Universal College of Learning

From Researching Virtual Initiatives in Education

The Universal College of Learning (UCOL) supports a variety of online learning courses (among other learning options).

UCOL was founded in 1906 as the Palmerston North Technical School in Palmerston North, New Zealand, In 1971 it became the Palmerston North Technical Institute, and in 1983, the Manawatu Polytechnic.

Per the UCOL web site, the school has retained a focus on core vocational programmes, although it also delivers Foundation and Certificate programmes, Diplomas, Degrees and some Post-Graduate options (as well as community-based programmes).

A 2002 report of the E-Learning Advisory Group highlighted UCOL as a standout for e-learning in New Zealand. It noted:

Over the last decade, UCOL has been sponsoring the development of flexible delivery across the entire portfolio of its programmes. Since 1997, e-learning has been an important part of this initiative and has been applied in a range of ways from on-line support to a resource for use in face-to-face delivery. By blending the best of face-to-face delivery with these information and communication tools, it aims to build more effective learning opportunities for a wider range of students.

e-Learning has remained a point of pride for UCOL.

A list of online course offerings/certificates can be found here: http://www.ucol.ac.nz/Online/main.asp?page=303

UCOL has campuses in Palmerston North, Whanganui and Wairarapa, New Zealand.

The UCOL web site is at http://www.ucol.ac.nz/

The UCOL online course web site is at http://www.ucol.ac.nz/online/

> New Zealand
> Programmes