Introduction
The information contained within these pages is intended to support staff by providing a centrally accessible resource to assist in the development and on-going delivery of distance learning programmes. It is the University´s policy that, wherever possible, policies, procedures and structures solely applicable to distance learning delivery should be avoided. There is a clear need to consider distance learning as mainstream activity within the broad spectrum of delivery that runs from campus based, traditional teaching to flexible learning. Therefore, wherever possible, the processes and infrastructure referred to in these pages are embedded within existing procedures applicable for all modes of programme delivery. To this end, it is anticipated that staff engaged in planning and developing distance learning programmes will need to work with a range of support staff from a number of Professional Support Services. |
| The intention in providing this resource is to propose a sequential process that will ensure that, by following each step, high quality programmes are developed that meet University requirements. However, the sequence of activities proposed here is not intended to be entirely prescriptive and those contemplating developing a distance learning programme may consider it necessary to undertake some activities in parallel or in a different order. Therefore it is suggested that staff should familiarize themselves with the entire process before taking the initial steps. |
| In establishing the University´s policies and procedures for distance learning delivery consideration has been given to the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education Code of Practice and in particular Section 2 Collaborative provision and flexible and distributed learning (including e-learning) which can be found at the QAA web site. |
