Middle East goes global with e-Learning

The new office will operate as a pan-Arab education and counseling centre for the university in the Arab region. This will enable them to assist students who are considering enrolling in the existing MBA programme or other post-graduate courses currently being developed

Commenting on the opening Dr. Mukesh Aghi, CEO of Universitas 21 Global said, "Opening a regional office in what is regarded as the Middle East learning hub, is a natural extension of Universitas 21 Global's online offering. All the advantages of learning online still apply, but now we are able to provide on the ground expertise and support from our own representatives, as and when required."

Universitas 21 Global was introduced to the Middle East last year, and is the first Business School offering an online MBA programme. This unique and innovative approach has been well received in the Arab world and since our launch in August 2003, we have had over 800 applications for the programme and these students come from all around the world including Asia, Europe, the USA, Latin America and even Africa.

A joint venture between Universitas 21 and Thomson Learning, a global leader in providing integrated information solutions to business and professional customers, Universitas 21 Global is a consortium of 16 world-renowned universities. In 2002, five of Universitas 21 Global's member universities were ranked among the top 20 MBA schools by Asia Inc, including the National University of Singapore, University of New South Wales, University of Queensland, University of Hong Kong and University of Melbourne. Other member universities were recognised as being among the top business schools ranked by The Financial Times, the Economist Intelligence Unit and The Wall Street Journal.

"We are very happy to welcome Universitas 21 Global into the rich learning community of Knowledge Village," the Director of Knowledge Village, Dr Abdulla Al Karam, said today. "Since its inception, Knowledge Village has strongly advocated the benefits of e-learning. We are confident that having one of the top online business school as a key partner in Knowledge Village and the UAE will attract even more interest in what online learning has to offer."

"We support the initiative of U21 Global to open a regional office at Knowledge Village, which will enhance its global e-learning services. We are delighted to have partnered with U21 Global, therefore we will be more equipped to support the learning environment in the Middle East by bringing unprecedented access to cutting-edge online education" said Aman Merchant, Chief Executive Officer of Leading Concepts, a leading provider in the Middle East of executive education, performance consulting and e-learning solutions.

A key offering for Universitas 21 Global students is the challenge for them to demonstrate their analytical thinking and understanding of coursework through problem-based assignments that are set in a virtual environment. Students are able to engage in online discussions that connect them to counterparts across the world; they can also access the Universitas 21 Global library for learning resources.

Active interaction between students and lecturers is through e-mails, threaded discussions and other Web-based communications tools. Other learning applications are provided by Universitas 21 Global's proprietary Learning Management System to enhance the e-learning experience. This includes online announcement boards and special notepad functions for students to create their own lecture notes.

In addition to academic programmes, Universitas 21 Global also offers a holistic approach to education online. Its varied student services include academic counselling, career guidance and technical support.