Mariana Lilley
Job title: Principal Lecturer in Computer Science
What modules (in which courses) do you teach?
I teach on two MSc modules, Web Scripting and Content Creation and Principles and Practice of E-Learning Design and Development, and one BSc module E-Learning Applications Design and Development.
I also supervise MSc projects, and PhD research.
Why do you enjoy teaching at the University of Hertfordshire?
The School provides me with great opportunities to integrate my teaching with my research interests.
Why do you enjoy teaching online degrees at the University of Hertfordshire?
I joined the School of Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire in 2002, and started teaching on the online programme in 2006.
Over the years, teaching online has given me fantastic opportunities to work alongside our international community of learners.
The talent and hard work of our online students are truly inspirational, and I really enjoy working with my online groups.
I know that some people think that studying online is somewhat impersonal or isolating but my experience has been quite the opposite. I am still in touch with many of my students, and some have even come to visit me at the College Lane campus from places as far as Malta, the USA and Trinidad & Tobago.
Judging from feedback from your current students, what do you think the benefits are of doing a degree by distance learning?
The great thing about distance learning is that it gives you a degree of freedom other forms of learning do not. In my experience, being able to fit their studies in with their other commitments is something that our students really value.
Academic staff and students alike thrive in the international community that we have built up over the years, or to put it in the words of one of our students… “it was extremely enlightening to hear views from an international community … I am sure I benefited much more than I could sitting in a traditional classroom”.
What sort of support do you give your online students?
To keep in contact with my students, I make regular use of asynchronous discussion forums and emails. I also run synchronous tutorials using Elluminate. I love these synchronous tutorials as they provide students with further opportunities to engage with their learning activities and discuss key course issues from their workplace, home or wherever they want!
In the case of project students, I may also use Skype for convenience.
What advice would you give to students considering an online degree?
Most of our online students lead very busy lives! They tell me that their main challenge is to put time aside for their studies. Although our programme is flexible, you still have to meet certain deadlines (e.g. assessment deadlines) so it is essential that you are able to dedicate sufficient time to your studies.