Distance Education, Online Learning, Virtual Campus

ONLINE LEARNING

 

How will I learn?

Programs are delivered in courses that you can complete at times convenient to you.

Our online programs deliver program content and opportunities to interact with other students in a number of ways.

 

We use a variety of platforms to deliver content and allow you to interact with other students. Platforms may include one or more of the following:

• virtual learning environment, e.g. Moodle, Learn or Blackboard Collaborate

• wikis

• google searching, blogs

• skype, soc-med

• discussion boards and forums

• video streaming services, e.g. YouTube or Vimeo

• virtual worlds, virtual campus e.g. SecondLife

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Second Life - Simulation in Distance Education

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qktBEko8U9M      

• http://previewpsych.org/BPD2.0.pdf

• http://secondlife.com/   Join Free 

• http://freevideolectures.com/  1000 free college corses

• https://www.brainbench.com/

• http://ncsacademy.com/

 

Education and Second Life

Second Life is an internet based virtual world in which people interact with one another via avatars and engage in a range of activities. They can explore the world, meet and form friendships with others and even exchange goods and services.

 

You use this environment to build virtual objects with the option to add interaction. You also create and personalise your avatar which can be a representation of you, the opposite sex, an animal or even an abstract shape.

 

Role of education in Second Life

Where does education fit into all of this? This virtual world enables people to undertake activities which include virtual meetings, training sessions and teaching via a virtual school or university. Many universities around the world have built an online version of their campus within Second Life and use this to give lectures, teach new skills or to enable students to work together on projects.

 

This is useful for students enrolled on distance learning programs who are unable to undertake a traditional undergraduate degree due to a variety of factors. This type of system allows them the chance to meet and interact with other students as well as keep up to date with assignments. It can also prevent feelings of isolation and loneliness which can occur in students who work away from a university.

 

How is online learning different?

All of the UIPM's programs - whether delivered online or on campus - are subject to the same rigorous criteria, which means they must meet strict academic standards before being approved by the University’s governing body, the Senates.

 

Online programs are of equal value to on-campus programs in terms of entry criteria and overall workload. The only difference is in the way the course is delivered.

 

As an online learning student, you will:

• earn an internationally recognized degree

• be able to study anywhere that has an internet connection

• have the flexibility to study when it's most convenient for you

• be taught by academics working at the leading edge of your field

• become part of a rich and varied online community

• have access to University support services