UTech Annual Report 2018-19

Accredited by the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ) ANNUAL REPORT 2018-2019 University of Technology, Jamaica 10 in Trauma Studies and Integrative Counselling. The PLA Unit also facilitated module exemptions for eight (8) undergraduate modules; six (6) were obtained for portfolio development and two (2) for challenge examinations. Office of Distance Learning Academic Col- laboration & Online Course Development • A sixth cohort of students commenced the online Post Diploma in Pharmacy in August 2018. The onl ine cour se was launched by the College of Health Sciences in August 2013. • The College also utilized web-conferencing systems to deliver classes for some modules of the Doctor of Pharmacy programme. • Final exams for twenty (20) modules offered by the College of Health Sciences were administered online for over sixty students from eleven (11) countries. • The School of Business Administration started using the web-conferencing system to link classes at the Western Campus with those at the Papine Campus. • There were approximately 284 modules providing learning materials and resources in UTechOnline Upgrading of Technology Systems & Resources • The UTechOnline Learning Management System was upgraded in January 2019 from Moodle 3.1 to 3.5. The benefits include the ability to set file types for quiz essay questions, filter quiz questions by tag, award badges based on previously earned badges, manage users and directly record video and sound in modules. Students benefit from an upgraded platform with improved aesthetic usability and messaging capabilities. • The Blackboard Collaborate web-conferencing solution has been acquired by the University and implemented for use by faculty and students, to replace the previous subscription to Fuze Meeting. Blackboard Collaborate facilitates increased collaboration within online spaces, by enabling learners and instructors to interact and engage with each other in real time. • Over sixty (60) persons participated in training sessions offered by the ODL on using the Moodle Learning Management System and related plug-ins such as the Turnitin plagiarism software. UTECH ACADEMY Associate Vice President, Dr Jeanette Bartley-Bryan in January 2019 was appointed to oversee the restructuring and realignment of the UTech Academy. The Academy is charged to carry out the University’s mandate for flexible and open learning through continuing education and professional development. The three operational sites are located in Kingston, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. Course Delivery • The flag ship programme: Associate Degree in Business Administration was offered across the three sites to over sixty (60) participants • Supervisory Management certificate courses were ACADEMIC AFFAIRS DIVISION Cont’d. Dr. Jeanette Bartley-Bryan Associate Vice President