Distance learning can take many forms and one of the first key issues we addressed in deciding to set up HomeUni was to determine whether to opt for full online learning (i.e. no campus contact) or blended learning which involves some modest element of campus presence, but with most substantive delivery being online. We chose the latter.

So, for example, we provide a voluntary face to face induction/orientation whenever we secure ‘critical mass’ in a given city or region. In this case students in that city or region will be invited to attend an induction in their home location, coupled with an optional revision weekend each semester.

HomeUni has entered into a strategic relationship with Cambridge International Education Centre (CIEC) whereby they will be delivering a specially designed set of teaching and learning materials to underpin all substantive courses. The CIEC approach involves a dedicated e-Text customised to the module or qualification in question, supported by extensive Student Manuals and Lecturer/Tutor Manuals linked to the e-Texts but containing additional exercises, activities, cases, etc. all with feedback. This teaching and learning model has clear advantages in the current uncertainties of Covid-19 including in particular – flexibility, i.e. it is equally suited to face-to-face delivery as it is to home-based study.

Much of the work for HomeUni by CIEC is being led by Professor Stuart Wall, formerly Head of the Ashcroft International Business School in Cambridge, for Anglia Ruskin University. Professor Wall has over twenty-five years of experience in running an educational publishing partnership which has initiated and developed series with sales of over 10 million copies.

A set of materials with content that is consistent, up-to-date, readily understood and comprehensive.

Students have a weekly ‘road map’ taking them through each week of a given semester and telling them what to study, what reading to undertake and including appropriate self-test questions to help them better gauge their own progress.

To complement the high quality and distinctive teaching and learning materials, HomeUni courses will be delivered by an experienced team of international subject experts who crucially have expertise in the dynamics of blended learning delivery.

As already mentioned, a distinctive feature of the HomeUni delivery approach is to put a primacy upon African academic expertise so as to better ensure a strengthened empathy between learner and Tutor.

HomeUni recognises that building a ‘connect’ with its distance learners is crucial to progression and retention.

Accordingly, the HomeUni learning experience will include bi-weekly online chat seminars, use of social media, following possible face-to-face induction and face-to-face opportunities for study and revision weekends.

All distance learners need appropriate support in relation to academic, administrative and technical matters. Accordingly, at HomeUni there is a dedicated staff team to service the distance learning community. In particular, we provide a single point of reference to which students can send all their queries and questions which will then be directed on to the appropriate person or section, giving a prompt response which is key to student satisfaction and program success.

At HomeUni we place a strong emphasis upon facilitating contact between our distance learners, especially those on the same course.

This is done in a variety of ways including on a national and regional basis, establishing ‘buddy cells’ whereby, say, 4/5 distance learners form their own peer support group etc. What HomeUni will do is to encourage and facilitate a range of student community building initiatives.