Rovaniemi University of Applied Sciences offers virtual studies using different online systems to provide educational opportunities for students in remote areas of Finland. Currently around 200 students are enrolled in virtual studies programs, mainly in fields like forestry, engineering, and tourism. The university supports these virtual studies through systems like iLinc for real-time online classes and Discendum Optima for asynchronous learning. A team of 3 support staff provides both pedagogical and technical assistance to students and teachers for these virtual studies programs. The university also aims to increase flexible virtual student mobility between universities through partnerships.

1. VirtualStudiesat Rovaniemi University of Applied Sciences Rovaniemi University of Applied Sciences Kristiina Anttila Coordinator of VirtualStudies November 24th, 2010 - Kristiina Anttila 1

2. Table of Contents Virtualstudies at RAMK Supportedsystems VirtualStudiesSupport Services at RAMK Studentmobility (virtual) November 24th, 2010 - Kristiina Anttila 2

3. Basis Virtualstudies = network-basedstudies A mixture of differentsystems and methods Long distances, isolationfrom big cities in Finland, economicalsituation, lifelonglearning have to find new ways to offerstuidyingpossibilities for students A strategicdecision November 24th, 2010 - Kristiina Anttila 3

4. Currentstate Virtualstudiesoffered and developedespecially for adulteducationprogrammes (since 2008) At the momentvolyme is constantlygrowing (5-8 new groups/year) About 200 students at the moment ”online”, estimatewithintwoyearsapproximately 400 November 24th, 2010 - Kristiina Anttila 4

5. Supportedsystems iLinc(realtimesystem) DiscendumOptima (asynchronoussystem) Others, likeblogs, wikis etc. November 24th, 2010 - Kristiina Anttila 5

6. iLincusage Approx. 10 online-sessions per evening Mostactivegroups: Forestry, Engineering, Landsurveying, Tourism, Hotel & Restaurant Management, Business Economics; some groups from School of Health Care and Social Services iLinc-users at the moment: 3502 November 24th, 2010 - Kristiina Anttila 6

7. iLincusage November 24th, 2010 - Kristiina Anttila 7

8. Optimausage Licenses 7950, users 4743 no significantchanges in twoyears 2024 workspaces Workspaces per uservarybetween 1 to 50 November 24th, 2010 - Kristiina Anttila 8

9. Supportservices Supportpersonnel; 3 persons Mon to Fri from 8-21 and on Satfrom 8-16 Both, pedagogical and technicalsupport Part of teaching – studying – learning –process planning, usertraining, supportduringcourses and support for evaluation and development Supportnetworkbetween LUC (LaplandUniversityConsortium) November 24th, 2010 - Kristiina Anttila 9

11. Projects

13. Recordings and deliveryTechnical education to teachers Planning the use of the toolstogether with teachers Development of teaching Teaching-studying -process Planning Duringthe course Evaluation & development Support before the course Support during the course Education Development

15. Currentlynotenoughmobility to finance it

16. Is a possibility for strategicpartnerships and both national and international networking11

17. Thankyou! For moreinformation, pleasecontact: kristiina.anttila@ramk.fi November 24th, 2010 - Kristiina Anttila 12