At the University of Nizwa, E-Learning promotes and nurtures technology enhanced learning environments empowering learners to achieve their desired objectives.
VISION
We will align and develop digital learning skills in University of Nizwa graduates, making them productive innovators in their respective fields.
MISSION
Through careful research, development, and implementation of developing learning technologies, the E-Learning Committee will create dynamic learning solutions unique to the University of Nizwa. We will promote and support learning where learners can positively contribute to the local and global knowledge economy. Working collaboratively with staff, faculty, students, and members of the community, our focus is designing efficient and effective learning solutions.
OBJECTIVES
Our team of qualified professionals strives to:
- increase the flexibility, accessibility, and personalization of courses for on and off campus students
- equip users with relevant E-Learning skills for the contemporary world
- consult with members of the community to foster collaboration
- support faculty in using learning technologies in their courses
Summary of E-Learning Strategy
MAIN OBJECTIVES
Using E-Learning at the University is meant to solve 5 main problems:
1. Overuse of photocopies for learning material delivery
2. Misused textbooks by students and faculty
3. Consistency, efficiency and effectiveness of course delivery (Quality Control)
4. Student engagement with learning materials, facilitators, and peers
5. “Edgeless Classrooms” – Expanding enrolment with virtual classrooms
GOVERNANCE / ROLES
Creating E-Learning content passes through a three tiered approach as illustrated below
The E-Learning Board decides which projects to pursue
The E-Learning Committee develops specifics relating to each project.
All materials are then developed, either internally or externally, by the learning objects team.
TARGETS
Although the E-Learning Strategy presents over twenty projects to develop, the most pertinent are the first two problems presented in part one of this summary. Below are these two problems, their proposed solutions, and the deployment timelines.
Problem |
Solution |
Implementation |
Deadline |
1. Overuse of photocopies for learning material delivery |
Immediate reduction of numbers of permitted photocopies per faculty member. |
Issue an edict declaring that only X number of copies can be made without requiring CIS approval. |
Immediate |
2. Misused textbooks by students and faculty |
Choose materials for specific courses that cannot be deviated from. |
Committees for each Department will choose materials for each course. Materials will be standard for any incoming or incumbent faculty. |
Summer 2010 |
3. Consistency, efficiency and effectiveness of course delivery (Quality Control) |
Create materials based on Oman Ministry of Education course objectives and outcomes. All materials are centralized. |
Policy stating that all sections of a course use the same materials. Professors help team –develop materials or choose textbooks. |
Summer 2010. |
Currently the University of Nizwa uses two Learning Management Systems to deliver course materials: Eduwave, and Moodle.