The Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) has unveiled GIBSdirect, an online learning portal.
The business school says the courses available through GIBSdirect have been adapted to suit the online learning environment. They include lecture notes, articles, case studies, practical examples and video clips, as well as discussion forums, where students can interact with GIBS lecturers and fellow learners.
According to GIBS, students can choose to do a Programme for Management Development (PMD) course through the online portal, or they can do any of the 10 modules that comprise the course as standalone modules. However, GIBS stresses that while students can work at their own pace, the work for each module must be completed within a two-month period.
“Modules are 'ring-fenced' in this way as our research and experience show that such deadlines contribute to better completion rates and therefore ensure that students get a return on their education investment,” explains Sue Swart, GIBS' digital marketing manager.
Swart adds that each module contains practical exercises for students as well as a final assignment, which takes the form of either essay-type or multiple-choice questions. These assignments are then marked, and if students achieve 50% or higher, they are awarded a certificate of completion, says Swart. Students who opt for the full PMD course also have to undertake a final assessment, which tests students on work from all the modules, Swart adds.
The school says applications for GIBSdirect courses are currently open for two modules: Marketing and Financial Management. Applications for Leadership and People Management will open shortly, and seven additional modules will also be introduced within the year, the school adds. According to Swart, GIBS intends to introduce more programmes in the future over and above the PMD, or standalone modules that comprise the PMD.
Digital demand
Goldstuck argues that while the classroom is not going away anytime soon, it has to evolve. He believes the average person needs the structured learning environment and discipline that a physical classroom and attendance schedule provides. However, he points out that the number of people wanting to enhance their qualifications and education is growing all the time, and both young and old learners will turn to the online environment to do so.
Ensuring that online courses will receive wide accreditation is not a problem, says Goldstuck, if learners only deal with credible learning institutions. He says that while it may be hard to figure out which institutions are credible when looking at niche learning areas, credibility can be verified through an online search.
“The online environment also allows for detailed research on the background and credentials of the provider,” Goldstuck explains. “This should be a default activity, and not an afterthought,” he adds.
For more information, or to apply for a GIBSdirect course, click here.
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