E-LEARNING STRATEGIES

E-Learning Strategies



E-Learning Strategies

Introduction

IT Academy is owned by a telecommunications company and was formerly a technical college mainly used for training company employees. The institution's campus is housed on a single campus in central London; however, the management wishes to open a second campus in Birmingham. The Academy has aspirations to become a prestigious seat of learning. The parent company is wealthy and so it can afford to invest in state-of-the art computing, telecommunications, teaching facilities and an ecommerce website. The Academy charges high fees compared to other rival institutions, nevertheless; it is oversubscribed.

Definition

E-learning is known as a planned teaching or learning experience that uses a wide range of technologies, primarily Internet or computer-based programs, to reach learners. In some instances, there is no face-to-face interaction with an instructor. In schools and colleges, e-learning is used to refer to a modality for attending a course or study program. Students may not necessarily attend face-to-face instructors on campus but may study exclusively online. Educators who design and/or deliver online materials and courses are expected to be highly skilled in instructional design, especially in a content area and computer and Internet use. In addition, they are expected to work well with the special needs of e-learners. Online courses are rapidly increasing in educational institutions.

Current Situation

The Academy stores student's information related to personal details courses undertook and assessment details in a MS Access database. Lecturers give out printed handouts of the lecture notes, which, sometimes, can cause problems for students who are unable to attend the lectures or seminars. Application forms are available and can be downloaded from the institution's website. However, completed application forms are received by post for new students. The admissions department will send a letter of acceptance to student. This includes the course fees; commencement date and all other details regarding their study at the Academy. Student can pay the course fee by either making a full payment or by instalments.

Payments from students are matched with student enrolment record by the admissions department and sent to finance unit. Finance unit also deals with the invoicing of students following the enrolment of course. The invoice contains some important data such as receipt number, date of payment, and the remaining amount of fees to be paid (in case of instalments). Individual assessment results are released to the student by the tutors, and overall results are sent by post to the students. Requirements: Some of the proposals being considered are as follows:

Offering on-line course enrolment and paying fees online.

An Enquiries System that deals with student queries and problems.

Lecturing staff need to upload all of their lecture notes, assignments etc. on the website.

Help adopt an eMarketing strategy to promote the Academy and its courses.

Future Issue

At some point in the future, it is envisaged that a student positioned anywhere on campus, even outdoors, will be able to receive a live lecture via wireless networks.

Plan, develop and manage long-term investments

Most of the 82 recommendations in the strategic plan ...