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 EducationAcademy.

Killick, D. (2006) The internationalised curriculum: making UK HE fit for purpose. Exchange. Issue 5. The Higher EducationAcademy.

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

StaffordshireUniversity

MA Sustainable Development (Distance Learning):

MSc Governance and Sustainable Development (Distance Learning):

MA NGOs and Sustainable Development (Distance Learning):

MSc Sustainability and Environmental Management (Distance Learning):

MSc Water and Environmental Management (Distance Learning):

De Montfort University

MSc in Climate Change and Sustainable Development:

University of Ulster

Campus One: institutional support for distance learning

MSc in Coastal Zone Management :

PGDip/MSc Environmental Management:

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

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)

: A link to the discussion area for INLT workshop paper on ICT, Distance Learning and the Curriculum.