Collaborative Provision and Flexible and Distributed Learning including Distance and E-Learning (FDL) Part 2

10.4 Students should be provided with, prior to commencing each element of the programme, explicit intended learning outcomes and the nature of teaching, learning and assessment methods of the module.  This information would normally be contained within the programme handbook.  For distance programmes utilizing ICT this documentation may be in electronic format but adequate guidance/navigation should be provided for its usage (e.g. appropriate organization within the BLE or on a CD-ROM).  The educational aims and intended learning outcomes should be reviewed periodically for their continuing validity and relevance.

10.5 For each element of the programme students should be provided in advance with clear guidance, such as dates and times, when teaching and assessment materials will be released and clear guidance on deadlines for submission and return of graded assessments.  Students should also be provided with timely formative assessment on their academic performance as well as clearly documented and communicated formal mechanisms for individual constructive feedback and guidance. The programme specification should make it clear how this is to be achieved.

10.6 For collaborative programmes the partner organization must follow the requirements approved by the College for the conduct of assessments.

10.7 External Examiners at the partner institution must be appointed in the same way as at the College and must receive briefing and guidance from the College.  The College will retain ultimate responsibility for the appointment and function of External Examiners.

10.8 The College has sole authority for awarding certificates and transcripts.

10.9 Applicants must be provided with documentation giving clear guidance with regard to the relative contributions of independent, supported and collaborative study.  This would normally also be part of the induction process for the programme which for ICT programmes would normally start prior to commencement of the programme.

10.10 For all FDL programmes learners should be invited to submit anonymous feedback about their learning experiences at a number of appropriate points within the programme and this should be documented.  For ICT programmes appropriate arrangements for anonymity should be demonstrated at the approval stage.

10.11 Collaborative programmes run with other organisations should be regulated by Memoranda of Agreement that specify the contribution to be made to the programme by each party. Birkbeck must retain control of selection and examination procedures.  Every collaborative programme should have a clearly defined committee structure including a Joint Steering Committee with senior representatives from each partner, meeting at least annually to review the programme(s).  These matters should be checked as part of the internal review process.

10.12 The standards of admission and assessment of the partner organization should be the same as for other Birkbeck courses.

10.13 The College will regularly monitor the information given by the partner organization to prospective and registered students and will have effective control over the accuracy of all public information, publicity and promotional activity relating to its collaborative provision.