MSc Computing distance learning - Staffordshire University

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• Case studies and investigations where it is often the case that a real life scenario is used for students to investigate in order to understand how theories taught relate to the real world; • Seminars where students may be asked to research a topic with others and give a mini seminar in order that students may critique their perspective. How is an online award different from a traditional award? Because it is a Masters award, obviously the work done will be aimed at a higher level than an undergraduate award. Students will be expected to not only understand but also to contribute their own thinking, critical insights and reflections on topics. Secondly the online teaching mode of e-learning will set new challenges to students who must take a high level of responsibility for managing their own learning. This will require careful planning to ensure the best advantage is taken of on-line workshops, discussion forums and e-mail to solve any problems encountered on the course. Although staff may be a distance away, they are contactable and here to help. So, provided there is sufficient self-motivation and study planning, students will benefit from the award’s flexible learning allowing them to decide when and when not to study. The nature of postgraduate study is that it aims for appropriately higher thresholds of individual attainment, and achievement of mastery of the principles of the chosen discipline, so that students may confidently and reliably interact with working professionals and others from a position of deep knowledge and understanding. The outcomes achieved should be consistent with postgraduate direct entry into professional practice, entrepreneurship or into higher research study, for example PhD. There will be no difference in the quality or level of the award compared with a Masters award that is delivered in full-time mode. The main method used for course delivery will be via the Virtual Learning Environment known as Blackboard. This software allows students to access course materials and communicate with their tutors and other students. At the beginning of the course, students will be expected to take part in an online induction workshop to orientate them to the learning environment they will be working within, and to begin integrating them into the learning community of the Faculty. Through this process they should feel more comfortable in what for some may be very unfamiliar territory, and thus have the best possible start to their learning journey. Engagement in this induction workshop is therefore strongly recommended because it is here that much of the operation of the Award will be introduced. This workshop will include an explanation of the way in which the course will be conducted including how contact with staff can be made, course structure, proposed module delivery schedule, module content, use of the Blackboard VLE, submission of assignment work, student support mechanisms, the requirements of the university and their own responsibilities as students and so on. Most importantly, students will be given the opportunity to ask any questions in context about the operation of the course and will be acquainted with terms used commonly in the Faculty and University such as ‘learning outcomes’ etc. 12
What is ‘module material’? A consistent feature of all modules studied will be the module material. This is not a physical document but instead is an electronic one located in Blackboard VLE (described below). Blackboard VLE is a learning resource containing the module delivery schedule, all the teaching material required including notes, exercises, assignments etc. Students are expected to work through the module material to gain the knowledge and skills required to pass a module’s assessments. They will be expected to engage actively with the subject matter by undertaking a series of activities that have been chosen to achieve the learning outcomes of the module. For each activity students will be able to access a guide on a possible solution and a commentary as to how that solution was arrived at. The module material may vary in style to accommodate the requirements of each module. For example, some module materials may describe the use of software whilst others may have a number of references to source material available from the Internet. Some module materials will be written in a style revolving around problem solving whilst others may be didactic in tone. Other modules may take the form of reading and reflecting on current literature about the subject under study. All module materials are student centred and will require active engagement. Students will be encouraged to read widely and in depth. Some module material may include a standard textbook. A succession of activities related to the material ensures students explore the principles and ideas presented in the module, yet there is also an expectation placed on students to explore material beyond that which has been provided and to read around the topic areas being studied. Each module will typically require around 150 hours of study (which will include extensive background reading). What is Blackboard? Blackboard is a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) that will be used to facilitate the online mode of the award. Each module to be studied will be built upon material contained within Blackboard. The main elements of this module material will be housed on a server which can be accessed from the Internet. Blackboard will also provide communication facilities to make staff contact and have discussion forums for student to student and staff to student asynchronous conversation. Assignment work will also be electronically submitted for assessment though Blackboard. What support will be provided through Blackboard? Students will be able to get feedback on their progress throughout the course using Blackboard’s communication functions. Within the Blackboard VLE is the facility to discuss aspects of each module, for example its material and assessment, with other students and with the module tutor. Practice on how to use this effectively will be given during the on-line induction workshop. Students may also use a discussion forum to talk informally with other students studying the same module. It is intended that students will arrange some peer group support in this way to share and develop their knowledge. Help will be provided to those who wish to establish such a group. The module tutor will not take part in these informal discussion groups. Blackboard communication facilities will be used for any confidential or other discussion about a student’s personal progress throughout the course. A student may initiate the discussion, or it may be that a university staff member will make contact through this medium. This communication will be particularly important when the time comes to arrange and hold the viva voce assessment of a student’s dissertation. 13
Page 1 and 2: Faculty of Computing, Engineering &
Page 3 and 4: 7 Contacts and communication How ar
Page 5 and 6: 1 Award details and overview How to
Page 7 and 8: See the Staffordshire University Po
Page 9 and 10: L M (7) Teaching Block 2 (12 weeks)
Page 11: 2 Specifics of e-learning awards Ho
Page 15 and 16: CE01066-7 Software and hardware app
Page 17 and 18: • Procedures and practices includ
Page 19 and 20: Most people experience unforeseen e
Page 21 and 22: the UK Disability Discrimination Ac
Page 23 and 24: Any claim is considered by the Facu
Page 25 and 26: the award with modules in a referra
Page 27 and 28: 7 Contacts and communication How ar
Page 29 and 30: Is there a counselling service? Yes
Page 31 and 32: What if a student wishes to complai
Page 33 and 34: 11 Appendices Appendix 1: Internet,
Page 35 and 36: Appendix 2: Assessment criteria Ass
Page 37 and 38: Appendix 4: EXTRACT FROM CPHC MASTE
Page 39 and 40: Appendix 6: Learning Outcomes shown

MSc Computing distance learning - Staffordshire University

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