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Strategic Plan for e-Learning Readiness |
| Source: |
www.mohe.gov.om |
| Source Date: |
Tuesday, March 30, 2010 |
| Focus: |
Local Content, Digital Divide, Poverty eradication, Governance, Knowledge Sharing
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| Country: |
Oman (Sultanate of) |
| Created: |
Mar 30, 2010 |
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A strategic plan for the advancement of e-learning in the Colleges of Applied Sciences has been developed, according Dr Rawya bint Saud al Busaidiya, Minister of Higher Education. One of the exciting components of the plan is a proposal for an e-Learning Centre to be located in the new Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) Professional Development Centre scheduled to be constructed soon, the minister said in comments to the Observer.
The e-Learning Centre will benefit all professionals in the Colleges of Applied Sciences as well as in Oman’s private universities and colleges. In order to advance e-learning in line with the government’s imperative to accelerate the use of e-methodologies in all relevant aspects of government, the MoHE had recently formed the post of Programme Director for e-learning in the Colleges of Applied Sciences.
In consultation with the MoHE, e-Learning Steering Committee, the e-learning Programme Director has developed a strategic plan for the advancement of e-learning, the minister added. She said the ministry has made great progress in terms of e-government and services to the public — most notably the electronic admissions system which includes registration by SMS text message and has even won an international award.
A comprehensive database system for higher education has been completed and will further the progress of the ministry to state-of-the-art information management systems of value, not only to the MoHE, but also to all stakeholders in Higher Education, including the general public. The MoHE is committed to enhancing student learning through new technologies, and in this regard installation of the ‘Blackboard’ Learning System in the six Colleges of Applied Sciences (CAS) is a milestone.
This new e-learning initiative has provided a centralised learning platform facilitating information sharing and dissemination among some 8,000 students at the CAS in the Sultanate. The Blackboard Learning System enables the CAS to post their courses online and provide information to students about various courses and programmes offered across the CAS system, while the ‘Blackboard Community System’ allows administrators to build vibrant online communities and improve the flow of information to let students connect and learn outside the classroom.
This innovative e-learning system has created a new learning experience for students — one that is both interesting and educational. Asked about the plan to promote research activities in Oman’s higher education institutions, the minister said, “Through my role as Deputy Chair of The Research Council (TRC), the MoHE plays a role in the promotion of research throughout the country.
“All private universities in Oman have made research a priority and are working collaboratively with the TRC. The Strategic Plan for the Colleges of Applied Sciences includes an emphasis on applied research. The plan also includes implementing research skills across the curriculum of the CAS.” “Sultan Qaboos University in particular has made great strides in capacity building and expansion of research.
SQU had created a deputy vice-chancellorship for Post-Graduate Studies and Research, as well as a deanship for research. “In collaboration with TRC new research chairs are being established, the first of which is in Nanotechnology. In addition, the development of a number of new PhD programmes is augmenting the research thrust at SQU,” Dr Rawya said.
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Strategic Plan for e-Learning Readiness A strategic plan for the advancement of e-learning in the Colleges of Applied Sciences has been developed according Dr Rawya bint Saud al Busaidiya Minister of Higher Education
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