The Malta Institute of Management has won an award in the first edition of the eBusiness Awards recently organised by the Malta Communications Authority thanks to its EBLearn e-learning system, which provides interactive communication tools between students and the MIM by means of the internet.
E-learning has taken root in Malta thanks to different initiatives in the public and private sector. A brand new e-learning platform is being rolled-out in state primary and secondary schools, while the University of Malta has been using e-learning for several years now.
Examples from private industry are not so common but MIM’s e-learning platform stands out as a successful initiative in this area.
The MIM EBLearn platform currently includes customised diplomas, one in International Tax and another in Hospitality Management available in English and in Mandarin (Chinese) specifically targeted to foreign participants.
“We have found e-learning to be another medium to add to the whole learning spectrum, not necessarily a medium to replace the traditional learning medium. E-learning does not need to compete with traditional learning, but can in fact complement traditional classroom style learning,” Nicholas Bianco, customer relations executive at MIM explained to i-Tech.
“The hybrid programme, which links online and classroom learning solutions is one of the options we have chosen to adopt. This gives us the operational advantages of dealing with online learning, whilst at the same time still giving us the opportunity to provide face-to-face networking opportunities for students. We found this most effective, particularly since we brought in EBS to handle all technical and operational aspects of the solution allowing us to focus on the development of content. This collaboration has allowed us to continue to develop leading edge learning solutions without having to invest in the considerable expertise and technology to operate the systems.”
The virtual learning environment was developed by MIM’s partner e-Business Systems (EBS) and is called EBLearn. It was developed using a number of development languages, including PHP, XJAX, JQueries and Javascirpt. The system provides both self-learn facilities and collaborative learning facilities. EBS provided the core application with extensive functionality, and this system was further customised to meet MIM’s particular requirements, thus MIM-EBLearn was born.
Though the whole experience was quite positive, there were some challenges to overcome, according to Mr Bianco.
“In terms of software the biggest challenge was developing an easy-to-use application whilst still providing users a wide range of features. Amongst the particular requirements of the MIM-EBLearn, was the development of a customised Continuous Professional Education (CPE) log allowing users to keep track of their CPE hours on the basis of the MIM’s continued professional development requirements.
“We also requested a video/PDF extension allowing users to view concurrently the PDF notes to a corresponding audio/video presentation. The system also includes video conferencing facilities allowing users (students and tutors) to communicate within the system, thereby facilitating the inclusion of the material as an integral part of the e-learning solution.
“Another challenge was the development of content itself. Unlike the situation in traditional learning, e-learning is particularly demanding on the tutor, who was asked to deliver the lecture to camera. This absence of an audience is challenging for tutors who are used to the interactivity of a classroom environment. On the other hand, in the virtual world, students have various options for interaction, be it fora, conference calls, blogs, e-mails, all of which can be quite demanding on the tutor,” concluded MIM’s customer relations executive.
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