UOW BA student gives her view on online facilitators

As an e-learning student, the communication channels are very important to receiving the information they need. By receiving the much-needed feedback from the facilitator, they can use the information to complete the project on time.

Ms Ng, a student in University of Wales Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Business Administration (Marketing) gives us her feedback on what she feels about the facilitator's help. She has completed about half of the course and looks forward to the rest of the programme.

She has recently sent us an email regarding her experience as an e-learning student.

Dear Sir
I am a student in BA. Having gone through 6 modules, I find that different facilitators have different character. I have found that most PurpleTrain.com facilitators are very enthusiastic & responsive to answering student's enquiry. However, there is simply no comparison between traditional class & online class learning method.

Yes, most of facilitators are very knowledgeable in terms of the module they are conducting. As a student, I always want to learn more even though I was told that my coming exam syllabus does not cover that topic.

Also, different facilitators have a different approach to teaching. Some are really great. I understand everybody has a first time in learning & teaching on-line. Just like a student who may answer out of topic, they are some (minority) facilitators who do not answer student's question to the point. They would base their answers based on their knowledge and experience to answer the question asked.

Generally, I still find e-learning through PurpleTrain.com satisfactory. This is my observation in the middle of the course.

Thank you.
Ns Ng

At PurpleTrain.com, facilitators are expected to answer student's questions within 24 hours to provide a speedy flow of information to aid the student. The Learning Management System, with many of the new features implemented, help to provide a conducive environment for them to study online. e-learning allows more focus to be put on the learner as it is mainly learner-centric. With this mode of learning, the learner can bring up issues to the instructor who is only an email, discussion room or chat room away. The channels of communication are always open, it's up to them to harness it.

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Happy student finds it sad to leave his module

For those that think that e-learning is boring and tedious, think again. Many have found the experience enjoyable although challenging. Think of how you want to spend your time as an e-learning student. One should look at the positive side of graduating from the programme and not develop a defeatist attitude throughout the whole term.

Many students who enjoy their experience find that it does not come about by accident. It involves a lot of self discipline and through the use of discussion rooms and the various channels available. One such student is Mr Ng Chee Lam. He enrolled in the module SW102 and appreciated the help received from his facilitator, Mr Hussain. He expressed this appreciation through this email below.

Dear Facilitator Hussain,

It is me, Chee Lam. I just got my SW102 result. It is an "A". Thanks again. I think Sarah and Kok Siong etc also obtained A's for this module too.

Sir, sometimes, even though I received good results, I felt very unhappy and sad because I have left SW102. It was a great class and I have gained a lot from that class under your facilitation. Sometimes, when I revised the previous posts, I still can recall all the experience, your advice, your teaching and comments. The posts simply touch me greatly. It is very sad to leave. I wish to stay in that class permanently.

I wish to say good bye to you Sir and I think you may not be my next facilitator for other upcoming modules. I am on the way to finish DCS by this September. If I have a chance to visit Singapore in future, I will be sure to visit PurpleTrain to express my genuine appreciation to you again.

I wish you success in your teaching career.
Take care.

Student,
Ng Chee Lam

As you can see, interaction in an online class is far beyond the lifeless and unfeeling scenario that some may think it is. It will be rewarding for students if they participate in the e-learning process in a positive way. Many students who have gone through courses the PurpleTrain way have had good results to prove that their time spent here was well worth it.

For more information on Diploma in Computer Studies and Advanced Diploma in Computer Studies 2000 information, feel free to visit our programme to find out more.

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Round the world with e-learning!

Ever thought that studying from home was tough in terms of discipline? Well, how about studying across continents and moving from country to country? A PurpleTrain student, Mr Dirk Weinert has put his time to good use by studying while jetting across the world. He has been moving every year due to his work requirements. Armed with a notebook, Dirk plans and allocates his study time to maximize his effectiveness.

Dirk, 30 years old, is currently working as a Visual Basic & ASP programmer. Due to the nature of his job, he is required to travel to many countries. Just fresh out of school, he managed to get this job. During his studies, he lived in Moscow, Russia, Amsterdam and the Netherlands. In Moscow, it was very interesting to do the exams there, where the British Council lent a helping hand. An online degree with PurpleTrain.com was the perfect solution in his quest for knowledge so he decided to take it up.

We managed to catch up with him (through email of course!) and obtained his comments on his e-learning experience.

PT: How did you find your online course?
Dirk: I was looking for a possibility to take my studies while travelling to different places. So taking this University of Portsmouth Bachelor (Honours) of Science in Computing was the perfect match. The opportunity to get an accredited degree with flexible study hours suited my needs.

PT: What was it that made you decide to choose this particular course?
Dirk: When I started this course, it was the only accredited BSc(Hons) in Computing available in an online format that gave me the same value as going to the university and studying full time.

PT: Did you feel that your online facilitator was able to help you in your studies?
Dirk: My online facilitators were able to help me. They are very well informed and professional. The most important area for me was the online discussion room. As I was traveling in Europe, it was difficult to find a study group. It was simply near impossible. So the discussion room really came in handy here. The online fellow students were very helpful and open.

There are many students that fit Dirk's profile and are probably taking the degree path just like him. The Bachelor of BSc (Hons) in Computing awarded by the University of Portsmouth is one of the Division's flagship courses. This is a specialised degree programme for candidates interested in the area of database and systems development. It imparts knowledge of the technologies and methods relevant for creating and maintaining computing systems that support business data handling requirements of organisations. This online programme is tailored specifically to allow adult and matured learners to pursue advanced degree anytime, anywhere. Therefore it offers students the flexibility of structuring the coursework to fit their own schedule.

The University of Portsmouth (UOP), with a record of 125 years of higher education has been rated one of the Top 100 Universities in the UK according to the Financial Times 100 league table published in 2001.

UOP has also been rated one of the top new universities in the 'Good University Guide 2000'. It has therefore maintained its commitment in promoting academic excellence across a wide range of disciplines.

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Going the extra mile for students!

Giving your customer excellent service doesn't just start after he or she puts down their signature on the dotted line. By being sincere about it, customers can spot the difference and will appreciate you for it. PurpleTrain.com takes this opportunity to thank everyone for their hard work and efforts in pushing PurpleTrain to new heights.

There are many staff that go beyond merely doing what their job description entails. We would like to give special credit one such example, Ms Carmen Kok, a higher education consultant at PurpleTrain Direct who delighted this student with her customer service.

Miss Wendy Tey's comments who had just registered for the MBA course are reflected below:

Dear Sir
My purpose of writing this email to you is that I would like to give my compliments to Ms Carmen Kok who had been very helpful and patient. Being the consultant, she solved the payment problems that I had politely and even suggested alternative solutions to the problems.

Although I didn't go for the alternative solutions, Carmen was still cheerful, diligent, honest and amiable. I think it is the honour of the company to have such an employee like Ms Carmen Kok.

Last but not least, I would like to say a BIG Thank You for her excellent customer service.

Cheers,
Wendy Tey

At PurpleTrain.com, our service extends beyond simply signing up students to courses. When a new student signs up, it signals the beginning of a new relationship where we take care of the student who's starting fresh on a course to graduation stage.

Keen to know the secrets of her success? Well, here's the scoop.

On average, Carmen does numerous consultations per day. Hence, it is evident that her persistence and persuasion skills extend to the provision of good customer service. In fact, usually the students she meets with are mainly working adults who are usually in a rush. Some of them can be quite brusque but Carmen takes it all in her stride.

"My key motivation for offering excellent customer service stems from being patient. Front line service is a very challenging job. However, I hope I can provide my best service for my customers as and when they need it. Customer service plays a part of my daily job function and I enjoy it very much. I am very happy to receive such compliments as it gives me feedback on my work. I will constantly strive to further improve my customer service in the future." explained Carmen. Of course, there is the importance of educating students on the process and tools for e-learning. Carmen added, "When they understand what is it all about, they will benefit more from the e-learning experience."

Carmen's final tip to all fellow CCs is "Be friendly and have the right attitude." This, coupled with her belief in e-learning and its benefits, has led to her highly commendable performance.

PurpleTrain employees are expected to provide excellent customer service to all students and guide them in their pursuit of lifelong learning. Have a pleasant experience or wish to compliment PurpleTrain staff? We welcome your feedback!

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Click on 'MyProfile' to get added convenience!

As a e-learner, any additional time is always premium so being able to perform the routine tasks online saves time. In our busy lifestyles, being able to perform routine transactions online is simply saving loads of time to spend elsewhere. With this in mind, we have implemented an additional button appropriately named 'My Profile' for all PurpleTrain students to perform frequently done transactions.

Here's what clicking on 'My Profile' button can do for you. Ever wondered if you could update your address details or phone number online? Want to apply for refer or defer units, appeal against the course results that you feel you did not deserve? Check when your next exam will be? Well, now you can do it all online!

Attention all PurpleTrain students! Visit the PurpleTrain site and you can now do all that at the click of a mouse! No waiting, no paper forms to fill, no snail mail to send!

Just use 'My Profile' button to:

• Check on your personal details
• Apply for refer units and defer units
• Send an appeal to exams department
• Find out your exam schedules

Look forward to more user-friendly online features as part of our ongoing efforts to give every PurpleTrain student the added convenience of being an e-learner.

From today onwards, My Profile button gives you the flexibility to do it online! Check it out whenever you visit PurpleTrain!

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International Master of Business Administration (MBA) awarded by Salem International University

The SIU MBA program is designed to provide advanced work in major areas of theory of business practices, subject matter competence and thesis research. The program offers an alternative to the traditional thesis that allows an immersion experience in an international work/internship experience. The program is designed to provide a developmental, integrated progression toward these goals. Students learn how business and management work and how they relate to the global environment. Students are introduced to the functional activities of organisations, learn managerial skills, the use of analytical tools for decision-making and have an opportunity to apply them in an international setting.

The MBA will provide the student with an international view of business but will also provide valuable insights from professionals working in the USA market. The International emphasis should prepare a person to better understand and work in the current business environment. The opportunity for either a work-based capstone experience or thesis provides flexibility for the working adult student.

Who Should attend

• Life Long Learners
• Middle-level professionals who want to broaden their understanding of how functional areas within a business interrelate in a global environment.
• Executives and business school graduates who need to update their business skills and education.
• Experienced professionals working in the private or public sector and individuals working in for profit and non-profit organisations.
• Technical professionals moving into management positions who need skills in resource management and global operations.
• Practicing entrepreneurs, small business people, accountants, lawyers, government employees, health care workers, and others responsible for managing their own practices and making sound business decisions.

MBA Curriculum

Year 1 (3 credit hour courses)
MBA 510	Organizational Behavior & Management of Human Resources
MBA 520	Accounting for Managers
MBA 530	Marketing Management
MBA 540	Business Law and International Organizations
MBA 550	Operations Management
Year 2 (3 credit hour courses)
MBA 610	International Economics and Trade
MBA 620	Financial Management
MBA 630	International Marketing
MBA 640	Research Methods
MBA 650	Global Business Strategies
Capstone Work (6 credit hour courses - select one) **
MBA 690	International Business Practicum
MBA 700	Thesis/Capstone Project

** These two 6 credit courses are considered capstone experiences. The student selects one of these two courses.

Professional Accreditation and International Recognition

The SIU MBA is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

SIU is internationally accredited, through its Department of Management Studies, by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) to offer the International Masters in Business Administration.

About Salem International University

Salem International University (SIU) is a private, independent, liberal arts college based in West Virginia. Governed by a Board of Trustees, it was founded in 1888 as Salem College and enjoyed a long history of education innovation.

In July 2001, Informatics Holdings entered into a partnership with SIU. SIU will remain a private, non-profit institution of higher learning, and will work with Informatics Holdings, to provide both on-campus and on-line education to students from around the world. This is a unique relationship and is one of the first for an American institution of higher learning.

The mission of SIU is to educate students to become world citizens by ensuring their acquisition of diverse non-prejudice knowledge and enabling them to make decisions from an international perspective.

Click here for more information.

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