Open University of Cyprus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Open University of Cyprus |
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| Motto | The Open University of Cyprus (OUC) is the only University in Cyprus dedicated to distance learning |
| Established | August 1st 2001 |
| Location | Nicosia, Cyprus |
| Website | http://www.ouc.ac.cy |
Methodology
The Open University of Cyprus style of teaching is called “open and distance learning”. More specifically, students have the opportunity to learn in their own time without having to be present at the premises of the University in order to be able to attend lectures, seminars or labs, as it is the case with conventional universities.
The Open University utilizes a variety of media to help students learn no matter how distant from the premises of the University. The following techniques and methods are being employed:
- By means of course material in digital form, received either from the internet or through CDs and DVDs, or from printed course material,
- By attending lectures via the internet and, in the near future, using subscription television, at fixed timetables, specified by the teaching personnel,
- By using the Electronic Gate in order to:
- Find relevant information concerning Thematic Units, that is the basic operational unit of each course
- Contact professors or lecturers using synchronized and non-synchronized technologies such as chat, videoconferencing, and forums.
- Exchange ideas, thoughts and opinions with other students who are studying the same Thematic Units.
- By directly communicating with the teaching personnel over the telephone at fixed times.
Evidently, knowing how to operate a personal computer aids considerably the studies of a particular course.
In regular time intervals, the students of each course will have to attend Group Advisory Meetings that will take place at a fixed time and place. The final examination also takes place at a fixed time and place, and requires the physical presence of the student. When possible, both Group Advisory Meetings and final exams will take place at the students’ home towns.
The monitoring and support of the students’ progress is assigned to a particular member of the Academic Personnel of the Open University. Students will receive details of their tutor around the course starting date and s/he will be able to communicate with them regularly.
