11th March 2002
MALAYSIAN ACADEMICS VISIT BARNSLEY’S NEW GLOBAL SEAT OF LEARNING

Cambridge Online Learning continues to play its part in putting Barnsley on the world stage, with the visit of a senior delegation of Malaysian academics to Cambridge Online Learning’s head office, at Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre (BBIC) on 11 March

The 11-strong delegation represented the Malaysian Local Examinations Syndicate (MLES), and was led by Tuan Haji Abd. Latif bin Abd. Wadud, Deputy Director of the Syndicate. MLES is part of the Malaysian Ministry of Education and already has ties with Cambridge Online Learning through offering a range of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES) qualifications.

Dr David Towler, Principal and Chief Executive of Cambridge Online Learning, said: “The visit to Cambridge Online Learning showed just how advanced thinking and the practical application of the Internet in the UK is acting as a catalyst in the global delivery of high quality vocational education. Cambridge Online Learning represents a quantum leap forward in this field compared to any other organisation in the world, and we’re pleased to have chosen Barnsley as our base for delivering our pioneering courses.”

Malaysia is looking to overhaul and update its national vocational qualifications system, and the visiting party of learned Malaysian academics is looking to UK institutions like Cambridge Online Learning to see if any of its activities can be used as a model for best practice.

James Flanagan of Barnsley Development Agency, said: "Cambridge Online Learning is already creating a great deal of interest worldwide and we believe it has huge potential to be a key investor and employer in the borough in the future. This is just the sort of high profile, high quality organisation that Barnsley needs to encourage and nurture as part of its overall regeneration strategy, and BDA will continue to do everything possible to assist, support, and guide Cambridge Online Learning in this key phase of its development."

The focus of the Malaysian visit concentrated on Cambridge Online Learning explaining the strategic overview of innovate approaches to global educational development and learning. The Malaysians are also visiting a number of other colleges of Further Education in the UK.

Dr Towler continued: "Our Malaysian visitors were interested in learning the precise role of our qualifications and curriculum authority, the role of awarding bodies, and our assessment and verification systems and procedures. They were also incredibly excited about the role of leading edge technology developments including the Internet, which are already influencing the future of education in far-reaching ways. Malaysia is extremely keen on harnessing IT within education, an area where Cambridge Online Learning is a genuine world leader."



The Cambridge Online Learning delivery system is the first of its type in the world, representing the future of delivery of all vocational education globally, because it can provide a consistently high quality delivery medium at a low cost. Cambridge Online Learning can deliver all the learning resources required via the web; tutor support, assignments, assesment, online library, and a secure area for the interactive exchange of information between study group members in remote locations and different time zones.

For further information on Cambridge Online Learning, visit the site at www.cambridge-online-learning.co.uk or contact Julie Pawson on (01226) 321717.
E-mail jpawson@cambridge-online-learning.co.uk

For further information on Barnsley, contact Barnsley Development Agency on (01226) 784444.


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