Distance learning facilities at the University of Aberdeen will now be significantly enhanced, extending access to teaching and learning to the remotest parts of Scotland, following installation of new video communications equipment.
The University currently offers a range of adult education opportunities to people throughout the North of Scotland and the Islands. New video conferencing equipment has now been installed by KEY Learning Opportunities, the University's provider of open and flexible methods of part-time study. The net result of this £85,000 investment in the latest telecommunications technology will be significant improvements to the quality of delivery of courses and enhancement of the overall learning experience of people participating in University of Aberdeen distance learning programmes, even in the most remote places of Scotland.
25 study centres across the North and West of Scotland will now be able to offer the full range of KEY Learning Opportunities courses. Adult learners will now have the opportunity to develop their personal interests, study professional qualifications or continue onto full degree-standard programmes.
Mrs Kathy Fowler, Manager of KEY Learning Opportunities said: "This new equipment enables the University to offer an enhanced service, bringing a real classroom environment closer to students who cannot join us on campus in Aberdeen. Students will benefit from improved quality and robustness of delivery, as well as from a richer learning experience. The ability to see the tutor and other students will bridge the miles for those who are often isolated in their learning."
KEY Learning Opportunities have installed new equipment by Polycom Inc., a worldwide leader in the convergence of interactive voice, video, data and web communications. Mr Jean Francois Raffestin, Regional Vice President for Polycom EMEA said: "This new initiative by the University of Aberdeen demonstrates how the excellent accessibility of e-learning provides educational opportunities to students living in remote or difficult-to-reach places."