/Institutions/University-of-Dubai/json/2024-2025/2024-2025-Undergraduate-Catalog-local.json

/Institutions/University-of-Dubai/json/2024-2025/2024-2025-Undergraduate-Catalog.json

Undergraduate Catalog 2024-2025 > Distance Learning Policy

Distance Learning Policy

Policy 

1. Definition

Distance Learning occurs when students and instructors/researchers are physically located in different geographical locations. 

Access to instructional, learning, or research materials is made available through the use of smart learning technologies, such as computer-based learning, mobile learning, flipped classroom, and blended learning.

The communication between the students and instructors or research supervisors can be made online, through internet or mobile, off-line, or a mixture of both. 

Blended learning uses online educational practices and may involve students spending a significant period of their studies away from the University to undertake a project, conduct a fieldwork or research, either independently or under the auspices of another organization. 

2. Distance Learning Software

All programs at UD that offer courses through a DL delivery mode, are required to use the following software available at UD:

1. Moodle

2. Zoom

3. Respondus Lockdown Browser to conduct online tests, midterms, and finals.

4. Requirements and Procedures

1. All undergraduate and graduate programs that wish to offer courses through a DL delivery mode, must obtain approval from the CAA and comply with the requirements of the Standards 2019, unless the DL mode of delivery is a mandatory requirement, due to unforeseen circumstances.

2. All faculty who wish to offer DL courses must seek orientation/training from the University IT Center to use the Moodle and/or Zoom software and obtain the necessary hardware.

3. All students who are going to take a DL course must receive proper and sufficient orientation/training from the course instructor and the IT Center. 

4. ALL students are required to have a computer/laptop with a camera for effective DL.

5. UD shall provide the students access to Moodle and Zoom software but shall not provide any hardware requirements to be used off‐campus, such as PCs and laptops.

6. All courses offered through a DL delivery mode, must have a schedule that is approved by the Program Director, the Dean, and the VPAA.

7. All instructors who are offering a DL course must be available online during the scheduled time of the DL course.

8. Online office hours must be announced to students, whereby the instructor responds to student questions, in real‐time, through Moodle/Zoom, emails or other means of communication.

9. The teaching and learning guidelines specified in the syllabus of a regular course that is offered in‐class, must be followed when the course is offered in a DL delivery mode.

10. Any changes to the syllabus must follow the University established procedures and must be reviewed by the QAIE Department to assure compliance with the University and CAA Standards, before it is implemented.

11. If a faculty or staff is incapacitated by any medical condition, he/she should be replaced by another faculty from the department.

12. Student attendance must be taken regularly during the DL course.

13. Student assessment in a DL course shall follow the assessment scheme defined in the course syllabus.

14. Tests and exams must be conducted on campus, or online if the situation dictates but must ensure that CAA guidelines are followed.

15. In some circumstances when tests and exams can’t be conducted in‐campus, they can be replaced by smart technological methods that are available and proven the integrity of implementing them remotely.

16. If digital media content is used during a DL course, it must be approved by the Curricular Committee.

For students  

1. Practical assignments and tests/exams that are required to be conducted in a laboratory, must be performed on‐campus.

2. If a student could not attend the DL course, perform the required assignments, or take the test/exam, for unforeseen reasons, he/she must send a notification to the Program Director and Dean. In such a situation, the case shall be resolved as per the University regulations regarding absence(s), taking into consideration the severity of the unforeseen reasons.

3. Student misconduct during a DL course session, shall be treated in accordance with University policies and regulations of student misconduct.

4. During a DL course delivery, students shall be granted remote access to Moodle, UD Library, and other remote access, when necessary. If a student is experiencing problems in accessing Moodle, UD Library, or other remote access, or require orientation, the student must contact UD IT Support by sending email to: ithelpdesk@ud.ac.ae .

5. Academic advising and learning support, when required, shall be conducted online.

 

 

  3. Continuous Enhancement

1. At the end of the DL course, the QAIE Department shall assess the effectiveness of the DL delivery mode, to monitor the compliance of the University and CAA Standards and improve teaching and learning.

2. The assessment shall be based on student and faculty feedback, analysis of the course file, and other methods as applicable.