Curriculum Development for Distance Education
The management of distance education has garnered both support and some disagreement. Regarding the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs we have already proposed, the majority of objections stem from a concern that Bodhisastra University (BOU) might follow in the footsteps of mainstream universities, which are currently facing significant demographic and technological changes. This has even led to assessments suggesting that the era of traditional universities may end in the near future.
We understand that there might be a lack of understanding or insufficient detail grasped about our approach. Therefore, we would like to present the initial rationale and necessity, with a promise to provide more detailed explanations at a later opportunity.
To facilitate mutual understanding between BOU, general mainstream educational institutions, and the general student population.
Our education is entirely distance learning, utilizing e-Learning and self-learning methodologies. Our Master’s and Doctoral programs are specifically Research Programs.
We offer both regular study and credit transfer systems. The regular study group comprises students who lack life, professional, or practical experience. This includes students who have recently completed high school (Grade 12 or equivalent).
For students with prior experience, flexible study options are available. For example, a Bachelor’s degree, typically completed in 7 semesters, may be shortened for experienced students. They could potentially transfer credits for 1 semester (studying for 6 semesters), 2 semesters (studying for 5 semesters), or even 6 semesters (studying for just 1 semester). This means that students should participate in activities with the university or an affiliated institution for at least one semester. This is to ensure students understand the university’s philosophy and receive adequate nurturing.
The extent of credit transfer is determined by the affiliated institution. For courses where credit is not transferred, the affiliated institution must report the grades for those courses to the university for transcript purposes.
For the required one semester at an institution, students can apply directly with the university or an affiliated institution. If applying through an affiliated institution, the institution should inform the university of the student’s name to facilitate registration and the issuance of a student ID number and card.
Affiliated institutions are given the opportunity to manage the curriculum. However, it must be emphasized that this is not conventional in-class undergraduate teaching, which could be legally sensitive.
Undergraduate teaching focuses on practical application leading to tangible results, or building upon existing accomplishments, essentially a form of knowledge management.