Strategy and plans for e-learning at Sultan Qaboos University

As the Graduates of Sultan Qaboos University need to be prepared to be able to keep abreast of new technologies and be effective in their professional world , the SQU is trying to Keep pace to these needed and create long life learners. As response to this need, this strategy proposes an approach to enhance the elearning initiatives at the University. The Center for Educational Technology (CET) took the initiative towards introducing e-learning at SQU in September of 2001.With September 2006 all colleges/LC should show a range of elearning; from e-enhancement to totally online courses. This strategy develops a more focused approach, with the development of quality professionally designed course materials and support in implementing this initiative. This strategy includes all elements that are needed for e-learning environment. It include: Policy Statement, Goals, Objectives, Methods and Practices, The Implementation Plan, Monitoring Implementation and Evaluation of Strategy.

Strengths It included clear goals and objectives for the strategy.

Weaknesses It did not include the Policy that should be followed by the online community.

Suggestions & Recommendations Add all needed details about the Policy that should be followed by the online community. Especially that is the first time for using online environment at the SQU. Add more information about the budget until the 2006. For example the cost of the running budget

It gives a focus on the It did not include any information for next Learner Orientation years budget. Even at to e-learning. And least what will be that is a very needed and what will important issue to be the running budget. convert from Or any aspects that traditional education should be taking in to e-learning concentration. environment. For this issue it included some Modules titles with their objectives and description. The Implementation Plan included all specific details: Objective, Proposed Action By whom and By when. Not only that, but it included mechanisms to check that strategy goals are being pursued Monitoring Implementation. The evaluation of the strategy did not include a rubric or standards that should be evaluated against. It included only the basic headlines that should be followed. For example that should be undertaken every two years by qualified CET faculty/Educational

.Provide standard to be used during the evaluation of the strategy. In order to ensure its effectiveness.

Services/ College Of Education. It included details of the Required Resources with all specification details and the timing plan. It mentioned in the appendix 1 Training and Support Details. That includes the topics and some titles for the needed Workshops and clear objectives and descriptions that can be used as a guide for implementation these workshops. It included the BUDGET for the first year Initial Investment. It mentioned all details in the budget.