University of the Internet,  4 March 1998

For many companies the idea of training specialist staff without losing them for days on end may seem just too good to be true, but thanks to the Internet and BT's Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), this dream has already become a reality.   A unique MSc course in microelectronics for design engineers working in industry has been running since November, taught entirely over the Internet.

The MSc Advanced Microelectronics for Industrialists course has been developed jointly by Bolton Institute and the University of Northumbria and is the first course in the world to offer distance learning via the Internet and an ISDN connection.  This new method of teaching and learning, targeted specifically at people working in the electronics industry, allows postgraduates to study at home at times that suit them.

The course can be completed within three years but a flexible structure enables students to extend the study period if desired.  The course represents a breakthrough in study techniques, giving students the opportunity to continue their professional development without having to negotiate lengthy periods of time away from work.

All design work in microelectronics nowadays involves a computer.  Computers can be operated remotely over a network and, provided the communications link is good enough, there will be no loss of performance.  BT's ISDN service offers fast communications from anywhere in the country and is a key ingredient to high quality teaching and learning at a distance.

The course is one of over forty Integrated Graduate Development Schemes (IGDS) whose development is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).  IGDS programmes aim to address areas of skill shortage in engineering and the physical sciences and are each managed by a committee of industrialists drawn from the industry sector in question.

Roy Attwood, course co-ordinator at Bolton Institute, commented: "The decisions made by electronics design engineers can make or break a company.  Frequently managers and directors understand the importance of keeping their design staff up to date but simply cannot allow them the time to attend conventional courses.  Internet-based courses offer the flexibility to be studied at any time while still providing a high quality of student support.  Students are issued a high specification PC, a subscription to an Internet Service Provider and a BT ISDN link allowing them to study the theory and undertake practical computer-based work from the comfort of their homes.  Students who complete the course successfully are allowed to keep the equipment."

"The students have adapted to the new style of learning remarkably well.  As they progress through each chapter of teaching material they are frequently directed to other internet sites which may be literally anywhere in the world.  E-mail has proved particularly beneficial because the informality of the medium has encouraged dialogue between tutors and students and between the students themselves, resulting in a clear group identity and team spirit.  E-mail is also used for returning assignments, literally at any time of the day or night."

ISDN offers a further economy over modems because software is available to "hang up" whenever there is a break in activity.  The call is re-dialled so quickly, it gives the illusion that the line is held open all the time.  Students have been studying for about 15 hours each week on line, but the typical cost of call charges has been under £6 per week.

To cope with the demand for places on the course another intake of students is scheduled for April 1998 and for the foreseeable future there will be two intakes every year, one in April and one in November.

"We decided on BT ISDN lines because of the company's reputation to deliver high quality products and services, and the national network BT provides.  This is particularly relevant for us as our students come from all corners of the UK.  The ISDN line offers higher speed communications and greater reliability than is possible with an analogue connection passing through a modem.  It also allows voice, data and video to be transmitted simultaneously which is key for our students who need to have remote access to the latest electronic computer-aided design (ECAD) tools," adds Mr Attwood.

This innovative new way of long distance learning has brought benefits and opportunities for organisations as well as students.  Companies will have a more experienced workforce, which in turn will enhance employees' skills in technical and managerial fields, and students will be able to gain a better understanding and knowledge of design engineering to allow them to do their jobs better and improve their career prospects.

Duncan Coles, Marketing Manager for Higher Education at BT Education & Training says: "BT has a long standing commitment to education, and supports the Government in fulfilling the pledge to help students and teachers use Information and Communications Technology (ICT) effectively as a teaching and learning resource in education. Bolton Institute and the University of Northumbria show a wonderful example of how ICT enables universities to be innovative in their teaching practices."

"The revolutionary use of ISDN for long distance learning means that courses can be studied from potentially anywhere in the world, opening up new revenue streams for universities and offering students unparalleled flexibility."

For further information on the MSc Advanced Microelectronics for Industrialists, visit the web site at www.bolton.ac.uk

ENDS

For further information please contact:
Georgina Batten or Zoë Steventon
Scope Ketchum Communications
Tel:   0171-379 3234
Fax:  0171-836 4755
email:georgina.batten@ketchumcomms.co.uk

Case study written for BT and published on the web with their permission.  Prepared by Scope Ketchum Communications.

Published by the CET Postgraduate Programmes Office, Bolton Institute
Minor amendments  24.3.99  RA