Our world

Flexible learning programmes use a range of teaching methods to deliver optimum education experiences that suit different student abilities and situations. In particular, online and blended learning are now key to the delivery of a full portfolio of courses for many universities, colleges and other tertiary and professional education providers.

Students want to access high quality learning programmes that fit with other commitments and personal aspirations. Institutions that recognise this trend are moving towards developing flexible learning solutions and capitalising on the business opportunities that result. They are offering a range of ‘products’, from blended on-campus programmes through to full distance e-learning, along with a range of intermediate solutions to suit specific requirements.

Good quality online learning programmes were also seen to enhance the reputation of a university, and to be a valuable source of additional revenue. Producing successful programmes requires a range of resources and talents. They also have to be carefully designed to meet the needs of the market they are targeted at.

Our own market survey told us that the main issues preventing universities from offering distance and e-learning programmes today are:

1. Lack of understanding of how to go about developing such programmes.
2. Staff are often not motivated to participate in the development of them.
3. Lack of a person to ‘champion’ the creation and implementation of a programme.
4. Magnitude of the task seen as too large for the department to undertake.
5. Insufficient management understanding of what online distance learning is and the potential benefits.
6. Lack of available funds to invest in the creation of such programmes.
7. Fear of the unknown and the implications of potential failure.

Developing a high-quality blended or e-learning programme is not easy, but CAPDM is here to help.