​​Teaching/learning practices in this program are based on the same theoretical and practical frameworks employed in the practices of distance learning. The study system has a high degree of flexibility which, in addition to classroom meetings, provides printed and online learning activities and materials, as well as direct support through an internet and multimedia network and associated with virtual learning environments. It is worth mentioning that the instructional materials developed specifically for the program in different formats are designed to activate the learner’s positive and active role.

These materials place an emphasis on a cycle of interactions, including student-content interaction on the one hand and student-teacher interaction on the other hand, in addition to student- student interaction. The program emphasizes the importance of these interactions to ensure the success of the learning process.

The courses take the form of learning modules, each of which begins with intensive face to face meetings lasting thirty hours involving the students and the instructor concerned, during which students learn through discussions, case studies and training under the leadership of the instructor. Following this, the student receives self-learning and self-assessment materials in order for him/her to continue learning the content of the modules while communicating with the instructor, face to face or online.

Among the modules ​the students study in the program are two applied modules in e-learning design and interactive e-learning software and materials development. The first module focuses on training students to use multimedia software, Learning Management Systems (LMSs) such as Moodle and Blackboard, and support software for the system used in developing and building e-learning activities, as well as using virtual learning environments. The second module focuses on training students to acquire the skills. In addition to what has been mentioned above, the student is guided during his/her studies of each module to take advantage of what has been learned in the gradual development of learning or training material in the field of his/her choice (Diploma Project).

Moreover, the student carries out the project under the supervision of the program instructors, who follow up the work step by step in accordance with a binding preset schedule. Upon the successful completion of the diploma program study module and the diploma project, the Arabian Gulf University awards the student the Postgraduate Diploma in Distance Learning Specializing in Distance Teaching and Training.

 Courses (Modules) and Study Plan ​

Course ​​​​Description​​

DLRDT531​  Learning Theory  3 Cr. hours​   Prerequisites: no prerequisites

This module provides an overview of the main theories of education and learning strategies in the context of distance learning. It also aims to emphasize the importance of the formulation of the courses' aims and objectives. The module covers the following topics: the basic learning theories including behaviorism, cognitive, social and constructive learning theories; Learning strategies in the context of open and distance education;  learning styles and their different  classifications; motivation and motivational theory. Aims and objectives; Bloom's taxonomy of objectives, both Cognitive (Knowledge, Comprehension, Application, Analysis, Synthesis and Evaluation) and Affective (Receiving, Responding, Valuing, Organizing and Conceptualizing).

DLRDT522​​  Materials, Media and Development Tools  2 Cr. hours​   Prerequisites: DLRDT531

This module provides an overview of the design of effective activity-based learning materials using a variety of modes. The module covers the following topics: Tools of learning delivery using  printed–based devilry and through electronic materials; using multimedia in ODL; distinguishing differences among different media; the reason behind using the Internet as a delivery mode in ODL; virtual learning environments (usages, applications, and the distinguishing differences); selecting virtual learning environment; using suitable development tools for different activities; the visual and construction characteristics of the learning material; transition mechanism between learning materials webpages; formatting methods to achieve a unified style in learning materials content.

DLRDT533  Writing the Materials  3 Cr. hours​   Prerequisites: DLRDT522

This module introduces the students to the techniques of structuring and writing interactive learning material for any medium. The module covers the following topics: The fundamentals and principles of preparing distance learning materials; writing learning objectives;  the feedback and the self assessment questions; designing multiple choice test items; using learning activities for different delivery  media such as internet and  printed –based material); learning material arrangements and internet publishing; advanced organizers and learning devices; learner’s guide/manual preparation; publishing and copyright issues surrounding the use of material that is written by  others.

DLRDT524  Design and Presentation 2 Cr. hours   Prerequisites: DLRDT533​

This module provides students with the needed knowledge and skills to design interactive distance learning materials and their design criteria; designing screens and interactive displays; the means to interact with tools and media, and their development tools starting with designing until displaying them on the internet, evaluate learning materials to make sure of their accessibility to users under the light of the designing criteria. The module covers the following topics: Electronic and printed –based learning material; criteria of designing internet based materials; designing screens and interactive displays; improving screen designing to achieve accessibility for regular and disabled students; evaluating accessibility. The student should participate in face to face meetings and design, develop and publish multimedia learning materials,  use distance and blended learning technologies and do number of assignments.

DLRDT525​  Designing e-Learning Materials  2 Cr. hours   Prerequisites: no prerequisites

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