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Distance Learning (E-Learning)
Manual
(Summer 2019-2020)
Version (1)
Dated 24th June 2020
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 4
1.1 Why Choose Distance Learning (E-learning) ................................................................... 4
1.2 The Benefits of Continuing Distance Learning (E-learning) ........................................... 5
2. How to use E-learning platforms ........................................................................................... 7
2.1 MyLMS ................................................................................................................................. 7
2.1.1 How do I view my Courses on myLMS? ......................................................................... 13
2.1.2 How do I view my Assignments on myLMS? .................................................................. 13
2.2 Microsoft Teams .................................................................................................................. 8
2.3 Respondus ............................................................................................................................ 8
2.4 VPN Connection to a Remote Computer Lab ................................................................... 8
3. Academic Information and Assessment Criteria .................................................................. 9
3.1 Lecture Delivery .................................................................................................................. 9
3.2 Laboratories, Practical Work, Internship, and Final Year Projects .............................. 9
3.3 Online Assessment (Summer 2019-2020)........................................................................... 9
3.4 Online Exam or Quiz Invigilation .................................................................................... 10
4. General Information per School ........................................................................................... 11
4.1 English Language Program .............................................................................................. 11
4.2 School of Business .............................................................................................................. 12
4.3 School of Engineering ........................................................................................................ 13
4.3.1 Traditional Courses ........................................................................................................... 13
4.3.2 Project Based Learning and Graduation Projects ......................................................... 13
4.3.3 Workshop ........................................................................................................................... 13
5. Student’s Netiquette Guide for E-learning .................................................................... 14
6. FAQs on E-learning........................................................................................................ 16
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Distance Learning (E-Learning) Manual
1. Introduction
The Australian College of Kuwait (ACK or the College) has always been committed to ensure
the academic progress of its students, especially during the current circumstances of COVID-
19.
Ideally, universities implement e-learning, where appropriate, to support the achievement of
their goals in providing student-centered learning experiences that are flexible, responsive,
effective, and meet the needs of all learners and partners.
The unexpected health pandemic caused by COVID-19 expedited the process of adopting
distance learning (e-learning) and allowed the College to implement it within a short timeframe.
Following PUC’s approval, ACK was able to resume its Spring 2019-2020 semester online in
April 2020.
E-learning promotes an active and student-centered approach that nourishes students’ skills.
Through e-learning, students are empowered to utilize the available e-materials and e-library
provided by the College and can make good use of the simulation and the virtual reality tools
and laboratories.
This document offers an insight into e-learning at ACK, clarifies any questions students might
have, and provides explanations on how to use the available platforms. For additional
information, please refer to ACK’s portal page on e-learning which also includes training
videos and multiple resources.
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1.1 Why Choose Distance Learning (E-Learning)
1- Helps students graduate on time without any delay
2- It provides students with the opportunity to work at their own pace
3- Lectures can be taken at any time suitable for the student
4- Lectures can be reviewed multiple times by students
5- Students are able to receive one-on-one academic, personal care and advising through
online communication channels
6- It saves students the commute time and money
7- No conflicts with class schedules
8- It simplifies the time management issues for married and working students
9- Allows students to constructively utilize their time during the lockdown period
10- Relaxing environment with reduced pressure compared to the typical classroom
11- E-learning is the future for higher education institutions
12- It increases the students’ competitive edge
13- It is used by high ranking academic institutions, and is recognized worldwide as a
learning method
14- E-learning is a foundation phase for working from home with flexible hours
15- E-learning empowers students to make use of the available e-materials and e-libraries
available through the internet
16- E-learning promotes an active and student-centered learning environment
17- Offers continuous access to updated lectures’ content and material
18- Makes good use of the simulation and the virtual reality tools
19- It has great retention rates
20- Less impact on the environment by using less power resources.
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1.2 The Benefits of Continuing Distance Learning (E-Learning)
1- Consistent with the Ministerial decision on the importance of staying at home to prevent
the spread of the new virus COVID-19 and to ensure the continuity of education during
crises.
2- Investing students’ time productively so that they do not fall behind compared to their
peers at ACK who choose track 1 and peers at other institutions
3- Provides the opportunity to focus on students expected to graduate by allowing them to
complete their graduation requirements through e-learning
4- In response to the desire of students and parents to continue education during the current
period
5- E-learning allows the use of the internet and modern technologies in line with the latest
educational methods worldwide
6- Offers flexibility for students by giving them the autonomy to study at the time and
place they wish
7- Multiple learning methods using modern tools and applications that will make
education more effective and appealing for students
8- Accessibility to a variety of online educational resources for students that can be
effectively utilized to continue their education easily
9- Accessibility to e-learning platforms that facilitate communication and interaction
between students and faculty, in addition it helps students develop their skills, improve
their discipline, foster their sense of responsibility, manage their time, and hone their
analytical and creative skills
10- Ability to communicate between students and faculty periodically through dedicated
networks (Microsoft Teams) and e-mail
11- Introduction of modified assessments for e-learning
12- A strategic opportunity to contribute to meeting Kuwait's Vision 2035, serving the
strategic pillar of "Investing in Creative Human Capital", and reforming the education
system to better prepare the youth to become competitive and productive members of
the national workforce.
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2. How to use E-Learning platforms
2.1 MyLMS
MyLMS (Moodle) is the main platform utilized to share the courses’ materials with the
students, conduct online assessments in various forms (exams, quizzes, assignments, etc.), send
official announcements, and many other functions. To access MyLMS, please follow the below
steps:
1. Go to the ACK Portal > Click on myLMS.
2. Enter your username and password.
2.1.1 How do I view my Courses on myLMS?
To view your courses, click on the Courses tab once you’ve logged in. If the semester has
not started yet, you might find the courses listed under the Future sub-tab as shown below.
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2.1.2 How do I view my Assignments on myLMS?
Your assignments will appear in the assignment box of your course page.
Note: To access myLMS from your smart phone, download the Moodle app either from the
App store or Google Play. You will need to add the site address https://mylms.ack.edu.kw,
then enter your username and password.
2.2 Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a communication tool that allows the College to directly connect with
students, conduct virtual lectures, meetings, presentations, live discussions, etc.
Welcome to Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams Guide - Desktop App
Microsoft Teams Guide - Mobile App
2.3 Respondus
Respondus Lockdown Browser is a secure browser for taking exams and quizzes in myLMS
(Moodle). When you use Lockdown Browser to access an exam or quiz, you are unable to
print, copy, go to another URL, access other applications, or close the exam or quiz until it is
submitted for grading. If an exam or quiz requires that Lockdown Browser be used, you will
not be able to take the exam or quiz with a standard web browser. Lockdown Browser should
only be used for taking myLMS exams and quizzes. It should not be used in other areas of
myLMS.
You may be required to use a webcam with Respondus Lockdown Browser (Respondus
Monitor), which will record you during an online, non-proctored exam. Requirements for using
Lockdown Browser and webcam to take a quiz are as follows:
Access Exam with LockDown Browser
Integrated or USB Webcam
Integrated or USB Microphone
Broadband Internet Connection
Click here for more information about Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor
2.4 VPN Connection to a Remote Computer Lab
Follow the steps presented here to be able to access a computer lab on ACK campus remotely
(off-campus).
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3. Academic Information and Assessment Criteria
3.1 Lecture Delivery
Microsoft Teams was utilized by ACK as the platform to deliver students their online course
material, which is uploaded to myLMS learning management system. ACK developed three
methods for recording and delivering lectures and tutorials online. The three-broad e-learning
lectures creation and delivery methods available through ACK are:
A. Faculty post their lecture in the form of PowerPoint slides with a pre-recording of their
voice explaining the material using the “Narration” and/or Microsoft Teams functions.
B. Live Presentation of the lecture using Microsoft Teams and the use of the whiteboard
and electronic pen/tablet embedded within Microsoft Teams to explain the lecture
material. In addition, the live lecture can be recorded for future use by students.
C. Recording of lectures in ACK studios and posting them online for students to review
through Microsoft Stream.
For each e-learning course, the course’s coordinator/instructor will communicate directly with
students regarding the method of e-learning as well as means of the course assessments and
any group activities. Occasionally e-learning might not require personal face to face meeting
of any participant and is therefore ideally suited for students living in remote areas or for
reasons such as the global coronavirus pandemic attendance on campus is not possible.
3.2 Laboratories, Practical Work, Internship, and Final Year
Projects
Many of ACK’s courses have laboratory elements. Others have project or practical components
such as Project Based Learning (PBL) courses and graduation projects. ACK successfully
developed and implemented an academic plan to cover all these elements online and maintain
student learning. PBL courses, final year projects, and internships were all offered online. Their
learning and assessment methods were tailored so that the requirements can be completed
without the need for face to face communication. Where necessary, projects were modified
using simulation/theoretical based means for assessment.
3.3 Online Assessment (Summer 2019-2020)
Each department and the course’s coordinator/instructor determine fair and reasonable means
of online assessment taking into account the individual nature of each course. Each academic
department will consider different types of assessment based on the nature and requirements
of each course. The online assessments will include one or more of the following assessment
methods: exams, quizzes, assignments, projects, open-book exams, and other activities as
appropriate for individual course requirements.
During the first week of e-learning semester, all faculty members will explain to students the
method of delivery and assessments for their courses. The detailed arrangements regarding
laboratory and other applied aspects of learning will presented to students in the most effective
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means possible using electronic mediums. Similarly, project type work that would normally
be undertaken by groups will be modified so that learning and assessments can be undertaken
in team situations, but restricted to online activity. PBL courses, final year projects, and
internships will be offered online and the learning and assessment will be tailored so that the
requirements can be completed without the need for face to face communication. Where
necessary, projects will be modified using simulation/theoretical based means for assessment.
3.4 Online Exam or Quiz Invigilation
ACK has introduced three methods of invigilating online exams or quizzes. They are myLMS,
Microsoft Teams, and Respondus lockdown browser and its monitor. Control measures for
enhancing the integrity of online assessments were developed and shared with faculty to help
them design online assessments and maintain the integrity of ACK's academic programs and
reputation.
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4. General Information per School
4.1 English Language Program
Foundation students have the opportunity to enroll in the level 2 Engineering course for
summer 2020.
The teaching part of the semester will be carried out during class meetings on Microsoft
Teams and the teaching material will be uploaded on myLMS (Moodle).
Assessments will vary depending on the skill/course. Below is a summary of the testing
methods that will be applied.
In writing, students will write their assessments during the time of the class meeting, scan it
and send it for feedback. Research work will be done as a homework before it is incorporated
in a draft to be written during class meetings.
In reading, the assessments will vary between tasks outside class hours and an online test to be
carried out on myLMS (Moodle) and invigilated on Microsoft Teams.
In listening, students will be tested using an online test to be carried out on myLMS (Moodle)
and invigilated on Microsoft Teams. The students will be asked to use the CamScanner phone
application to scan their listening log notes for receiving continuous feedback and final
submission.
As for transferable academic skills, students will produce a project that they work on
individually or in a group. Group work will be on Microsoft Teams and will be monitored by
the instructor.
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4.2 School of Business
In preparation of the upcoming Summer 2019-2020 sessions, we have condensed the teaching
material and assessment methods to make them compatible with the shorter Summer 2019-
2020 which is taught over six weeks.
The students’ work will be assessed using both formative and summative tools such as projects,
presentation, reflective essays, quizzes, and end of Summer 2019-2020 examinations. As in
any other semester, instructors will have the flexibility to select, from the broad category,
assessment tools that best suit their courses. We have essentially kept all the key assessments
tools that our students are familiar with and have been using at ACK. However, we have
developed innovative approaches which allow our students to submit their assessments for
grading through an online system.
To further enhance the integrity of our assessment tools, all online examination will be
invigilated using some of the most advanced invigilation software such as Respondus
comparable to those used in leading universities worldwide.
We are aware that some of our students will need to take the Internship unit which comprise
80 hours of actual working in a real company. These students will be placed with real
companies that will assign tasks students can do while working online from home. For
example, in the previous Spring 2019-2020 semester, the School of Business was able to
place over 70 students who needed to complete their internship course.
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4.3 School of Engineering
The School of Engineering adopts various teaching methods which are summarized as follows:
- Traditional: Lectures and Laboratories;
- PBL: Project Based Learning;
- Graduation Project; and
- Workshops.
The assessment framework would hence depend on the delivery method and the nature of the
course itself which is summarized below.
4.3.1 Traditional Courses:
All traditional courses at the School of Engineering will follow a continuous assessment
framework in the form of a combination of the following assessment tools:
- Online quizzes with a weight of 15% each;
- Assignments with a weight varying between 20-30% each;
- Take-home exams with a weight varying between 20-30% each.
- Practical assessment with a weight of 20% in the form of lab sheets/reports.
In total, the number of assessment tools per course is five and are chosen according to the
nature of the course and its requirements.
4.3.2 Project Based Learning and Graduation Projects:
Due to the special nature of delivery, and similar to the regular semester, the students’
evaluation in a PBL course or a graduation project course will depend on various assessment
tools such as: reports, deliverables, online quizzes, workbooks, presentations, viva-voce, etc.
The weight distribution over these assessment tools depends heavily on the nature of the course
and its learning outcomes and will be shared with the students in the course outline at the
beginning of the semester.
4.3.3 Workshop:
Mechanical workshops will be treated just like any course with no lab. Students will have a
total of five assessment tools distributed over quizzes and assignments.
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5. Student’s Netiquette Guide for E-learning
E-learning is a flexible means of education enabling you to have direct control of the time and
location through which you progress with your studies. Instead of attending classes on campus,
students can learn from the comfort of their own homes and still be able to participate
electronically in a real-time communication mode with their faculty and fellow classmates.
The Australian College of Kuwait (“ACK” or the “College”) provides an online learning
system and resources for the use by faculty, staff, and students. Online resources include two
platforms: My LMS and Microsoft Teams, Respondus Lockdown Browser (Monitor) and all
the teaching and learning materials published through these platforms and communicated by
ACK.
Please be informed that all the College’s policies and procedures apply to you when you are
studying online with ACK. These policies and procedures are available on ACK Portal.
Whenever necessary, we will inform you of any updates to these policies through your official
student email account. Moreover, each student is required to thoroughly read, e-sign, and
adhere to the principles stipulated in the Student’s Netiquette Guide that ACK adopted for the
e-learning semester.
Click here to access the Student’s Netiquette Guide for E-learning.
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6. FAQs on E-learning
Q1. Has E-learning been approved by the Ministry of Higher Education and the Private
Universities Council (PUC)?
Yes, an official circular has been issued based on the decision of the Council of Ministers, from
the Office of the Minister of Higher Education, as well as from the Private Universities Council
which includes guidelines for e-learning for all private colleges and universities.
Q2. What will happen if I do not enroll in e-learning?
If you choose not to enroll in e-learning and/or you do not comply with all the specific terms
and conditions of learning through using the e-learning platform, you are required to complete
the Spring 2019-2020 semester by enrolling in next available e-learning semester. Please note
that we cannot guarantee physical on campus resumption due to the unpredictability of
the current conditions. We strongly encourage all of our students to read the files that have
been posted on the e-learning page on (i) Why choose e-learning and (ii) The benefits of e-
learning.
Q3. If I have a warning, can I still enroll in the e-learning semester?
Yes, online registration is available to all students. If you have any difficulties, please contact
the registration unit on [email protected].
Q4. If I did not previously register for Spring 2019-2020, can I register now for the e-
learning for Summer 2019-2020?
Yes, you can.
Q5. How will e-learning be conducted?
The three broad e-learning methods available through ACK are:
A. Faculty post their lecture in the form of PowerPoint slides with a pre-recording of their voice
explaining the material using the “Narration” and/or Microsoft Teams functions.
B. Live presentation of the lecture using Microsoft Teams and the use of the whiteboard and
electronic pen/tablet embedded within Microsoft Teams to explain the lecture material. In
addition, the live lecture can be recorded for future use by students.
C. Recording of lectures in ACK studios and posting them online for students to review through
Microsoft Stream.
For each e-learning course, the supervising faculty member will communicate directly with
students regarding the method of online learning as well as means of assessments and any group
activities.
Please refer to sections 2 and 3 of this manual for further information.
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Q6. What will be the duration of the online classes?
It will be as what you register for.
Q7. Will there be a trial period for e-learning to practice on it and get used to it?
No, however, section 2 and 3 of this manual will provide you with the necessary instructions
on how you can utilize the e-learning platforms and how you can view your classes, submit
assignments, ask questions, etc.
Q8. What tools do I need?
You will need your laptop/desktop/tablet, an internet connection, and your study materials.
For Microsoft Teams requirements:
Internet Explorer 11, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. However,
Firefox does not fully support Microsoft Teams meetings.
Compatible with Android phones and tablets. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod
touch. For the best experience with Microsoft Teams, use the latest version of iOS
and Android.
Q9. What if I have a question about the course or the subject being covered?
All students will have access to their instructors and academic advisors and may get in touch
with them through Microsoft Teams. If you are unable to get in touch with your academic
advisor, you can contact the Head of your Department or the Dean of your School.
Q10. What if I have a non-academic related concern?
You can email any of the following accounts based on the topic of your concern, and we will
respond to you as soon as possible
[email protected] for any issue related to your current enrollment, questions
regarding withdrawals, or general issues where you might not know exactly who to
refer to
[email protected] for non-academic related question and attendance
questions
[email protected] for more information on fees required or payment plan due dates
[email protected] for more information for PUC funded students or students
funded by other entities
[email protected] for IT-related assistance regarding password expiry or
issues related to MyLMS or Microsoft Teams
Q11. How will my assessments be and how will I be graded?
Please refer to section 3 of this manual or refer to your course instructor or academic advisor.
During the first week of e-learning semester, all faculty members will explain to students the
method of delivery and assessments for their courses.
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Q12. What is the duration of the Summer 2019-2020 using e-learning?
Summer 2019-2020 will start 28 June until 6 August 2020.
Final exams period will be from 9-11 August 2020.
Last day of the online Summer 2019-2020 will be 13 August 2020.
Q13. Will attendance be logged?
Yes, attendance will be monitored and logged on a weekly basis by each course instructor.
Q14. Will registering for e-learning help me graduate on time if I am an expected
graduate for Summer 2019-2020?
Yes, resuming through the e-learning platform will allow you to graduate on time (upon
successful completion of the Summer 2019-2020).
Q15. What will the academic calendar look like for students opting to enroll the Summer
2019-2020 through the e-learning platform?
Summer 2019-2020:
1. Starting Date 28 June 2020.
2. Drop/ Add period 28 June 2020.
3. Last day of teaching online 6 August 2020.
4. Final exams period from 9-11 August 2020.
5. Last day of the online Summer 2019-2020 13 August 2020.
Q16. Do I need to pay my fees if I am a self-funding student opting for learning through
the e-learning?
Yes, your fees will be required to be paid as you will not be able to receive your final grade
until you have cleared all of your fees and any outstanding payments.
Q17. What if I am an Aviation student, will I be able to opt for e-learning?
The School of Aviation is still pending approval from the civil aviation and accreditation
authorities to implement e-learning. Any developments will be announced through ACK’s
official communication channels. For further information, refer to School of Aviation.
Q18. I am an Engineering student, how will the labs be conducted through e--learning?
Please refer to Section 3 of this manual for further details.
Q19. I am an Engineering student, what about my graduation project?
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Please refer to section 3 of this manual for further details.
Q20. What if I decide to withdraw from the Summer 2019-2020 after I have signed the
consent form to continue the academic year through the e-learning platform after the
drop period?
The ACK Withdrawal Policy terms will be applied where the student will receive a W grade,
taking into consideration that sponsored students will need to follow their sponsor’s regulations
for semester/course withdrawal and self-funded students will be required to pay the fees in
full. Students who withdraw from Summer 2019-2020 will then need to re-register in the
withdrawn courses in the upcoming semester.
Q21. I am a student registered with the Student Support Centre; will I still receive my
academic accommodations?
Yes, your accommodations will be applied to the e-learning courses.
If you have any questions or require further support, you can directly email your LD Support
Officer and/or the Student Support Centre and they will respond to you as soon as possible:
Q22. Is psychological counselling and therapy still available during the e-learning?
Yes, it is available by phone with Dr. Jasem Hajih. You can email him directly or call him on
his ACK mobile number:
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 96960480
