As part of its strategic push towards digital learning innovation, Mantissa College recently held an intensive training workshop to prepare its academic staff for the delivery of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes—beginning with the soon-to-be-launched Diploma in Digital Marketing.
The training, titled “Designing Self-Instructional Materials (SIM) for ODL Courses,” was led by none other than Prof. Madya Ts. Dr. Irwan Mahazir Bin Ismail, a respected academician from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), known for his expertise in instructional design and digital education.
🎯Purpose of the SIM Training
The workshop aimed to equip Mantissa’s academic staff with the knowledge, frameworks, and practical techniques required to develop SIM-compliant course content in line with the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) standards. These materials are crucial to ensuring that students enrolled in ODL programmes receive a structured, engaging, and autonomous learning experience—a fundamental pillar of successful distance education.
🛠️ Key Training Highlights
Held as a full-day session, the workshop featured a well-balanced blend of theory, regulatory alignment, and hands-on application, covering:
🔹 Morning Session:
- Understanding the ODL ecosystem and its relevance in the modern education landscape
- Criteria and standards for ODL programmes, especially under COPPA Areas 1, 3, and 5
- Quality assurance benchmarks in designing ODL courses
🔹 Afternoon Session:
- Introduction to Self-Instructional Materials (SIM): Definition, purpose, and structure
- A step-by-step guide to structuring course content into SIM format
- Hands-on development of sample SIMs aligned to the Diploma in Digital Marketing curriculum
- Transferring SIM into the Learning Management System (LMS) used at Mantissa College
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, open discussion, and the presentation of certificates to all participants.
📚 Readiness for Launch: Diploma in Digital Marketing (ODL)
The Diploma in Digital Marketing, which will be offered in ODL mode, marks a significant milestone in Mantissa College’s academic expansion. The programme is designed to empower students with practical digital marketing skills through a flexible, learner-friendly, and tech-enabled environment.
Thanks to this SIM training, all academic staff involved in the programme are now well-prepared to:
- Structure and deliver quality learning experiences remotely
- Develop assessments and learning activities that support autonomous study
- Ensure compliance with MQA’s quality assurance frameworks
🤝A Commitment to Quality ODL Delivery
Mantissa College is proud to take this significant step toward educational transformation, ensuring that both faculty and students benefit from a robust, self-paced, and industry-relevant learning ecosystem.
As we gear up for the official launch of the Diploma in Digital Marketing (ODL), this training initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to academic excellence, digital innovation, and learner success.
📩 For more information about the ODL programme or training initiatives at Mantissa College, please contact: info@mantissa.edu.my
