HCT's Online E-Learning Pilot Wins Big With High Student Satisfaction Rates
As part of its strategic goal to be a global leader in applied education, the Higher Colleges of Technology has recently concluded a system-wide E-Learning pilot program to test HCT's digital infrastructure as a precursor for the complete online delivery of its curriculum.
The pilot program, held on March 4 and 5, 2020, saw HCT students at 16 campuses undertake their courses remotely in a collaboration between HCT and its partners from Etisalat, Zoom and Blackboard.
During the pilot – which recorded responses from 1,330 faculty members and 3,260 students – HCT students studied from home with their courses delivered by HCT faculty at the regularly scheduled times. All HCT campuses across the UAE participated in the pilot, which was a fully integrated experience with full delivery of the curriculum. It tested institutional readiness in the areas of technology, administration, support, content and faculty delivery capability.
A survey of all participants was conducted online during the pilot program to measure its success and to uncover any challenges prior to the mandated two weeks of distance (remote) learning scheduled to take place from March 22, 2020.
The survey results showed a satisfaction rate of over 90% for both students and faculty, with 75% of the faculty highly satisfied with the pilot. Students and faculty were also asked about the level of online "in-class" student participation and both overwhelming agreed that in-class participation was significantly higher with online delivery versus face-to-face delivery. The survey results will be used to guide the continuous improvement of programs and the student learning experience.
With more than 20,000 students attending modern, technology oriented male and female campuses throughout the UAE, HCT has a strong reputation for incorporating innovative teaching and learning methods in the delivery of its curriculum. It is at the cutting-edge of the UAE's drive to modernise and diversify the economy towards one that is primarily knowledge-based.
As the COVID-19 situation continues to challenge schools and universities in the country, resulting in them being temporarily shuttered, the success of this mode of learning offers a huge boost to the continued education of students.
Dr. Abdullatif M. Al Shamsi, HCT President and CEO, has continuously stressed the future importance of EdTech and E-Learning, and the role they will play in preparing the next generation of UAE students for the workforce.
"This is not a luxury for academic institutions, it's a must," he stated.
In addition to distance learning of the full curriculum, an UBER-like education system will also be offered to students to keep them engaged and provide them with meaningful and positive activities during their off-campus learning experience. These services will include Online Competitions, E-Sports and Health Activities, Life Skills, E-Reading Space, and E-Volunteering.
HCT E-Learning Pilot Program Connectivity Volume
Day 1 (March 4)
Over 80,000 unique connections were recorded throughout the day
The peak connection period was from 12-2pm where almost 24,000 connections were recorded
Only 125 user incidents were registered over 11 hours with all resolved
The peak connection period was from 10am-12pm, where over 11,600 connections were recorded
Only 24 user incidents were registered over 6 hours, with all resolved
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