Pure Online Learning: Pedagogical, Technological & Human Designs for Greater Access & Success

Open University Malaysia (OUM) is the first ODL institution in Malaysia to offer a completely pure online programme. The programme called Master of Instructional Design & Technology (MIDT) is accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and it started in 2009 with 21 students from 11 countries. Feedback from MIDT students with regard to the programme is encouraging and we believe this is due to three important design factors, namely, pedagogical, technological and human designs that have been incorporated into the programme. The following quote from Blubaugh ( 2003), the President of the National Coalition for Technology in Education & Training encapsulate the OUM ideology of pure online learning “Because of what we’re learning about the brain, we know that active learning involves putting students in situations where they must read, speak, listen, contemplate, think deeply, write and respond. The full power of technology, combined with the force of a talented teacher, does all this” (p.15).