre - isn't going away any time soon, and nor do we want it to. But why restrict ourselves?
- #8: We are using MSc Shipping Ops as a living case study, something we will stay with over the next two years to evaluate, possibly refine, and then disseminate as widely as possible, guided by the six Solent values. We've worked together very much as a team - me and other members of the SLTI, the course team at Warsash, and Academic Services. It is crucial that the course team has ownership of the whole process: they are the ones delivering the course, so we need them to feel confident in what it is they are delivering. Distance learning is more inclusive of people who can't or don't want to come to Southampton, or don't want to commit to full time or even part time study, or who are interested in mainly in developing and underpinning their professional knowledge. University becomes more accessible and achievable for more people. By having an online tutor, someone who is there purely for these students learning online, we can do more to support engagement, which will be further enhanced by the development of a library of reusable learning objects, designed to ensure that students are well equipped to achieve the best they can. Finally, we work with integrity and respect; trying to produce the best course that we can, delivered in the best way we know how, to make sure that the students get the best learning and teaching experience possible.
- #9: But we don't want to stop there. This presents an opportunity not just for flexible delivery itself but for some meaningful and timely research into what Solent is doing in this area. We have this fantastic new building - what can we do here that we haven't done before? What impact can we have on our teaching, and therefore on our students? And how can we make sure that these new ideas are not just confined to the physical sphere but translate across into an excellent online experience too? When we think about our new students, coming to do these different kinds of courses, in this flexible way, do we know what their expectations are? Are we prepared to meet or manage them? And if we are drawing, however heavily, on industry involvement or recognition, are we sure we know what these employers' expectations are too? Finally, how transferable is this new model? Are there any particular issues or specialities we just haven't considered yet, or any obstacles we haven't yet encountered? There are plenty of questions still for us to consider and pursue.
- #10: For this reason, we are very much learning from experience. If anyone has any thoughts, ideas, problems or suggestions they would like to share or contribute, then please do get in touch!