Abstract:

In higher education, part-time students face unique challenges, primarily the need to balance professional commitments, personal life, and academic requirements. While distance learning offers the necessary flexibility, it often faces skepticism regarding educational quality and concerns about student isolation. This paper presents a pilot project at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria that transitioned a "Fundamentals of Business Administration" module to a 100% distance-learning format for part-time degree programs.

The core of the project was the complete redesign of the didactic concept to ensure a high-quality, self-guided yet structured learning experience. Using Moodle as a central "compass", a clear "red thread" was established through structured learning paths where the content was divided into four main chapters. A strict prerequisite logic was implemented, requiring students to pass specific quizzes before unlocking subsequent multimedia content, such as scripts, explanatory videos, and tutorial exercises, to accommodate diverse learning styles. To mitigate potential isolation, the framework integrated planned interaction through mandatory in-person check-ins at the start of the semester, followed by voluntary online tutorials via Microsoft Teams for professional exchange. This balanced approach was complemented by maximum flexibility in the examination mode, offering students multiple dates for on-campus exams throughout the semester to better align with their professional obligations.

Evaluation of the last three years showed predominantly positive feedback from both students and program management. Students specifically highlighted the high quality of the prepared materials and the value of the online tutorials in clarifying complex relationships. The results suggest that the effectiveness of distance learning is heavily dependent on the lecturer's competence and the quality of instructional design. The paper concludes that while 100% distance learning is a viable and highly appreciated option for part-time students, it requires careful planning and a strong emphasis on interaction to maintain educational standards.

Keywords:

Distance Education, Part-time Students, Moodle-based Learning Paths, Student Engagement.