Asia e University has a diverse portfolio of academic, executive programmes and lifelong self-enrichment courses that are delivered through open and flexible study pathways. The structure of the AeU courses is designed to run in both full-time and part-time modes to allow for flexibility for students who are working professionals as well as new graduates. Flexible study modes provide an alternative to traditional face-to-face learning and teaching, and allow students to study where ever they may be. As AeU is endorsed by 31 ACD member countries, providing alternate modes of study is important, as this enables AeU to reach out to students around Asia and beyond. Depending on the course chosen, there is a range of flexible study modes to choose from to facilitate the teaching and learning process.

Open and Distance Learning

Open and distance learning (ODL) is one of the most rapidly growing fields of education, and its potential impact on education delivery systems has been greatly accentuated through the development of Internet-based information technologies, and in particular the World Wide Web. ODL offers the flexibility to continue academic and training pursuits at your own pace and time, especially for working adults. ODL in AeU is supported by a comprehensive network of services from AeU Learning Management System, AeU Library, Student Portal as well as tutors, student services and support staff. Students are able to learn independently with the support of self-instructional materials (Internet, CDs, books, journals) and minimal supervision from lecturers as self-managed learning.

The terms open learning and distance education represent approaches that focus on opening access to education and training provision, freeing learners from the constraints of time and place, and offering flexible learning opportunities to individuals and groups of learners. [UNESCO, 2002]

Blended Learning

Blended learning is a combination of face to face tutorials and e-learning which are applied in an interactive learning environment. Blended learning gives students and tutors an environment to learn and teach more effectively. Students can select the best activities to suit their own pace, learning style and level, as well as time and place. Students can also make decisions, think creatively and critically, investigate and explore as well as solve problems they face in learning and real life. Blended learning has the following components; e-learning, face to face tutorials and online tutoring:

E-Learning

E-Learning is the use of technology to deliver a broad array of solutions that enhance knowledge and performance. [Marc Rosenburg, 2001]

E-learning is pedagogy empowered by technology. [Nichols, 2007]

Face to face tutorials

Each subject – 3 Tutorials (about once a month)
Each tutorial – 3 hrs. 20 min
Format of Tutorials:

• Facilitator presents an overview
• Students ask questions on content
• Clarification about assignment

Online Tutoring

Online tutoring is the use of the Internet for tutoring activities. It is the process by which a student learns via the Internet with the help of an subject matter expert or a tutor. This type of tutoring can make use of several web-based tools to achieve its goals such as email, chat room, online whiteboards, web-conferencing, blogs.

Mobile Learning

M-Learning enables education via portable technologies like mobile phones, or PDAs (personal digital assistant), where the focus is on the technology (which could be in a fixed location, such as a classroom) and learning across contexts, where the focus is on the mobility of the learner.

Other Useful Terms

Academic Facilitator
Academic appointed by the School to conduct the 10 hours of F2F tutorial to explain basic concepts & principles and encourage discussion

Standalone Courses / Subjects
Candidates are allowed to take selected subject or courses which may be for audit or participate the assessment prescribed and awarded a grade.

Subject Matter Experts
Academic appointed by the School to prepare Assignment Questions and Examination questions and to respond to questions about the subject.

Content Writer
Academic appointed by the School to write a self-instructional module (SIM).

Self-Instructional Module (SIM)
The tutorial-in-print is is meant to be like having a good coach or tutor, working with you (the student) one-to-one. As a tutor the modules asks the learner questions every few minutes to check that they have understood the ideas being discussed and can comment on them or apply them.

Learning Guide / Wrap Around
A Learning Guide is provided for subjects in which student are given a textbook.

Curriculum
Curriculum refers to all the learning experiences delivered in a subject or course including Learning outcomes, Content and topics, Teaching-learning methods and Assessment.