Tutoring in an Online Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning Environment.

Case Study of HND Program at the Syrian Virtual University Talal Sheikhalard PhD Research & Development Director Syrian Virtual University Fifth International Internet Education Conference & Exhibition: ICT Learn 2006 September 12th 2006 The development of internet and ICT not only affect various fields of business and health but also the educational sector increasingly. The applications of internet and ICT on learning are immense. Web-based education arises; learning processes shift; e-learning methods are technically better supported. This case examines how online technology has been used to co-ordinate virtual educational program offered to the Higher National Diploma (HND) students at the Syrian Virtual University. The experience from the case study is that although online technology promises to offer an independent learning environment anytime and anywhere, only some aspects of the technology are useful depending on the skills and motivations of both students and tutors. Introduction: Virtual Education is the latest generation of Distance Learning. At first stages of distance learning, content and studies used to be done by postal mail: the student would receive text-books, documents and learning materials and would study alone and communicate with a tutor by traditional means (letters, fax, or phone). With the emergence of the Compact Discs, all the materials could be sent in one small package: this is what is called e-Learning. When the Internet finally appeared, there was no need to send by postal mail any material anymore for all the learning information could be available on the web at any time: this is online education. With further developments, this method could be enhanced to ultimately comprise the complete traditional learning environment which makes university-life: classrooms, cafeterias, campuses, maximize synchronous interactions between students and peers and students and tutors, libraries, etc which all together make virtual education under which the Syrian Virtual University (SVU) falls. SVU Objectives SVU primarily aims at providing students worldwide, with a world-class quality education, at home, through an integrated online learning environment based on the latest technological and educational developments. Virtual education versus web based or online learning The concept of education implies a complete learning environment usually achieved in a campus. All the university-life, including the classroom experience, happens within this environment, while learning is done at a personal level.

In that sense, Virtual education must be differentiated from web-based or online learning. Virtual education requires by nature a complete learning environment, very similar in the activities, to the one found in traditional universities (classroom, libraries, interaction areas, etc..). While in web-based learning the content is fully interactive and selfexplanatory. In both virtual education and online learning the interaction is highly efficient between the learner and the content. The role of the teacher in virtual education becomes as facilitator. While in web based learning the expertise of the teacher becomes embedded with the content delivery experience. In both cases the exercise of contact with the content is by itself an intellectual challenge and teaches the learner to practice his/her cognitive abilities. The tutor is there to guide and support the student, as well as assessing the learning process and the students progress. Virtual Learning experience differs from traditional classroom learning by the medium of course. One is in a classroom, in which the students and the professor should meet, physically. The other is also in a classroom, in which the students and the professor should, meet, virtually. In teaching, five elements must be taken into consideration: the student, the professor/tutor, the content to be taught, the assessment of the learning process and most importantly the interaction between the first 3 elements. It is in this interaction that lays the essential difference between virtual education and traditional classroom-based learning. In traditional learning the professor is responsible for conveying the content in an interesting and understandable manner. The content remains rigid in the sense that it is a written book or an idea on a blackboard. The efficiency of the teaching method lies completely on the experience and talent of the professor who has to grasp the material and deliver it in a creative manner which makes the professor a transmitter of knowledge. All the interaction is therefore happening between the professor and the students. We can conclude that with virtual education the interaction is shifted to be mainly between the learner and the content. The tutor (professor) becomes a facilitator and not a transmitter anymore. SVU Learning Model: The Learning Management System (LMS) and Assessment Management System (AMS) along with Online Synchronous and Asynchronous sessions are the main tools used in virtual education at SVU. It is worth to note the difference between synchronous and asynchronous learning. In synchronous learning all the participants are interacting at the same time (in virtual classrooms or chatting sessions), the Webdemo is used for that purpose at SVU. While in Asynchronous learning the student accesses the material on his/her own or communicates with peers or tutors who are not available online at the same (emails, discussion forums). SVU has build 14 tele-centers (13 in Syria and 1 in Dubai) with powerful PCs and fast internet connection in order to provide free access to the internet for students and also to run all SVU exams.

The Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computing and Business Applications Case Study Industries and organizations are increasingly faced with market and economic challenges. These challenges are caused by national moves towards market economy and market globalization. In order to face such challenges access to accurate and up-to-date information is vital. The higher National Diploma (HND) in Computing and Business Applications is a 2-year program which has been developed to enable students to exploit knowledge of computing, web-based development and marketing. And also to apply professional computer programming skills, manage marketing skills and knowledge required for success in current of future employment. Students at the end of the diploma will be able to develop and manage modern information systems that give organizations the competitive advantage they require in order to succeed. Students having HND could continue their studies to an undergraduate degree (Bachelors). The program has been developed through a partnership of two leading educational institutions in the UK (Edexcel) and Syria (SVU) and is delivered at SVU online in both English and Arabic languages. Graduated students gain their two year diploma from both institutions Edexcel and SVU who are fully accredited and endorsed by their respective governments. According to SVU experience through HND program there is a deviation from the SVU model due to lack of skills and motivation of both students and tutors. Different measures are and should be taken to prevent such deviation: Content: Continue to deliver quality program in order to maintain quality education. Tutors: Develop an efficient system to select qualified tutors and extend the tutors induction program period. Students: Perform marketing campaign every year in high schools to attract motivated students. Interactivity: Develop a quality control system to control tutoring in synchronized sessions. Other measures should be considered for the success of SVU. Assessment & Internet connectivity: Fast and secure internet connectivity (without interruption) should be available as interruption in internet connectivity during exams causes student exam loss. Awareness campaign: Public and private institutions around the country and the Arab world should be aware of the benefits of virtual education. Staff: Adequate and skilled staff is necessary, and continuous training program should be performed to update their skills in computer technology and management. Student Information System (SIS): A well developed Student Information System should be available to ensure high enrolment of students in SVU without expansion in the staff number and to generate reasonable income. Salary: Adequate remuneration of skilled staff and tutors is necessary to prevent their migration to the private market.