It’s Part-Time but Still Not as We Know it!” – A Further Evaluation of a Flexible Learning MEng

Abstract

This paper reports on the evaluation of the effectiveness of delivery of a flexible learning MEng (Hons) Engineering course at Bournemouth University (BU) and its integration with level 3, 4 & 5 courses delivered at a local Further Education College. The research aims to improve the delivery of the MEng programme by better understanding the effectiveness of operation over the 3 academic cycles now operated for this programme. The course was developed as part of an HESTEM National Programme project and provides an opportunity for engineers to take higher education qualifications while remaining in full time employment. The evaluation takes the perspective of both academics and students. The underlying pedagogy of the programme has been based on the Constructivist approach to learning delivered via blended learning. The paper evaluates how the use of both staff/student and student/student online forums, were modified and how the face to face tutorials on campus became the important mode of delivery. The paper discusses the challenges students’ and academics found in moving from a ‘day-release’ mode of learning to a virtual environment and from Further to Higher Education and explores the now integrated nature of the programme.