Site announcements

Dear all, find below a list of consolidated issues we discussed on Sunday, January 19. I have provided an early response for each issue and I will follow up as soon as there are new developments. Feel free to respond here or on other channels if you have any feedback, questions or issues I may have missed.

Consolidated Feedback and Response

Online Learning Platform

1. Synchronization between Moodle Calendar and External tools (e.g. Google Calendar)
   Syncing functionality is already available and we will provide a short guide on how to. It does involve a few steps, although it is fairly straightforward. We will explore with the developers if there are options to further simplify the process.
2. Visibility and Notification System for Assessment Due Dates and Milestones
   Assessments and deadlines will be integrated into the course and website calendar, visible from Day 1. By synchronizing the Moodle calendar with external calendars (e.g., Google Calendar), students will have improved notification options. Students can manage how they receive notifications directly from their chosen calendar tools. Assessment submission forms will be accessible on the assessment page and linked to the corresponding calendar event.
3. Zoom Link Issues and Availability
   The transition to a single static Zoom link for all sessions should resolve any previous issues. This link will also be added to calendar events, making it accessible from external calendars when synced.
4. Remember Login and Trusted Devices
   We are consulting with developers to address this feature request. Updates will follow.
5. Side Navigation Panel Issues on Smartphones
   Navigation issues on smartphones are a high-priority task. We are actively discussing solutions with developers to improve functionality, allowing smooth navigation to course sections.
6. Progress Updates and Progress Bars
   Development is underway to improve progress tracking. Feedback is being shared with developers to explore ideas such as visual formatting and using green checkmarks to highlight completed sections.
7. Incomplete Recordings
   Only sessions in the main Zoom room are recorded. Breakout room discussions are not captured. Recorded sessions will be linked on the event page for each live session.
8. Dedicated Tab for Course Resources
   A "Resources" tab is available, housing folders for all course-related materials such as slides, readings, and additional content.
9. Display of Multiple Videos
   We are open to experimenting with different structures for displaying videos and will seek your input to determine the most effective layout.
10. Video Loading Issues
    We are investigating with the IT team and our Vimeo subscription provider to identify and address any issues. Please continue reporting any difficulties you experience.
11. Announcements Across Multiple Channels
    While some announcements are sent through Line (e.g., research seminars), there is no consensus on email notifications. We will discuss customizable notification options with vendors to meet varied student preferences.
12. Downloadable Learning Materials for Lifetime Learning
    This is a longer-term goal, but we recognize its importance. We will consult with developers and management to explore potential solutions, such as perpetual access to the platform and completed courses or other options.
13. Offline Learning Material Access
    Given the reliance on stable internet access for this online degree, this is a challenging request. However, we will evaluate technologies like Vimeo, Articulate, and Moodle to explore the feasibility of providing offline materials with built-in expiration features.
14. Resume Functionality
    This is a great idea, and we will discuss its implementation with developers to determine feasibility and timelines.

Program Delivery

1. Clearer Expectations for Assessments
   We are improving communication by including a grading allocation section on the course overview page. Comprehensive assessment descriptions (expectations, structure, deadlines) will be provided online. Links to these descriptions will be available in multiple locations, such as the grading allocation section and calendar. Calendar events for assessment deadlines will also be included.
2. Planning Sensitive Dates
   Key dates will be released block by block, providing a three-month preview of course-related deadlines. Events like residentials will be added to the calendar as early as possible, consistent with marketing and admission communications.
3. Mandatory and Voluntary Event Labels
   Events will be clearly labeled as mandatory or voluntary and categorized by their relevance to a specific course or the program as a whole.
4. Releasing Content at Once
   Starting from Block 2, we will release course content in bulk. While some discussions are ongoing about whether the entire 4-chapter course will be available on Day 1 or in two tranches of two chapters each, the decision will ultimately be left to the academic lead of the course.
5. Residential Details and Schedules
   Residential dates are fixed and unchanged since marketing/admission stages. These will be added to the calendar. Location details will follow soon. A detailed schedule will be shared closer to the event date. Operational details, such as hotel, transportation, and dress codes, will be communicated in advance through multiple channels.
6. Appropriate Communication Channels
   We aim to cater to diverse preferences by maintaining and enhancing multi-channel communication. Keep in mind that you have some ways of controlling notifications, particularly once the calendars are synced.
• Email: Used for major communications.
• Platform Calendar: Features milestones, events, and deadlines.
• Line Group: For quick updates, reinforcement of messages, and group discussions.
• Forum: For course-related discussions and engagement.
• One-on-One Communication: Available via our Line official account or faculty email.
  We are open to exploring additional channels based on student suggestions.