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Blended & Distance Learning Policy

Centre: ACLAS Global International Education Group

Effective: 2025-07-05 | Review Date: 2026-07-05

Policy Owner: Centre Director

1. Purpose

This policy sets out how ACLAS Global International Education Group delivers OTHM qualifications through online and blended learning, ensuring that learners studying remotely receive an experience equivalent in quality, support, and rigour to that of face-to-face learners. It reflects the requirements of OTHM's Distance, Online and Blended Learning Guidance for Centres.

2. Modes of Delivery

The Centre offers the following modes:

  • Online Learning: All teaching, learning, and assessment takes place remotely through the Centre's Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle). Learners may interact with Tutors through live online sessions (video conferencing), asynchronous forums, and messaging.
  • Blended Learning: A combination of online delivery (via Moodle) and periodic face-to-face sessions, where geography and scheduling permit.
  • Distance Learning: Self-paced study through Moodle with Tutor support available on demand. Learners work through materials independently and submit assessments online.

The specific mode for each qualification is stated at the point of enrolment.

3. Virtual Learning Environment — Moodle

The Centre uses Moodle as its VLE. Moodle provides:

  • Structured course pages for each OTHM qualification, with unit-by-unit navigation
  • Downloadable learning materials (readings, presentations, videos)
  • Assignment submission portals with integrated plagiarism detection
  • Online quizzes for formative self-assessment
  • Gradebook showing all assessment results and Assessor feedback
  • Discussion forums for learner–learner and learner–Tutor interaction
  • Direct messaging
  • Calendar showing deadlines and live session schedules
  • Progress tracking (activity completion, course completion)

Moodle is accessible 24/7 from any device with an internet connection. The platform is mobile-responsive and designed with accessibility in mind.

Technical Requirements

Before enrolment, learners are informed that they need:

  • A computer or tablet with a reliable internet connection
  • An up-to-date web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge)
  • Word processing software (Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or equivalent)

The Centre provides a technical induction module on Moodle to familiarise learners with the platform.

Technical Support

  • IT support is available at [email protected].
  • Moodle help guides and video tutorials are available within the induction module.
  • Live virtual orientation sessions are offered at the start of each cohort.

4. Course Design for Online Delivery

  • Courses are designed to meet the same learning outcomes and assessment criteria as specified in OTHM qualification specifications.
  • Materials are structured for self-paced progression with clear section headings, learning objectives, and summaries.
  • Content is presented in multiple formats (text, video, audio) to accommodate different learning preferences.
  • Assessment strategies are designed for remote submission and verification.
  • All materials are reviewed by the Centre Quality Lead before publication.

5. Learner Support

Before the Programme

  • Learners complete a self-assessment of their readiness for online study, including technology access and English language capability.
  • An enrolment discussion with a staff member confirms suitability and expectations.

During the Programme

  • Each learner is assigned a named Tutor/Assessor whom they can contact via Moodle messaging or email.
  • Tutors hold virtual office hours weekly.
  • The Q&A forum on Moodle is monitored and responded to within 2 working days.
  • Academic skills resources (referencing guides, academic writing tips) are available in the Moodle Learner Support section.
  • Learners can book one-to-one video calls with their Tutor.

6. Monitoring Learner Engagement

The Centre monitors learner engagement through Moodle's activity logs and reports. If a learner:

  • Has not logged in for 14 consecutive days, or
  • Misses an assessment deadline without communication,

the Tutor contacts the learner to check on their wellbeing and offer support. Persistent disengagement is escalated to the Centre Quality Lead.

7. Staff Preparedness

  • All Tutors and Assessors complete Moodle training before teaching online.
  • Staff are supported with ongoing training on online pedagogy, digital tools, and detecting plagiarism in digital submissions.
  • The CPD Policy includes distance-learning-specific development.

8. Assessment Integrity in Online Delivery

  • All written submissions are checked through plagiarism-detection software.
  • Assessors are trained to identify indicators of contract cheating and unauthorised AI use.
  • The Centre may require learners to confirm their identity at the point of assessment (e.g., through a video call professional discussion or by presenting photo ID at the start of a live assessment).
  • IQA sampling applies equally to online and face-to-face assessments.

9. Contingency Plan

In the event of a significant Moodle service disruption:

1. Learners are notified by email within 2 hours.

2. If the disruption exceeds 4 hours, alternative arrangements are activated (e.g., email submission of assignments).

3. Assessment deadlines are extended for the duration of the disruption.

4. The Centre Director and IT support coordinate the response and restoration.

Backups are performed daily. In a disaster-recovery scenario, the Moodle environment can be restored from backup within 24 hours.

10. Evaluation

  • Learner feedback on the online learning experience is collected annually through course evaluation surveys.
  • Feedback covers the effectiveness of instruction, quality of materials, usability of Moodle, and adequacy of support.
  • Findings feed into the annual self-assessment and Quality Improvement Plan.

11. OTHM Distance Learning Approval

Delivery of OTHM qualifications by online or blended learning requires separate approval from OTHM. The Centre completes and submits the OTHM Distance, Online and Blended Learning Approval Form together with evidence demonstrating that the above requirements are met.

12. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually.

Approved by: ______________________ (Centre Director)

Date: ______________________