Lalith Liyanage

Country of Origin: Sri Lanka

Supervisors:Dr Rebecca Strachan, Dr Roger Penlington, Biddy Casselden

Title of work:Effectiveness of Online Distance Learning (ODL) for Work-based Learning (WBL) from the point of view of Stakeholders

Description:
The aim of the study is to develop a model as a suggested way forward for an online learning environment for work based and distance learners which, takes account of the identified needs of stakeholders such as learners, tutors, workplace mentors and professional regulatory bodies.

The study will aim to find out the perceptions of stakeholders on effectiveness of work-based online learning programmes as opposed to traditional online learning programmes.

The study will examine the perceptions of stakeholders drawn from four contrasting programmes within the University of Northumbria, three of them are closely linked to professional regulatory bodies which employs a work-place learning model namely the MA/MSc in Information and Library Management, MSc in Records Management, and the Professional Engineering MSc all of which take place in the workplace on online distance mode whereas the fourth programme, MSc in Information Technology which is 3 years by distance learning although not linked to a professional body, is meant for adult, working, 'women returners'.