Global Online A M SibbaldDr S Bruce Dr J Brodie

OFFLINE TO ONLINE Ten Lessons Learned from Developing a Suite of Fully Online Programmes

Where are we? 2011 – work commenced on the development of our Global Online MBA (one programme, eight online modules) Since January 2012 we have developed four global online programmes: ­ MBA (with eight specialist routes) ­ MSc Business Management (with seven specialist routes) ­ BA Business Management and BA Business Enterprise (top-ups) Currently under development - MSc HRM; an Honours extension to the BA Business Management programme; and BA (Hons) Business Enterprise & Sport

Lesson 1: Provision of appropriate resources Need appropriate resources in place – human and technical Production phase - Dedicated team supporting: – creation of learning materials – uploading of materials Supported by a dedicated School Academic Lead for online programmes

Resources – for student support Our Global Online students are supported during the course of their studies by : Module Leader / Online Tutor (9-5) Dedicated Global Online Support Team (9-5) – includes Ben (FAQ database) – accessible 24/7 Student Peers “It was a pleasure meeting and working with you! Thanks for always being there in times of any difficulty and if there is anything that needed to be clarified!” “I'm impressed with ENU and her teaching/supporting staff for bringing the classroom to my living room.”

Ask Ben

Lesson 2: Use a consistent approach

Lesson 3: Adopt a brand Create a visual identity for the online provision

Lesson 4: Make students feel welcome

Induction Thanks you very much for your feedback and excellent support on learning materials and methods.”

Lesson 5: Create a programme identity Programme specific information: – Programme Handbook (updated annually) – Link to useful university resources such as Induction; academic skills courses; student portal; library Chat room facility Networking opportunities for students Student representatives details and chat forum

Lesson 6: Engage the Academic Identify staff who wish to be involved Provide relevant training and support Provide support to academics as they develop their materials “as an airline pilot who had limited exposure in the business environment, I am truly grateful for the guidance given by you which I followed in the general forum and your personal effort till the last day to ensure we give our best in the submission. Thank you!”

Lesson 7: Engage the Student Provide student with a set of innovative learning materials – Animations – Videos (short vignettes from external subject specialists) – Digital workbook “I enjoyed practical videos on innovation in a company, shared by the Tutor”

Lesson 8: Listen to the student voice “Resources are very difficult to find and access in the online library”. – Module leaders ensure that any references to resources are easily accessible “The online support sessions were set at a time that I could not attend at due to different time zone. However, instructor was very much accessible via and was prompt in responding to queries”. – Tutors changed timings to middle of the day and/or run twice weekly at different times “On the moodle page for my dissertation there in only a TURNITIN option to upload my final dissertation.” – Support videos developed to help students understand the features of the online environment “What is the meaning of P4 grade and level 11?” – Information included within the programme handbook and Induction site to help students understand specific grade terminology used at Edinburgh Napier University

Lesson 9: Keep on enhancing Don’t rest on your laurels - continually review and enhance the ‘product’ Student feedback is a valuable source of information with which to enhance the student experience

Lesson 10: Build in scalability Operating within a rapidly changing environment Flexibility to meet changing needs of industry and students

Sharing Experiences Any good practice / tips for successful delivery? Any questions?