General Pedagogical Methods used for this Programme

The course is based on a combination of self-learning and collaborative learning allowing for a mix of learning tools to facilitate on-line learning and foster collaboration and communication between faculty and students and between students. The main tools can be described as:-

1. Pre-recorded audio-visual elearning presentations – these sessions, typically one hour lectures recorded and presented as four 15 minute segments, allow for student downloading on tablets or smartphones and provide students with convenient access to specially prepared and recorded sessions. These fast paced sessions take the students through the core subject matter and highlight readings and supplementary materials required. The system allows students to take their own notes online as they listen to particular session, storing their notes of each lecture for subsequent referral or printing.
2. On-line forums – these forums compel the students to read the supplementary readings and related materials and learn how to critically analyse and comment on their findings. The forums allow students to build and follow threads of discussion fostering greater critical thought and analysis of content. Forum topics are changed every alternate week, giving students two weeks to participate in each forum. Forum contributions are moderated and reviewed by Faculty who seek to encourage and direct the on-line forum discussion and evaluations. Grading of forum participation of students is taken as part of the on-going student evaluation in each module.
3. Onsite / Live video-conference workshop tutorials – these weekly or bi-weekly pre-scheduled on-site/on-line activities provide students with the opportunity to interact directly with Faculty to discuss specific issues which may have been raised during the pre-recorded lecture sessions or through other course materials or activities. These sessions provide students with the chance to discuss directly with the tutor and to get to know their fellow students on-line.
4. FAQs – each module includes a standard list of Frequently Asked Questions which help students get to grips with the core elements of the subject.
5. Additional tools such as peer-referred articles, pod casts, video materials are also included to provide the students with a broader understanding of the subject.
6. Self-evaluation tests – on completion of the course materials, the system will automatically open for students a self-evaluation test to assist them in determining whether they have reached the expected level of competence in the subject. When students do not pass this test, they are able to review their marked responses to find out where they went wrong and thereby learn from their mistakes.
7. On-line libraries such as EBSCO giving access to peer-reviewed publications and materials which will be available to students once the course commences. Core readings for subjects will be from peer-referred journals and books. eBooks by Bookboon will continue to be used to supplement the academic perspective as many of those selected for the course materials provide very practical hands-on checklists and frameworks.
8. Evaluation for each module will be based on student on-going participation (fora and tutorials as well as an assignment or case study)
9. Internship project including journal and internship embedded business development project report and presentation
10. Final Business Plan Project report and presentation

Delivery Format

• Online: Access course materials through the eLearning platform at www.aea.academy
• Onsite (for blended learning students): Easy School of Languages, 21 St. Ursula Street, Il-Belt Valletta, VLT 1230

Language of Instruction: English