The Format of Learning

    ... at Calvary University through e-learning

Introduction

The learning format used at Calvary University is based on the
Objective Directed Learning principles, is offered on a part-time basis and due to its use of IT-based distance-learning technology, is labelled as e-learning.

In order to explain this flexible model we list the main conventions:

1. Organizational Structures
2. Support Resources
3. Courses and Programmes
4. Learning Activities
5. Assessment of Objectives

Organizational Structure

Registration, learning, research, assessment and supervision are organized to operate within a decentralized structure:

• CU manages all learning activities through geographically decentralized Learning Centres and/or Calvary Groups
• Individual students are allocated to these existing centres/groups who register and assign academic tutors
• Every learner is guided through the learning process by a registered and appointed Academic Tutor
• Practical learning activities take place through face-to-face contact with the academic tutor and peers within a study group context

Note 1: Should there be no established Learning Centre in a certain area, a Calvary Group under the leadership of an area Administrator (who may also be a Tutor) will fulfill the function of a Learning Centre.
Note 2: The resources and support developed for CU e-learning are also suitable for any contact method of tuition if there is a need for it and if the situation is conducive to this method.

Support Resources

The tuition model is characterized by the following professional learning and support resources:

• Course professor for each course
• Academic tutor for each student
• Course study guide
• A prescribed textbook
• Course CD compiled by CU
• Continuous assessments
• Course Website
• Local support (peer) group
• Learning management (how to study)
• The Academic Guide
• Administrative staff

Courses and Programmes

• A typical learning pathway in any of the nine faculties has six successive programmes:
  • Certificate
  • Diploma
  • Bachelor
  • Bachelor (Honours)
  • Masters
  • Doctorate
    
    
• The successful completion of any programme leads to a qualification
• Approximately five to eight courses constitute a programme
• Courses quantified by number of credits are characterized by a range of learning activities
• Credits are an indication of the amount of time spent (10 hours per credit) to acquire the academic skills to be able to perform expected outcomes
• Courses can be identified as Majors (17+ credits) or Minors
  (16- credits).

Learning Activities

The theoretical and practical learning activities as well as the continuous assessment of how objectives are reached (through observed outcomes) are implemented through the following five basic activities:

• Preparation through prescribed textbooks
• Attending a contact session with a tutor and for group work
• Performing self-assessment exercises
• Do research for academic writing assignments
• Performing a practical Task or participation in a Project

Note: If this method is followed, the material from more than 200 lectures will have been processed by the student during ±1200 hours of activity to justify 120 notional credits (or 30 semester credits). CU will use notional credits.

Assessment of Objectives

Different methods of assessment are used to gauge the depth of ability of the student. These ensure good integration and retention of the theoretical learning material of the learning sessions and will reflect the level of outcomes (reaching the objectives) in four areas:

• Cognitive retention (memory) and grasp of academic knowledge
• Integration of learned facts, principles and models through writing
• Skills and abilities to perform real life tasks in a professional environment
• Group skills and participation

Each academic year, which in reality may take between 8 months and two years, is divided into courses or modules. The student will be assessed in each course or module. A practical mark may also be given for group work and a student's Workfile (portfolio) where required.

For more information see the article on assessments.

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