E-Learning for distance students: A Case Study from a UK Masters Programme

The MSc Intelligent Systems (IS) and the MSc Intelligent Systems and Robotics (ISR) programmes at De Montfort University are Masters level courses that are delivered both on-site and by distance learning. The courses have been running successfully on-site for 11 years and are now in the 8th year with a distance learning mode. In this paper we discuss some of the techniques adopted to overcome the challenges of delivering a practical course to both distance and on-site students. Information collected from student case studies is used to enhance our observations about the delivery methods, the backgrounds of those that join the course and the value it can add to their employment opportunities. We present the course as a case study illustrating: possible approaches for distance and e-learning; the range of people (and their employment) to which it is relevant.