Indeed, it was an eye-opening experience for me and I enjoyed reading and doing all the tasks of the modules. The best part is it made me “look at e-learning in a different and simple way” and made me very optimistic about how we could use the opportunities in the shipping and maritime-related fields of the Maldives to introduce e-learning. I am indebted to all the facilitators and peers who were very helpful in each of the learning stages of the AMED program. I believe with e-learning we could change the perception of learning in a positive way.

I enrolled in the AMED study program because I am keen to learn e-learning pedagogies and tools. I enjoyed learning about the theoretical aspects of e-learning design and discussing these with my colleagues. One-quarter into the program due to change in my job, I moved to the decision-making pathway of this program. Moving away from the pedagogical aspects of e-learning to policy-making and decision-making required me to look and think about e-learning from a different perspective. However, my previous engagement as a lecturer enabled me to bring that perspective into how I explored the decision-making pathway. As a result, I think how I engaged in the activities of this pathway was practical and based on collegial dialogue. As we went through the various activities, especially the capstone project, I used the learning resources provided and discussed the ideas based on how our existing policies facilitated or limited e-learning. As a result, I am quite happy with how my capstone project turned out – a very practical plan that I am keen to implement in order to ensure the quality assurance of MNU’s e-learning is as per local and international standards.

The study program for decision-makers was extremely useful as I was able to develop a new vision for eLearning at MNU, especially for the School of Nursing (SN). The readings, activities, forums, and especially the capstone project provided me necessary knowledge and skills needed for strengthening eLearning at SN. The facilitator provided necessary guidance when required and I was able to complete the learning project on time. I am hoping to apply the newly gained knowledge and skills to improve eLearning at MNU, which I believe is a way forward for MNU in the future.

AMED program helped me to broaden my horizon of knowledge on blended learning. As I was completing the tasks of the program, I always felt, in this era of technology we must incorporate blended learning in designing the courses. While teaching our students (medical students) I always felt that the time allocated for f2f sessions is not enough or barely enough to deliver the objectives of each session. AMED program taught me many tools and strategies which could be used to solve this issue. While working full time, on a very busy schedule it was very challenging to complete the given tasks on time. However, I managed my time to complete the AMED tasks and feel accomplished. I strongly recommend this program for everyone in the field of teaching."

The project AMED is a cutting-edge learning experience that has enlightened my understanding of e-learning in the context of teaching and learning in higher education. This study enabled me to develop my knowledge on the effective approaches I can use to designing the course and also the essential content. I also learnt about the different ways I can deliver the courses and also about the flexibility and practices in Blended Learning which allows me to successfully achieve the intended learning outcome.  Overall, AMED study was a great way to learn a variety of e-learning Models, how to design suitable blended learning activities and how to facilitate, plan, and implement the optimal Model.

I am pleased to have contributed to the AMED Pilot project as part of my professional development. It was an intense project which opened avenues for new innovative educational programs in e-learning. It helped develop both theoretical and practical knowledge in designing and implementing e- learning courses. Specifically, I gained knowledge in competency-based learning, quality standards that needs to be maintained, made me aware of my role, tasks and responsibilities in the blended approach to learning and to be a better networked teacher.

AMED project was really a good project, through which it helped to add to my knowledge on Instructional technologies. The tasks were educational and interesting when it was opened to apply to our own subject contexts. There was a chance to meet other people through different forums, communicate and exchange ideas and opinions. Guidance was sought from the facilitator.

At first, I was not sure what I was signing up for, but through the first module of the project, I understood the importance of the project, especially due the situation we all were in because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which enabled me to explore different modes and methods of teaching especially remote teaching and learning through technology starting from designing content, usage of learning management systems effectively and developing assessments through online sources. The modules really helped me in understanding the different techniques which can be integrated within the traditional teaching methods in order to enhance technological usage during remote teaching. Along with that the capstone projects at the end helped a lot in summing up what I learned throughout the different modules. In addition, the coordinators of the project were really helpful in guiding me throughout the project and provided enough leniencies to complete the project due to the time constraints I was having juggling work and personal life. Overall, I would say this project helped me a lot to understand the proper usage of technology and different techniques during online teaching and I will be using the knowledge I gained throughout my teaching career.