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Integrated Virtual Learning Environment (IVLE) My experience at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Presentation to the e-learning plan development committee. K. Nandakumar Faculty of Engineering University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. February 2005. What is e-learning at NUS.
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Integrated Virtual Learning Environment (IVLE)My experience at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Presentation to the e-learning plan development committee K. NandakumarFaculty of EngineeringUniversity of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada February 2005
What is e-learning at NUS • It is not necessarily a distance learning model. (e.g. We are not competing with a model like Athabasca University) • It is a set of tools based on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) that augments normal mode of delivery (e.g. lectures) for a mobile, motivated and self-learning student population. • NUS has ties to MIT through SMA (Singapore-MIT- Alliance). • They use video conferencing (two-way communication), webcasting (one-way communication), and Integrated Virtual Learning Environment (like webct, only better). • They have institution wide support for content development. e.g. need a virtual lab simulation using flash or even develop PowerPoint slides based on lecture notes.
What is Integrated Virtual Learning Environment • A Fully integrated product developed at NUS. • single signon. The moment student registers in a class his/her name appears on the IVLE course entry with photo. • Live webcasting of lectures on the internet and subsequent archiving of lectures on course page. • Discussion forums on topics that instructor selects. • Chat sessions with whiteboard and file sharing • Students get SMS on their cell phone when the instructor posts an announcement. • Work bins for students to submit their work. • Course evaluation filled in by students online prior to exam. • Online quiz and other assessment tools • Central support for content development. Virtual laboratory. Demonstrations. Simulations.
Key components of e-learning environment • Institution wide infrastructure support for use of Information and Communication Technologies in class rooms. • Every large class room should be equipped with video capture and broadcast facilities. • Special lecture rooms are equipped with video conferencing facilities. • High bandwidth network infrastructure with wireless access points throughout campus. • Integration of computing services – from course registration to teaching evaluation done online. • Institution wide support for content development. • Developing PowerPoint slides from lecture notes. • Developing demonstration of concepts using flash. • Developing self learning modules on use of MS Office, MATLAB etc.
What is needed in Engineering • Support for webcasting and archiving of lectures • Self-paced learning "modules" of background knowledge or skills for students. (This could be anything from MS Office proficiency to specialty software, e.g., Matlab, Maple, Hysys / Aspen, ProEngineer, Autocad. • on-campus expertise to support instructors who wish to develop e-learning opportunities (not just technical support, but people who have a firm grasp of pedagogy and can guide us as to what will and will not work on-line). • Infrastructure for in-classroom, on-line demos. • virtual laboratories. • more infrastructure for visualization (think what we could do in fluid mechanics if we took students inside the flow, i.e., UofA's Cave).
What should be our strategy • Recognize that the needs of various faculties on campus will be quite different. • Put in place infrastructure and support services and identify sources of funding to support it. • CNS: (a) network support for large bandwidth video transfers. (b) Server support for increased use of Webct with archived video lectures. (c) Webct development efforts to meet the customized local needs. • TRG: Classroom support to develop infrastructure in class rooms over a period of time. Automate webcasting and archiving of lectures. • Something like ATL must be reconstituted perhaps under CITL with a specific mandate of helping instructors with content development and advise on pedagogy. (Research in this area should be left to Faculties).
Some interesting links on Webcasting • Visit NUS archived webcasting of public lectures – everything from lectures by noble laureates on femtochemistry to public policy • http://nuslive.nus.edu.sg/ • Listen to James Baker on Russia or Colin Powel on Cold war at Princeton • http://www.princeton.edu/WebMedia/ • How nice it would be if we could showcase our Kaplan Laureates? – archive their lectures!