INTRODUCTION
We propose that Lagos State University (LASU) launch an online version of Degree program in early 2018. The goal for having “Online Degrees” offered at LASU is to deliver high-quality programs that is accessible to global audiences and is recognised as top-five online degree programs by 2019. The “Online Degrees” will follow the existing curriculums by Brunel University. Our proposed “Online Degrees” programs will target different market segments globally, thereby increasing the reach of Lagos State University (LASU). The “Online Degrees” program serves three strategic objectives: (1) it reaffirms Lagos State University’s (LASU) commitment to Education by expanding the reach and accessibility of undergraduate education; (2) it provides a competitive opportunity to be an early mover in an online Nigerian market that is in the early stages of potentially rapid growth; and (3) it holds promise for increasing and diversifying Lagos State University’s (LASU) revenue base at a time of declining state resources.
STRATEGIC RATIONALE
The creation of an online version of Lagos State University (LASU) degree programs was identified by our consortium as a top priority in order for LASU to meet modern day demands. According to www.worldometers.info the population of Nigeria is 189,349.968 and counting. There are less affordable Degree Programs in Nigeria than the demands of the people of Nigeria. An Online program would allow more people achieve their dreams.
THE MARKET FOR LASU DEGREE PROGRAMS
An “Online Degrees” has become an attractive option for many prospective students. The recent growth of several quality “Online Degrees” programs globally has made it possible for more people to get educated. Rising student
interest, coupled with wider acceptance of “Online Degrees” from employers, has prompted many top-tier schools internationally to offer an “Online Degrees”. Online Degrees is an untapped market in Nigeria, it appears that there is still significant unmet demand
for online degree programs. Importantly, we expect this demand to grow in the future as online degrees gain wider acceptance among employers and universities in Nigeria. Indeed, market trends internationally support that there is a shift from in-person to online programs.
SCOPE OF OUR PROPOSAL
- Appointment of Home Build UK (Or another formed company) as Consultant to facilitate the take-off and a 10 years agreement to manage the Online website and Digital Library
- Consult with and introduce affiliation with Brunel University (top UK University) and other USA universities to LASU for the Partnership to deliver Online Degrees Program
- Video Gallery
- Advertorial Franchise inclusive.
- Management delivery services of initial material sent to students
- Student Registration Charges for 10 years
- LASU to settle bills for initial inspection by the foreign Team
- All applications for accreditation to be handled by Home Build/ LASUMBA Heritage
- Appointment of an Interim Team to commence discussion on Commission accruable with a legal team on both sides.
- Appointment of a sound Administrator with Home Build
- Letter of Appointment/Agreement to be drawn up by LASU without delay
- Option to pay in foreign exchange and Naira
- Local job creations and internationally for Nigerians in Diaspora.
- Prerequire cause for taking online cause (As discussed in International Cultural Awareness or new idea may be a brief IT course for suitability to take an online degree)
- Introducing Vocational training to LASU for Solar Energy related courses owned by our team even after the 10 years, as it is our intellectual property (For Discussion – income generated for the life of the university suggested by Mrs Ogboru)
THE PROPOSED CURRICULUM, STRUCTURE & GOVERNANCE
LASU “Online Degrees” will target working professionals, graduates and undergraduate students all over the world. As such, the curriculum will be decided between LASU and the potential affiliate Universities. They will design a curriculum adequate to fit the needs of this target market.
ONLINE PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, INFRASTRUCTURE & SUPPORT
We propose that the partnership with International Universities will provide help for the marketing, recruiting, with course development and production services. Beyond these capabilities, LASU will need to acquire and/or build additional e-Learning capabilities in order to successfully operate a variety of programs. Over the next few years LASU “Online Degrees” will develop a catalog of courses like the face-to-face degree programs. If the program is successful, we propose to take advantage of the flexibility offered by the online infrastructure to extend the range of courses, make some potential modifications to the entire degree program, as needed, including extending the range of available courses to enhance its competitiveness. The content for these courses will be developed with the help of the partnership university and their e-Learning office.
INTRODUCTION OF VACATIONAL TRAINING
For the very first time in the history of LASU we also propose that LASU introduce vocational courses into the system to meet the growing demands for vocational training to match international organisations in the western world and to get more people off the streets into skilled jobs. A good test would be to introduction Solar Energy related courses to meet the demands of increased Solar Energy Installations in the country, lack of skills and contribute to help contribute to cleaning the planets. The online vocational training is an intellectual property of Home Builds UK, following online training with LASU’s platform students will be sent back to us for practical training in the field. Type of courses to be offered as follows:
- Solar Energy Basics & Health Safety in Solar Energy.
- Solar Energy Electrical Training.
- Solar Energy Training for Architects.
- Solar Energy Structural Design Course
- Solar sight survey.
- Solar PV Installation and maintenance.
ONLINE PROGRAM ENDORSEMENT
We are anticipating that the Dean of Lagos State University (LASU) and the advisory board executive committee will fully endorse this proposal based on initially informal discussions on the terms that we build, implement and management this online degree platform for 10 years and after the 10 years period it is fully transferred into the hands of Lagos State University (LASU).
TIME SCALES
No# / Date Milestones
- 1 January 2017 Acquire Indicative requirement of Brunel University partner with LASU
- 2 January 2017 Acquire Indicative costs for Degree Software from Brunel University and structure they work to.
- 3 January 2017 Presentation of Information from Liberian for building a digital library including a video gallery
- 4 January 2017 Presentation of Project to LASU by our Team
- 5 February 2017 Signing of MOU and Contracts with LASU
- 6 March 2017 Development of Project
- 7 April 2017 Implementation of Beta Platform
- 8 May 2017 Launch of Vocational Training in Solar Energy
- 9 June 2017
- 10 July 2017
- 11 August 2017
- 12 September 2017
- 13 October 2017
- 14 November 2017
- 15 December 2017
- 16 January 2018 Launch of LASU Online Degree Program
- 17 February 2018 Fully Operational
BOARD OF TRUSTEES HOME BUILD UK
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WHAT IS ONLINE EDUCATION?
The term online education (or, as it is sometimes called, distance learning) includes several computer-assisted instruction methods and videos. Online lecturing and learning is faculty-delivered instruction via the Internet. Online instruction includes real-time (synchronous) and anytime, anywhere (asynchronous) interactions. Students become more active, reflective learners, Students and lecturers engage in learning using technology and become more familiar with technology by using it.
Online learning is most effective when delivered by lecturers experienced in their subject matter. The best way to maintain the connection between online education and the values of traditional education is through ensuring that online learning is “delivered” by lecturers, fully qualified and interested in lecturing online in a web-based environment.
ONLINE EDUCATION OPTIONS
Two approaches to online education exist: Real-Time and Pre-Designed learning. The Real-Time option learning is instruction and collaboration in “real time” via the Internet. It typically involves tools, such as:
- live chat
- audio and video conferencing
- data and application sharing
- shared whiteboard
- virtual “hand raising”
- joint viewing of multimedia presentations and online slide shows
Pre-Designed learning methods use the time-delayed capabilities of the Internet. It typically involves tools, such as:
- threaded discussion
- newsgroups and bulletin boards
- file attachments
- videos
Pre-Designed courses are still instructor-facilitated but are not conducted in real time, which means that students and lecturer can engage in course-related activities at their convenience rather than during specifically coordinated class sessions. In Pre-Designed courses, learning does not need to be scheduled in the same way as synchronous learning, allowing students and instructors the benefits of anytime, anywhere learning.
ADVANTAGES OF LEARNING ONLINE
In addition to our proposed three strategic objectives, our proposed “Online Degrees” program will also have other benefits for the University. We expect that taking “Online Degrees” will:
- Increase the visibility of the Lagos State University (LASU);
- Drive student recruitment to other Lagos State University (LASU) programs and accessible for non-traditional students.
- Online delivery of programs and courses makes participation possible for students who experience geographic and time barriers in gaining access to higher education.
- Showcase and demonstrate the quality of our faculties;
- Deliver innovative education in a flexible environment at a lower cost;
- Enable us to capture a larger share of the market; and
- Online learning offers a variety of educational opportunities:
- The variety of online tools draw on individual learning styles and help students become more versatile learners.
- Collaborative learning, Online group work allows students to become more active participants in the learning process. Contributing input requires that students comprehend what is being discussed, organise their thinking coherently, and express that thinking with carefully
- Easy access to global resources, students can easily access online databases and subject experts in the online classroom.
- Experiential learning through multimedia presentations
- New technologies can be used to engage and motivate students. Technology can also be used to support students in their learning activities.
- Draws on student interest in online learning
ADVANTAGES OF LECTURING ONLINE
lecturing online courses can:
- Offer the opportunity to think about lecturing in new ways – Online lecturing can allow you to experiment with techniques only available in online environments, such as threaded discussions and webliographies.
- Provide ideas and techniques to implement in traditional courses Online email discussions, a frequently-used practice in online learning, can be incorporated into traditional courses to facilitate group work. Other techniques, such as web-based course calendars and sample papers posted on the Internet (with student permission) can easily be incorporated into a traditional course.
- Expands the reach of the curriculum – Online lecturing can expand existing curriculum to students on a regional, national, and international level.
- Professional satisfaction – Lecturing online can be an enormously rewarding experience for Lecturers. International Lecturers often cite the diversity of students in online courses as one of the most rewarding aspects lecturing online.
- Instructor convenience – Lecturing online can offer Lecturers conveniences not available in traditional classroom settings; for example, at – home office hours and flexible work schedules.
FAQS – ONLINE EDUCATION PROGRAM
What is Online Education/Distance Learning?
Online education, commonly called e-learning or distance learning, is a method of offering education to students who are not located on a campus. The instructor prepares lessons and assigns homework like normal, but the assignments are posted on the Internet, where the students can retrieve them from any computer. Most assignments are also submitted electronically and grades are sent via e-mail.
What are the types of Online Education?
Online education comes in a wide variety of styles. You may never actually meet your instructor face to face-on the other hand, your lecturer may use a mixture of in-person and online learning for the class. All your instructional materials may be online, or they may be standard textbooks. You may have a CD or DVD as supplementary material for your class.
How do potential employers view degrees and academic qualifications earned through online education?
Most international employers these days are familiar with the concept of online classes, even entire degree programs conducted in the “virtual” classroom. International employers are more concerned that the educational institution from which you graduated is accredited than the method you used to obtain your degree. Many students today employ a mix of in-person and online classes to reach their degrees, so even completely online degrees are no longer uncommon. Nigeria is now catching up with the western world
How common is Distance Learning?
Distance learning is everywhere today but relatively new to Nigeria. Corporations and the Federal Government use it to cut down on training costs and deliver “just in time” training to employees. International colleges and universities use it to reach out to non-traditional students or the disabled. Many instructors also enjoy lecturing online, as they have resources at their fingertips via the Web, and can hold online discussions that are as challenging as in-person.
What are the Online Education trends?
While online education is still in its infancy, some trends are developing. One is that online classes are generally listed right alongside standard, on-campus classes. That’s because the content is now identical. Also, more companies are offering complete “turn key” packages to learning institutions, making the addition of e-learning options as easy as signing a contract. A third trend is that gaming concepts such as role playing and interactive games are being used to engage adult learners.
How do I avoid plagiarism?
Plagiarism, or the practice of using someone else’s words or work as your own, is a growing problem on college campuses. The availability of information via the Internet has exacerbated the problem, but it’s easily avoided. Once you read a reference source, take a few minutes to condense it into your own words. How would you explain it to a friend? To your professor? Write that down, acknowledge the source and you’ll avoid plagiarism.
What is the difference between earning an online and traditional degree?
Other than location, there is no difference between earning an online or traditional degree. Just like any other class, you\’ll be assigned reading tasks, homework and other work to complete. Your work will be graded. You can confer with your instructor and usually your classmates. An online degree can carry the same weight as a traditional degree.
What do I need to get started?
To get started with distance learning, you first need to decide what you want to do. Online education offers a variety of schooling, such as Associate, Bachelor and Masters degrees and vocational training.
Next, you need to find an accredited online organization. Many international schools, colleges and universities offer online education. Distance learning is becoming more popular and so the number of online courses is multiplying, but not all of them offer valid qualifications. You also need to ensure that the course offers you what you want in terms of qualifications and subjects covered. Be sure to find out the prerequisite class and equipment requirements needed to complete the course. It’s important to remember that some online courses do have a classroom element and you need to find out if that is the case for the chosen class.
How do I know if it is for me?
Online education is suitable for a wide range of people, young and old, working or unemployed, experienced or inexperienced. It gives people the opportunity to earn an educational degree/training even if they don’t have the time to spend in the classroom. However, because there is little personal contact, you do need to be disciplined and can study independently. You can work at your own pace and re-take courses if necessary, but you need to persist to succeed. You will also need to have good reading and comprehension skills. In addition, you will be missing out on the social element of the more traditional schools so you should consider whether this matters to you or not.
What preparations are needed?
If you have been out of an education setting for a considerable period, you might want to brush up on your study skills. Some websites offer free course materials that include study skills. These do not offer certificates or qualifications, but they can give you the skills required to complete a course. They will also give you an idea of what it is like to study online. Some online education courses may include all the study materials that you require, but for others you may need to buy textbooks and if this is so, then you should get a list before you start.
What kind of equipment and technical requirements should I have?
The equipment that you will need to take advantage of online education depends on the way the course is constructed. Some courses are conducted via email, while others require you to have more complicated systems such as video or voice conferencing and mobile devices. At minimum, you will require:
- An up-to-date computer, preferably no more than 3 years old.
- A high-speed Internet connection, either broadband or Wi-Fi.
- A TV and VCR or DVD player.
- A CD player.
- A personal email account.
If you don’t have such equipment available to you at home, there Internet cafes in Nigeria but this won’t be advisable due to distraction and possible loss of data and furthermore, this may work out to be quite expensive. As most of your course will be conducted online, you need to have at least a working knowledge of computers. You don’t need to be able to program, but you do need to know how to login, process your email and navigate your way around the computer.
What are the educational requirements?
This depends on the type of online course you are taking. Most online degree programs if not all to be taken from LASU will require formal qualifications we suspect. However, if you are attempting to acquire a degree, then you will need to achieve a certain educational standard in the relevant subjects. LASU will advise what their requirements are on each course to be taken. They may also have an exam that you must complete successfully before you are accepted into the program.
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