EXPLORING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DISTANCE TEACHING & TRAINING PROGRAM INDUCTION MODULE ACTIVITIES AT THE ARABIAN GULF UNIVERSITY

At the start of every academic year, Distance Teaching & Training program (DTTP) at the Arabian Gulf University conducts an intensive induction module for the newly enrolled diploma and master's degree students. The module is considered to be an integral component of the curriculum. It servers as an advance organizer to the program of study and its learning and teaching strategies. It also constitutes the first strategy that is highly emphasized by DTTP. Among other things, the learning strategies require the students to act, in part, as distance learners via the university learning management system, Blackboard. Thus, one of the aims of the induction module is to prepare the students in this respect. In addition, the program instructors use this opportunity to learn as much as they can about their new students. The current paper describes the components of 2009/2010-2010-2011 module and its associated activities, summarizes the information collected and presents the results of the students' evaluation of the module. The information subjected to analysis consisted of the students` responses to a learning style questionnaire, a satisfaction instrument and an open-ended questionnaire. Key findings suggested that the induction module sessions were effective. Results also suggested that the students who reported high proficiency in information and communication technology and English language skills prior to their enrollment still need support and guidance on how to make the most of the program of the study.