MAIN STORY:
Events in Focus
THE PATH TO
IAO's Evaluation Commission Visits
CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
Q&A Session Brayden De Satg answers your queries
Through IAO’s Recommendation Reports
In Conversation with Shri P.R Agarwala
Chairman, Sobhasaria Group of Institutes
TECHNOLOGY CORNER Open Online Courses are changing the Future of Education
FEATURED
FROM THE IAO'S DESK
The Need and Techniques Preparing Students for
Latest Happenings
and Educational
Workplace Success
Accreditation Updates
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Contents
Featured in this issue
Main Story 18
The Path to Continuous Quality Improvement –Through IAO’s Recommendation Reports
Events In Focus IAO’s Evaluation Commission’s Visit to: 8 Sobhasaria Engineering College 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Thebes Academy International Media Academy University of Yacambu Apex Institute Skillful Trading Regional Information Technology Institute Atlas Translation Services
Hot Topic 16 Preparing International Students for Success 24 Social Media - How Tweet It Is
IAO Accreditor
Contents
Feedback 6
Letters to the Editor
Technology Corner 17 Gamifying the Classroom 25 Make Way for Open Online Courses
Q&A 26 Q&A Session with Brayden De Stag
From the IAO's Desk 27 Renew Your Membership Before You Lose The Winning Edge 28 IAO’s Globally Accredited Education Providers
Interview 20 In Conversation with Shri P.R. Agrawala
Editorial 07
Brief Word from the Editor
IAO Accreditor
Feedback
feedback
TREP OF THE MONTH LETTERS The article titled "International Accreditation in the Digital Age" grabbed my attention. I completely agree that accreditation is essential for an educational institute's quality of educational programs. Being a faculty member at a Mexican University, I completely agree that international accreditation is gradually taking up the plane in the educational quality assurance arena. The author has so rightly put international accreditation as the the need of time for educational institutes. If the institues do so, they The accreditation also helps the staff would benefit from increased students membes to develop themselves profesenrolments regionally & internationally sionally; and I am looking forward to one because they offer international level such opportunity. quality programs. - Barbara Dilos
TELL US ABOUT IT There is a whole world of IAO ACCREDITOR online, and our Facebook fans, Twitter followers and official blogs are buzzing 24/7 about what matters to educationists most. Come, join the conversation with our editors and readers.
Become our fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/international accreditationorganization Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/IntAccredOrg Join our online community: http://blog.iao.org/
Impressed! I would just like to thank IAO for issuing such an impressive magazine to enable us readers to stay updated on the latest happenings of the acreditation industry and tell us how the accreditation is changing the face of educational quality assurance. It surely represents the hardwork of IAO team who put all the effort in compiling all the information. It goes without saying that the IAO Accreditor magazine is the result of the cooperation of all educatioists, accreditation professionals, government officials and all other stakeholders. - Sue Sumpter
Unlocking the Knowledge Skill Set I love Technology Centre the best. It comes with such handy tips and ideas that helps us to transform ourselves so that we can compete and thrive in today's economy. The latest solutions and product innovations help us sharpen our knowledge. - Ronald Rodriguez
Disclaimer: IAO ACCREDITOR Magazine makes no warranties or representations of any kind concerning the accuracy or suitability of the information contained in this magazine for any purpose. All such information is provided "as is" and with specific disclaimer of any warranties of merchantability, fitness for purpose, title and/or non-infringement. The opinions and writings of all authors in this magazine are merely an expression of the author's own thoughts, knowledge or information that they have gathered for publication in this magazine. IAO ACCREDITOR does not endorse such authors nor represent that their writings are accurate or suitable for any purpose or practice whatsoever. The publisher, authors and contributors reserve their rights in regard to copyright of their work in the IAO ACCREDITOR Magazine. No part of this work covered by the copyright may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means without the written consent of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure that information is correct at the time of going to print, IAO ACCREDITOR cannot be held responsible for the outcome of any action or decision based on the information contained in this publication. It is advisable that no person, organization or party should rely or in any way act upon any part of the contents of this publication whether that information is sourced from the website, magazine or related product without first obtaining the advice of a fully qualified person.
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SHARE YOUR COMMENTS email us at: feedback@iaoaccreditor.com
Editorial
EDITORIAL NOTE Thinking of how should I start this editorial note, I came across this beautiful quote from Theodore Roosevelt, "Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain and difficulty". This is very much applicable to all the educational institutes that undergo the whole process of accreditation as it a very long and difficult process. Yet, educational institutions want to get accredited as it represents their commitment to deliver quality education to students. International Accreditation Organization - IAO, has made this difficult and long process a very easy one for educational institutions all over the world to ensure students that they receive quality education. IAO has laid the foundation for international standards of education to serve as a benchmark for global educational institutions. To achieve this mission, IAO provides recommendations to each educational institute individually to upgrade their education system in accordance with the applicable international education standards. And that is what our cover story - The Path to Continuous Quality Improvement is all about. The changing times have not only called for the updation in educational standards but also how the educational institutes prepare students for success in the workplace. You can view these tips in the featured topics. This section also covers the topic of how social media has changed our everyday lives too and what role can it also play in the educational development and learning of the students. The Technology section discusses how online classrooms are starting to replace the traditional classroom and how they can further be upgraded to the new systems. Lastly, but not the least, you can always find information about IAO's latest happenings, IAO's interview with the Chairman of Sobhasaria Group of Institutes, Mr. Shri P.R Agarwala; and a Q&A session to provide insights into educational accreditation industry. Hope you enjoy your read as much as we did while putting it all together. We are declaring an ‘open-door’ policy here. We invite our readers to contact us with ideas, comments, criticism, whatever will help us keep IAO ACCREDITOR the respected industry resource it has become. Visit us online at www.iao.org. We look forward to meeting you. Sincerely,
Jeff Wright Editor-in-chief j.wright@iaoaccreditor.com
IAO Accreditor
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Events in Focus
Events in Focus IAO’s Evaluation Commission’s Visit Sobhasaria Engineering College
The Grand Reception of the IAO's Evaluation Commission Member
The Commission Member Visiting the Library
Having a talk with the students
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The Officials busy validating the information
The spacious & modern computer centre
Impressive University Premises
Events in Focus
IAO’s Evaluation Commission’s Visit Thebes Academy
IAO's Evaluation Commission Member & Institute's officials busy in discussion
Spacious Lecture Halls
The Engineering Lab
Visiting the Computer Lab
Students studying at the library
With the Academy's staff
IAO Accreditor
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ALLIANCE Events in Focus
IAO’s Evaluation Commission’s Visit International Media Academy
The Management Team & the Students
The sound system room
The students having a good time in the cafeteria
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The Media Training Room
The students during training
The latest music classroom
Events in Focus
IAO’s Evaluation Commission’s Visit University of Yacambu
Lush green lawns at the unievrsity campus
Students receiving practical lessons
Students at the classroom
The impressive campus building
Students receiving practical lessons
Shuttle facility of the university
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Events in Focus ALLIANCE
IAO’s Evaluation Commission’s Visit Apex Institute
Warm Welcome at the institute premises
Wide Variety of Training Areas
The huge training hall
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The institute's management with IAO's Commission Member
Strong list of Apex's Clients
During a Training
Events in Focus
IAO’s Evaluation Commission’s Visit Skillful Trading
The institute's building
IAO's Commission Member busy evaluating the institute's documents
The Lecture hall
Impressive interior
Training room at the institute
The skilled staff
IAO Accreditor 13
Events in Focus ALLIANCE
IAO’s Evaluation Commission’s Visit
Regional Information Technology Institute
The beaufitul architechture
IAO's Evaluation Commission Member at the library
At the computer lab
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The institute's Chairman with IAO's Evaluation Commission Member
The Commission Member enjoying his time
The institute's Chairman & staff with IAO's Evaluation Commission Member
Events in Focus
IAO’s Evaluation Commission’s Visit Atlas Translation Services
The Chairman in his office
The institute's Chairman presenting Institute's book to the Comission Member
The institute's staff with students
The guest award presented to the IAO's Evaluation Commission Member
The students at a training class
The commission member showing his prepared Audit report
IAO Accreditor 15
Featured Topic
Preparing
International
Students forSuccess
from their surrounding environment. Many of them cannot speak proper English and struggle to understand and ultimately adapt to Western customs and traditions. Similarly, universities and other educational institutions find it extremely challenging to help such students ‘settle in’ and find a job once they graduate.
O
ver the past few decades, the global landscape has undergone dramatic changes. Apart from the obvious economic and technological developments that have taken place recently, education, one of the most important sectors of an economy, has come to the forefront with a large number of students travelling halfway across the world in search for quality education and enlightening experiences. In the United States alone, the number of international students studying at American universities has grown by nearly 32% in the past decade. These figures are according to a report drafted by the Institute of International Education’s Open Doors; a comprehensive, national data and information resource on US and international individuals studying or teaching in US and abroad. large portion of that figure consists of Chinese students; over one-fifth of the total international student population. Statistics show that there has been a 23% increase in the number of Chinese students studying in the US. Studying abroad has its advantages; both for the student as well as for the host country. As an international student, you have the opportunity to experience different cultures and opinions while simultaneously develop and hone the skills needed to become a professional. For the host country, such exchanges project a positive image as well as provide revenue in terms of admission and course fees.In spite of all its benefits, numerous international students face difficulty brought about by intense challenges
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In order to prepare students for the workplace and help pave their way towards success, a program developed by the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) comes up with an approach that cultivates students’ skills and makes them ready to enter the corporate arena. This program aims to build proficiency and competence in four key areas, namely: Communication: Students are made to work on their English language skills, thus enabling them to communicate and interact effectively. The section of program also helps to polish their presentation skills. Acculturation: Students are made aware of US culture with respect to common customs and traditions as well as workplace norms and etiquette. Job Search Skills: Students are taught how to write proper resumes and cover letters. They are even given tips and guidance with respect to searching for the right job as well as preparing for interviews. Self- Awareness: Students are given an insight into their potentials as future business professionals so that they may align their abilities with their career goals. Through the above step-by-step process, academic institutions can hope to help international students integrate into the student population and get on the path of career success. As a result of the implementation of such programs, students develop with more self-confidence and competitive job skills. They are also better prepared to communicate their value to potential employers.
Technology Corner
A new method of managing classroom instructions and delivering coursework is slowly making its way into the world of education, which is called Gamification. The term can be defined as the use of game mechanics and dynamics to achieve desired behaviors. ‘Gamifying the classroom’ simply means presenting the class content in an exciting and engaging way. To further increase motivation, the method makes use of a rewards system, badges and quests so as to enhance the experience levels of students and encourage healthy competition. Why Gamify Learning? As we all know, games, in any form, manage to engage users via interesting and innovative game techniques. If we look at the current education scenario, we notice a great lack of motivation at all levels- around 1.2 million American students fail to graduate from high school each year and at the college level, according to a Harvard Graduate School of Education study, only 56% of students complete four-year degrees within six years. In contrast, video games have proven to increase user engagement by a great extent; 28 million people take care of their crops on Farmville daily (Mashable, 2010), and over five million people are glued to World of Warcraft for more than 40 hours per week (Blizzard, 2010). So, by adding the excitement and fun associated with video games to the classroom environment, it can be expected that the motivation level of students will increase dramatically. Here are some examples of successful gamification projects: Steven Johnson, an assistant professor of management information systems at Temple University's Fox School of Business in Philadelphia, utilized gamification in his social media innovation course. Students take the course as a "Social Media Innovation Quest" where they can earn points for different activities and receive badges at certain levels, which include "rookie," "ace," "magnificent," and "virtuoso."
Gamifying the Classroom Lee Sheldon is a professor at Indiana University. He has gamified his course by changing grades to ‘experience points’ system. Students’ grades are now determined by the number of points they have secured at the end of the course. Khan Academy has completely changed the dynamics of education by providing thousands of educational videos for students. As students watch these videos and complete problem sets, they are awarded points and badges. Mr. Pai, a 3rd grade teacher transformed the traditional way of classroom learning by introducing Nintendo DS, among other technology to his curriculum. His students practiced math and language through the use of computer and video games. As gamification continues to gain popularity, it is bound to create a huge dent in the traditional education landscape.
Educators need to realize the potential of gamification and work on research-based, gamification projects in order to add maximum value to their education systems.
IAO Accreditor 17
Cover Story
THE PATH TO CONTINUOUS
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
THROUGH IAO’S
RECOMMENDATION REPORTS Quality Assurance & Diversity
Accreditation has evolved over the years to international accreditation in response to the changes in the education environment. International Accreditation plays a vital role in education because both the education
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community and government use the system to promote and assure quality and protect the public interest, globally. It is one of the major ways in which the education community sets expectations for quality and also defines governments’ and public interest in education. International Accreditation is founded on the principles of self-review and evaluation.
Accreditation is a very large and complex public-private system of federal, state and private regulators. The number and diversity of accrediting organizations has grown as a result of the increasing diversity of educational institutions, new education techniques such as distance learning, and growing public and private interest in assuring quality in specific programs such as
Cover Story education, business, and engineering. This has led to the establishment of accrediting organizations with different quality standards and processes that are not fully comparable and nontransparent to government and other public stakeholders.
Role of IAO in International Educational Quality Assurance IAO is an international agency working to enhance the standards of education in all education sectors. It operates worldwide, granting educational accreditation upon evaluation to institutions involved in offering education in all disciplines. The organization works in close coordination with their members to develop standards for quality. They also conduct a review process to determine whether institutions and programs meet those educational standards and can be formally accredited. The review process is also used to suggest improvements in quality through self-evaluation and recommendations. The agency has a rating system through which IAO does not pass or fail institutes. The main purpose of IAO is to promote education worldwide. IAO has a unique Points Profile System that does not discourage the newly established institutes by disqualifying them. The Points Profile System determines strengths, weaknesses and offers recommendations to the institutions with which they can improve their standards. The concept of Profile Points System assigns points to every answer submitted and rates them to calculate a final score for each dimension. These scores are put together to form a matrix that measures the quality of an institute from different perspectives. The profile point system is intelligently designed to determine strengths and areas that need improvement to match the international standards.
The final matrix gives the overall picture of an institution’s educational standards and also recommends ways to improve them.
Key Dimensions To the Institute’s Ranking Organizational Management Academic Management Institutional Performance
IAO’S Recommendation Reports are meant to enhance the educational practices and standards of educational institutions so they are on a par with international educational quality standards, enjoy increased students enrolments and international recognition.
Exclusive Recommendation Reports to Improve your Institute’s Education Standards Every fully accredited institute of IAO receives Recommendation Reports at regular intervals to enhance their entity’s educational practices and standards. As the name suggests, these reports provide recommendations for the factors that have implications for full accreditation based on the data provided in the application form. The Recommendation Guidelines provided by the IAO to its accredited education providers are prepared with the goal to lead them with further improvement for their education systems. The IAO was established for assuring quality in the education system by accrediting traditional and nontraditional education providers and their study programs. In a very short span of time, the IAO managed to setup a unique and patented accreditation system, known as Points Profile System, with sufficient human, financial and expert resources. The evaluation commission of IAO, as the main decision making body of the accreditation agency, takes strategic and accreditation decisions and oversees the quality of the institution’s study programs. The panel endorses that IAO’s accredited education providers are compliant with the IAO Standards and Guidelines; however by means of the Recommendation Guides, IAO proposes several recommendations in the light of further development of the institution. The panel stresses the need for improvement of such areas. There are normally points in the system for further development and improvement which will contribute to higher quality of the education standards.
IAO Accreditor 19
Interview
IAO In Conversation with
Mr. Shri P. R Agarwala
Qualifications & Experience
Q: A:
Could you please tell us about your academic background and achievements? I have acquired the following qualifications: B.Com from Calcutta University LLB from Calcutta University
Currently, I am serving as the Chairman of Sobhasaria Group of Institutions. We are proud to be a member of the National Board of Accreditation (NBA), India. Our institute has been set up in 27 Acres of land with very high standards of infrastructure and well laid down labs and classrooms with very ambient lush green environment which create a very good atmosphere for teaching/ learning/ research.
Q: A:
Your extensive experience can be a source of inspiration for many; please share with us the professional milestones you have achieved so far? I am currently heading Rupa & Co. Ltd, Rupa Dyeing & Printing Ltd and Sobhasaria Group of Institutions as Chairman I am also serving as Board of Governors of Heritage Institute of Technology, Kolkata, a prestigious college of West Bengal, Kharagpur I am also working with three Vice Presidents and a dedicated team of Board of Directors to bring laurels to Sobhasaria Group of Institutions so as to make it number one amongst private institutions of Rajasthan. We aim to provide education with a difference so that our students are recognized world wide
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Interview Rupa is a well recognized name in hosiery, worldwide. Over and above I have the distinction of being Sr. Vice President of Bharat Chander of Commerce I have also been the President of West Bengal Hosiery Association
Challenges & Opportunties As the Chairman of the University what are some of Q: your long and short term goals for the education system at the University?
A:
As Chairman of the institute my short term goal is to provide the best infrastructure and to provide the best available faculty so that Rajasthan can be proud of our institute as the “BEST TECHNICAL EDUCATION CENTER� of Rajasthan in terms of education and research. On a long term goal, I wish to convert it into an International University of repute and we have already proceeded in this regard by making a World Class Hostel for Foreign students.
the Chairman, what Q: Being biggest challenges will be?
A:
do you think your
The biggest challenge as on date is to recruit the best faculty and we have to find ways and means to retain them. I think in this direction we have been fairly successful.
Interests & Opinions is your philosophy for effective teaching Q: What methodology?
A:
We have no hesitation to learn the best teachinglearning practices from others and share their knowledge and wisdom worldwide, if the same can transform the lives of our students to become professionals in their carriers. Our emphasis has been for knowledge development and exchange of creative thoughts and ideas.
Q:
In the wake of hiking tuition fee, do you predict a decline in overall enrolment in higher education institutes/universities?
A:
We believe in reasonable tuition fee so that the standard education is passed on to the masses. In
IAO Accreditor 21
Interview international standard. This helps an institute to get into an international club of institutions which are accredited by the same agency. The IAO's accreditation brings an institute at a common meeting point where it can freely exchange thoughts across the universities or colleges across the world. It also helps the institution to collaborate with them on various academic initiative and more importantly consult each other on curriculum and effec-
Q:
Do you think technological advancement has helped in effective learning for students or is it more of a distraction?
A:
The time has passed when there used to be general purpose engineers to perform the given tasks. With the advancement in technical education, I am of the option that we should have more and more specified Engineering branches wherein detailed knowledge about the subject can be imparted to the students so that they are more useful to the society in terms of research and development of industry at large. In a competitive world it is the survival of the fittest.
order to attract meritorious students, we provide scholarships liberally. However, I am a firm believer that quality of education must be the priority for the institute and our belief is not on profit making but to provide education with a difference internationally.
Q: A:
Q: A: Q:
In the recent times it has been observed that many students are opting for non-traditional methods of education, like distance learning, etc. Do these alternative methods produce equally competent graduates? I am a firm believer that non-traditional methods of education can fill up the gap of technical manpower on a short term goal only. In order to get the in-depth knowledge of Engineering and Management, one must go through the various technical sessions and labs to be professional in their career. What, in your opinion, is the perceived value of accreditation for: (a) Education Providers (b) Students (a) It means means following the standard practices for imparting best education (b) Enhances trust and confidence in the institute and assures degrees acceptability Do you think IAO’s international accreditation has made a difference in the world of education? If so, then how? For quality assurance, accreditation is very important for institutions in Higher Education sector also. Therefore, institutions in education sector also need to have a stamp of an independent agency of
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Ending Note Q: A: Q: A:
What do you do in your spare time? Whenever I have spare time, I reach on the internet for the best practices for the welfare of the industry and good teaching practices to imporve the education and learning standards of the university. Dr. Agarwala, thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions for IAO ACCREDITOR. Do you have any message or piece of advice for educationists and students? The key areas where institutions need to improve are research, publications, faculty quality, PhD ratios, conference presentations, international teaching, governance, better corporate networking, etc.
“International accreditation by the IAO encourages global networking with other peer institutes bringing in new knowledge and culture from different regions of the world.�
Featured Topic
Social Media
- How Tweet It Is!
A
typical day in the life of a university student normally consists of the following routine; studying for midterms and finals, meeting up with friends, playing sports and using social media tools such as Facebook and Twitter – a phenomenon that has, in just a few years, taken the world by storm. If numbers are anything to go by, social media then would be the most oft-used tool of the nearly 56% have either used or have a profile on social networks while a whopping 1.2 billion people have accounts on Facebook. Research tells us that social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter are considered the most reliable sources of information by students around the world. They are tools through students are able to stay connected with their peers, their institute and the wider world. Many instructors may argue that social media websites such as Facebook are a waste of time; students are unable to pay attention to their studies or develop constructive learning habits because they’re always on Facebook. On the other hand, there are others belonging to certain educational institutions that see potential in these websites and are, as a result, trying to incorporate them into their institute’s curriculum as a way of establishing and maintaining a connection between students and the institute. One of the major reasons why students prefer to stay connected to social media (and which is also why universities and colleges are now suddenly paying attention) is the provision of information related to their school, friends and about what’s happening around the world in real-time. The immediacy with which
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information can be accessed through social media is unparalleled by any other medium which is why many educational institutes are taking the plunge by attempting to connect with their students via this unique medium. As a result of this emerging trend, many business schools have made their fan pages on Facebook in order to interact with their students. Yet, utilizing social media effectively does not necessarily mean to connect with a student via just a fan page. They must integrate such pages with their home websites through links – something that will ultimately help cement the relationship between a student and his/her university but is a practice that many universities rarely adopt. According to a survey conducted by BizEd Magazine in which nearly 371 business schools were surveyed, around 36% - a figure of 133 schools – did not provide links to their feeds on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or LinkedIn from their websites. Adding links to social media feeds is as easy as loading each social media service's plug-in to a Web site. Plug-ins can be found on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media outlets on their Web site developer pages. Schools that haven't taken this step could be reducing the impact of their social media content by up to 70 percent. With today's social media tools, business schools can enhance their visibility in the market, connect with constituents at greater speed, and take only seconds to provide their students with new opportunities to learn. Simply put, social media is how today's students communicate. Whether by tweet, like, or status update, it's time for business schools to get that message.
Technology Corner
Massive Open Online Courses are a recent and major development in distance education. These courses are similar to college courses; except that they are meant for a larger student base, providing open and free access to the course material via the web. Harvard, MIT and Duke are among the leading educational institutions that are offering free online courses in collaboration with Coursera, edX and Udacity- some of the major platforms to deliver the MOOCs. Stanford University also offered two free open courses (Computer Networking and Solar Cells, Fuel Cells, & Batteries) with Class2Go in fall 2012. One of the most prominent platforms to deliver the MOOC is Coursera which was developed by Daphne Koller and Andrew Ng, computer science professors from Stanford University in California. Coursera partners with the world’s top universities and now offers around 119 MOOCs. Darden School of Business by University of Virginia has recently announced ‘New Models of Business in Society’, an open online course, or MOOC in collaboration with Coursera. Darden Professor, R. Edward Freeman is going to conduct this class to the Coursera community. The same school delivered its first Coursera class in January 2013 on "Grow to GreatnessSmart Growth for Private Business," which received 71,000 registrations on its start date. In July 2012, Coursera held a face-to-face event for students near San Francisco which invited all of its students to come and meet their classmates and professors.
Make Way for Open Online
Courses
In Sept. 2012, Colorado State University became the first U.S.-based University to offer academic credit for Udacity course. To earn three credits for Udacity's "Introduction to Computer Science: Building a Search Engine," students need to earn a "certificate of completion" and pass a proficiency exam. In Sept. 2012, edX announced its collaboration with Pearson VUE, the leading provider of global computer-based testing solutions, to provide its learners the option to take a final exam to prove their proficiency in its free online courses.
The above developments indicate the quick development and popularity of MOOCs. However, most educational experts agree that MOOCs still have a long way to go before they could be compared to smaller traditional or online courses. Nonetheless, the enrolment of hundreds and thousands of learners in MOOCs indicates that this mode of delivery will soon impact the future of education.
IAO Accreditor 25
Q&A
We say that the faculty should be given an What are your suggestions for our school in terms of Q: opprutnity Q: enhancing to pursue research & fellowship activites. students admission policies? How will I wonder, if that happens then how will they keep a balance between their teaching and studying?
these policies contribute towards our school's improvement?
of all, please understand that good faculty shoud be A: I appreciate your concern in knowing how students A: First admission policies will contribute towards your schools the foremost priority of your educational institute. We highly encourage institutes that they help their faculty pursue research & scholarships as that would better prepare them to contribute more to the educational environement and strengthen the teaching and learning environment. In case of unavailability of the teacher, the classes can be scheduled online as per the faculty member's availability. If it so appears that the institute does not have much technological advancements then a new faculty ememebr can take over. But always remember, best educational institutions set themselves apart with their continuous commitment to faculty development.
Q:
Hi. I am an administrative officer at an educational institute in africa. We regularly receive updates about improving educational standards for our institute. However, i have reservations in one area i.e. Marketing. Could you please elaborate on how we can do effective marketing to get more students enrolmnents.
of all we are glad that you are a member of IAO A: First global institutions network. We are very thankful that
your institution practises the techniques and policies suggested by IAO for imporving and standardizing the educational standards. Now answering your question, please note that different countries have different educational environments and educational systems. So, the marketing strategies for your educational institute should be designed by keeping in mind your country's educational environment. A few basic and sugegsted ones are: website, publications, advertisements, press releases etc.
success. to enhance your school's admission policies, firstly I would like to suggest that your school first develop clear enrolment goals and establish such strategies that enable the delivery of effective academic programs and promote students success. Your school should also clearly define policies for a wide variety of students such as students who are returning back to studies, or students who have disability, or senior citizens etc. All information about the confidentiality of the student's records and information, admission criteria, fees and fundings, concessionary offers in different situations and cases, closing dates etc; should be clearly specified on all the marketing material and also the implications if not obliged. These few factors should form the framewok of your school's policies.
How does Q: Success'?
IAO define ' Measure of Students
We measure students success when they have acquired A: the following skill set: Communicate effectively Solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking Use technology effectively Work, get along well with others and participate as responsible citizens Explore educational and career goals Apply aesthetic judgment in everyday life Make wise and safe choices for healthy living
Send us your questions at: qasession@iaoaccreditor.com 26 IAO Accreditor
Upfront
FROM
THE IAO’S DESK
Renew Your Membership Before You Lose The Winning Edge
IAO’s Accreditation provides an opportunity to improve the educational quality of your institution. It provides a means of evaluating and comparing your courses/programs, facilities, and procedures with those of others. It involves a process whereby an accrediting body grants public recognition to an institution as having met certain standards. As a fully accredited institute, you have received a number of incomparable benefits and you can continue to reap the same and more value added benefits if you renew your membership. As an IAO’s renewed accredited member you will receive the following: IAO's Renewed Full Accreditation Certificate & Seal Continuous Improvement of Educational Standards Upon receiving Full Accreditation, the University will get a IAO will send its recommendation reports at regular Full Accreditation Certificate & Seal that your University intervals to enhance your University's educational can use to promote on several mediums including your practices and standards. Also, a dedicated accreditation website, official documents and marketing collaterals. consultant will be available to support you for your queries.
International Accreditation with Regional Recognition IAO's accreditation will continue to enhance the education provider’s profile on an international level, ensuring that the educational programs of the entity are globally recognized and accepted. Upon renewing your IAO's accreditation, the education provider will be able to enjoy continued record student enrollments, and the degrees offered will be accepted by leading national and multinational organizations the world over.
International Benchmark in Education Standards As an IAO’s renewed fully accredited institution, you will be awarded with an updated IAO's unique and patented Points Profile Score which will ensure that the educational programs are on a par with the global standards. IAO's Points Profile Score is a testament of the quality education that the education provider delivers and you can continue enjoying a competitive edge over all regional and international education providers.
International Promotion & Access to IAO's Publications As IAO's Fully Accredited University, you can promote yourself at IAO's educational events and seminars by participating in them. IAO will also send its publications from time to time to your Universityto keep you updated on educational practices you can adopt to enhance your University 's educational standards.
Professional Development Opportunity By renewing your IAO’s full accreditation, you will receive professional development opportunity of your staff members by participating in IAO's conferences and seminars. It will also encourage exchange of information, technology and resources on quality assurance standards and good educational practices on an international level.
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Upfront
IAO’s Globally Accredited Education Providers IAO has awarded accreditation to a large number of education providers around the world with its educational accreditation services. The agency grants accreditation to educational institutions after evaluating them through its points profile system. Following is the list of fully accredited and candidate universities, institutes and schools. Fully Accredited
Candidate for Accreditation
Dr. K. N. Modi University
Universidad Yacambú
AZ International
Kawader
International School Of Business & Media
Benaa Alrowad Center
Budding Babies
Sofcon India Pvt. Ltd.
Ibn Khaldun Training Center
Arab Consulting and Development Corporation The DJ Academy
Coimbatore Institute of Technology
Asia Pacific Institute of Technology
Connect-2-Hair Ltd
Chef Academy of London
St.Andrew’s College
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IAO Accreditor
National Institute of Business Management
Maple International Education
Upfront
IAO’s Globally Accredited Education Providers IAO has awarded accreditation to a large number of education providers around the world with its educational accreditation services. The agency grants accreditation to educational institutions after evaluating them through its points profile system. Following is the list of fully accredited and candidate universities, institutes and schools. Fully Accredited
Candidate for Accreditation
Skillfull Trading
Atlas Translation Services
Victory Training & Development Institute
MAK Group Business Solutions
Regional Information Technology Institute
Apex Institute
Lal bahadur Shastri Institute of Management (LBSIM)
World School Skills International For Training & Consulting
Petra for Conferences Consultants For Managerial & Technical Consultation New Vision for Studies and Research
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Contact IAO IAO, 10685-B Hazelhurst Dr. #11524 Houston, TX 77043, USA
Phone: 1-866-2768-IAO (426) Email: contact@iao.org Website: http://iao.org