Syrian Virtual University

1. Syrian Virtual University 5 Years Experience A Case Of Challenges, And Success MIT LINC October 28th 2007 Dr Talal Sheikhalard On behalf Dr Riad Daoudi

2. Virtual Education? Syrian Virtual University SVU programs Case Study Challenges

3. Due to fast changes in sciences, technologies and careers, there is a need for: Continuous HRD in the marketplace Injection of Academic content to update the workforce’s knowledge and skills Why Virtual Education? Advantages • Modern Technology and Educational Methods • Anywhere Anytime • Wide range of specializations • Work and study at the same time (L3)

4. Five Components: Students Teachers Content Interaction Assessment/Evaluation Learning Process

5. In a conventional classroom: Learning Process Students Assessment Proctored exams Take home exams Projects Class Participation Assignments Face-to-face Interaction Interaction Teacher Content Transmits knowledge to student

6. In a virtual classroom: Learning Process Students Assessment Proctored exams Take home exams Projects Class Participation Assignments Learner Rich, Dynamic Interactive Interaction Teacher Content Facilitates and supervises student learning Teacher’s explanation skills

7. Integrated virtual environment (Students, Employees, Tutors) Virtual Classrooms Similar to conventional universities All student activities and tasks can be performed Automated electronic administration Developed interactive content Virtual University

8. Virtual Education? Syrian Virtual University SVU programs Case Study Challenges

9. Facilities Infrastructure:Access/Technology -Build tele-centers with powerful PCs and fast internet connection Language - Preparatory year / Develop Arabic Programs Payment difficulties - Develop Arabic degrees at affordable fees SVU Model

10. Learning Model E-content / LMS Virtual Classroom (Synchronous Sessions/WebDemo) Asynchronous sessions/Recorded Asynchronous Communications (emails) Assessment Management System (AMS) Student Information System (SIS) SVU Model

11. SVU Model

12. MHE Accreditation University1 InternationallyAccredited Degrees SVU University2 University3 Students University4 Virtual Communities Of Arab Professors Localization Of International Curricula • Additional Services • Career Planning - Bookstore • Assessment and Guidance - Virtual Library • Advising - Faculty Services • Academic Support - Professional • Pre-registration Development • Technical Support - Tele-centers • Virtual Communities - Virtual Classrooms • Discussion Forums-Face-to-face requirements - Career Services Local Technical, Administrative and Academic Support To advise, Support and Teach Arab Students

13. SVU Degree Offerings Associate: AA, AS, APS, etc. Bachelor: BA, BS, BBA, BIT, BGS, etc. Master: MA, MS, MBA, MIT, etc. Certificate: undergraduate, graduate, professional courses SVU Sample Partners

14. Virtual Education? Syrian Virtual University SVU programs Case Study Challenges

15. SVU Sample Programs • 1-Higher National Diploma (HND) • Associate Degrees In Business and Computing Applications • Internet Studies, Web Development and Programming, Management, Marketing, General Business • In Association with Edexcel • Arabic & English • 2- Business Information Technology (BIT) • Bachelor Degrees • IT, Management, Marketing, General Business • English • Top-up for Associate degrees

16. SVU Sample Programs • 3- Information Systems Engineering (ISE) • 4 years (160 credit based engineering degree) • 10 different specializations • 4-Diploma in Educational Habilitation • Diploma for bachelors looking for teaching habilitation • One year program with 11 courses. • Practical (In-class teaching course) • 10 courses in education and psychology

17. SVU Sample ProgramsNew 2007-2008 • 5- Bachelor in Economics • Business Administration • Marketing • Banking • 6- Master in Business Administration New Programs for Spring 2008 7- Bachelor in Law 8- Master in Web Technology 9- Master in Technology Management 10- Master in Quality Control

18. Virtual Education? Syrian Virtual University SVU programs Case Study Challenges

19. Higher National diploma (HND) A Case Study • There is a huge need in the market place for undergraduates in Business and Computing Applications. • Local universities were not able to move fast according to the market requirements. • English skills is a must for graduated students.

20. Higher National diploma (HND) BusinessAnd ComputingApplications A Case Study • e-business Development • e-commerce Technology • Internet Studies • e-Commerce Project • Supply chain Management • Website design • Marketing for e-commerce • E-marketing Processes • Integrated Marketing in • e-commerce • 10. Marketing Planning and Intelligence for e-Commerce. • 11. Global Marketplace • 12. Data handling and Analysis. • 13. Introduction to Programming • 14. Programming Principles. • 15. Data Analysis and Data Base Design • 16. Personal Development

21. Higher National diploma (HND) BusinessAnd ComputingApplications A Case Study • - - • - Not Satisfactory English level for most of A-HND students. • Learning English through virtual classroom does not improve the communication skills of Students. • Due to poor voice quality of to the existing infrastructure.

22. Higher National diploma (HND) BusinessAnd ComputingApplications A Case Study • +++++ • + Computer & internet skills for all students. • + Classes of 20 students from all over the country and the world. • + Richer experience and interactivity of learners • + Increase in student numbers • + Top up leading to a Bachelor degree

23. Virtual Education? Syrian Virtual University SVU programs Case Study Challenges

24. 1700 learner in 2005 & 2000 Learner in 2007 for the Educational Habilitation Diploma Cumulative total= 3500 Students +

25. Virtual University • What about: • Law/Regulations and virtuality • It & Security • Staff • Staff

26. Quality Control Awareness Campaign Sustainability Challenges

27. THANK YOU