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    Inside the OPIT Experience: How Online Learning Really Works

    opit online learning

    Are you considering broadening your field of expertise in key areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and cybersecurity in an effort to be more prepared for the current and future workplace?

    The Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) offers both BSc and MSc degrees in areas such as Modern Computer Science, Digital Innovation, Applied AI, and Data Science that are designed to be dynamic and practical, constantly responding to advances in the field. And all OPIT courses are fully remote, attracting students from around the globe and providing asynchronous learning opportunities. This creates a flexibility that allows you to coordinate your studies around your other commitments, whether that be a challenging job or a busy family. So you can study when it’s convenient for you.

    But what is it truly like to study online? Lucas Tecchio, head of Digital Content Creation at OPIT, recently took us on a deep dive into how OPIT’s courses are designed and delivered to help you understand what to expect from earning an OPIT degree.

    Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Learning

    Tecchio explained that OPIT’s courses combine synchronous and asynchronous content elements to create a dynamic learning environment that is both flexible and keeps students on track.

    There are live sessions with professors, as well as content that is released in weekly modules to maintain the pace of the course. This is paired with videos, readings, practice tasks, and discussion forums that can be accessed at any time based on module release. Recordings of live sessions are also made available, so you don’t miss anything.

    PERES Methodology

    All OPIT course content is designed according to the PERES Methodology to optimize quality and engagement. Tecchio explained that the PERES Methodology means:

    • Practicality – All theoretical concepts are reinforced with practical application
    • Elegance – Learning material is well-presented for enhanced engagement and clarity
    • Rigor – Content is academically rigorous
    • Energy – Course content is delivered with an energy that keeps students engaged
    • Simplicity – Materials are designed to make content accessible

    Online Portal

    All OPIT’s courses are delivered through its online portal called Canvas, where all course material can also be accessed.

    According to Tecchio, when you log in, you can access all the individual courses that make up your program. You can also receive a general overview of your current stage in the program and what you need to do for all your courses, thanks to calendar and to-do list options.

    When you select individual courses, you will see live weekly modules with links to the relevant content, including live sessions, videos, reading materials, and more.

    Canvas is a self-contained and highly navigable portal that helps you stay organized and on track.

    Competence-Based Learning and Progressive Assessment

    Tecchio explained that OPIT’s courses are designed to teach both theory and competency, ensuring you can put what you have learned into practice. In the case of MSc courses, this culminates with the Capstone Project, which lets you apply everything you have learned to real business challenges.

    In fact, every stage of the course follows the same philosophy – you will find yourself conducting practice tasks, performing live coding, and analyzing real study cases.

    This philosophy carries through to assessment, which is progressive, rather than based on final exams and projects. This ensures that you are on track throughout the course, rather than left struggling at the end of the course.

    For example, if you take the web development course, your main task will be to develop a website or app, and there are three stages to the project. By week four, you’ll be required to produce a prototype for your project. By week eight, you will produce a working version, and by the end of the course, you will have a fully tested and optimized version. These types of assessments can be done individually or as a group project, reflecting real workplace dynamics.

    Professional Certifications

    Many courses prepare you for professional certifications that are desired by many workplaces. Tecchio explained that while you still need to be tested and apply for the official certification, OPIT will fully prepare you to pass the testing without additional study.

    You can receive professional certification in:

    Student Support System

    While studying online can sometimes feel like an isolated journey, Tecchio explained that OPIT does everything it can to build a dynamic community where you can receive significant student support to keep you connected and on track.

    There are four main sources of student support.

    The program coordinator helps with administrative issues. They handle onboarding, assist with the learning platform, organize additional events, and have virtual office hours that you can take advantage of whenever you need support.

    Our team of 50+ academic and professional tutors not only delivers live lectures but is also an accessible source of knowledge and guidance. The faculty is a mix of experienced professors and active professionals who are leaders in their field and possess active real-world experience they can share with students. The faculty includes leaders like Zorina Alliata, Principal AI and Generative AI Strategist at Amazon, and Sylvester Kaczmarek, a former AI expert at NASA and WeSpace.

    The Career Services team can assist with the transition from study to the workplace. The team delivers career coaching, organizes masterclasses with industry experts, and facilitates internship opportunities.

    OPIT AI Copilot

    This support team is now joined by OPIT AI Copilot, an AI agent that is specifically designed to be a personal learning companion. Unlike most generative AI agents, OPIT AI Copilot is trained on OPIT’s extensive range of learning materials, so it is highly fit for purpose. It also knows where students currently are in their course and can focus on the competencies that they are on track to master.

    You can use OPIT AI Copilot to get immediate answers to questions based on OPIT’s course materials. It can also help students locate relevant resources, summarize the key takeaways from lectures to facilitate revision. Additionally, it can create practice tests based on the course materials, and prepare students for assessments through simulations.

    OPIT Degrees

    Online learning is often perceived as a lesser substitute for live learning experiences. But OPIT has superseded this by designing a dynamic online, asynchronous learning environment that promotes personalized education that works for individual students based on their lifestyle, time commitments, and learning style. It is not a substitute, but a new way of learning that represents the future of education.

    Learn more about OPIT’s programs and courses and whether OPIT might be the right learning option for you.

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