Distance Learning and E - Learning Policy

The National Maritime Polytechnics’ Quality Systems Manual outlines the policies, process and work instructions covering the conduct of training and assessment under the distance and e learning in compliance with MARINA Circular 10 Series of 2021.

The NMPs’ distance learning manual applies to all programs offered under the Distance Learning and e-Learning mode. This manual covers the processes of design and development of courses, and conduct of training and assessment for courses under distance learning and e learning mode.

The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) is committed to developing a competent and globally professional workforce. All of the training programs are fully accredited by the MARINA and recognized globally.

All training and assessments by distance learning and e-learning are in full compliance with the requirements of Regulation 1/6 of the STCW.

1. Training courses offered under the distance learning and e-learning mode are approved and accredited by MARINA

2. Training Courses under distance learning and e-learning are designed in accordance with the Design and Development Procedures of the NMP.

3. Training Courses under distance learning and e-learning are compliant to par.7, section B-1/6 of the STCW Code for the conduct of training.

4. Examination and assessment of the training programs under the distance learning and e-learning mode are compliant to par.11, Section B-1/6 of the STCW Code.

5. The NMP’s Distance Learning and e-Learning courses are delivered through the following mode:

1. Blended Learning – the combination of learning at a distance (for the theoretical component) and the traditional face-to-face on campus training for the practical component;

2. Online Learning – the mode of distance learning and e-learning that uses purely online tools wherein lectures, assignment, tests are all enabled by virtual platform.

 The Distance Learning and e-Learning of NMP known as NMPLMS uses the MOODLE as it’s main platform in the administration, course management, assessment of learnings, trainee work progress, documentation/conduct; and tracking, monitoring and reporting.

The NMPLMS is customized to a three-tier system design and deployment models.

STCW Requirement Mapping – detailed table showing how NMPLMS meets 15.1 requirements of the Circular 2021-10; section 15.2 Multimedia integration, on/offline operations, hybrid delivery capabilities for connectivity-constrained maritime environment.

QSS Integration – audit trails, competency documentation and data integrity.

Technical Architecture – systems requirements, API Integration.

2. Administration. The NMP Learning Management System provides for the following level of accessibility:

7.2.1 LMS Administrator. Ensures the smooth operation and effectiveness of the LMS, manages users accounts, roles and onboarding processes to ensure trainees have access to the LMS.

Provides technical support to users. Uploads updated training materials, assessments that may be given by the Manager.

7.2.2 Manager. Have access and can modify courses. The manager for the NMPLMS is the Training Director.

7.2.3 Course Creator. Members of the course design and development team for the DL and e-learning courses, the LMS Administrator and Manager are the permanent member of the design team. They are responsible for the design and development of courses, including review of the contents for updates.

7.2.4 Teacher. The assigned instructors and assessors for the course. They deliver the course content and make use of all the features of the LMS to engage trainees, assign additional learning activities that are aligned with the approved course plan to ensure engagement and learning. The Assessors will invigilate assessments thru LMS and make determine the outcome of the assessment.

7.2.5 Student. They are the students officially enrolled in the DL and e-Learning Courses. They are given access to all course materials for the minimum of 3 months until 1 year to complete the course.

They are given default “USERNAME” and “PASSWORD” by the LMS Administrator.

7.2.6 Guest. Are either accounts given to MARINA who will have access all the time to the course for purposes of monitoring or given to Clients approved by the manager.

3. Documentation/Conduct. Upon access to the NMPLMS, instructors, assessors and trainees will be guided on what is to be expected IN the LMS as per section 15.7.2 of the Circular 2021-10.

7.3.1 Instructors refers to process manual

7.3.2 Assessors. For Online Assessment refers to process manual. For Face-to-face assessment refer to process manual.

7.3.3 Students access to the course starts when trainees received the username and password sent by the LMS Administrator. Guide Video and instructions are given.

 

4. Assessment. Assessment under Distance Learning and e-Learning programs are conducted in accordance with the established assessment procedures of NMP and in accordance with MARINA Circular 2021-05 and Circular 2021-10.

Formative assessments are integrated in the NMPLMS.

Summative assessment are conducted based on the approved assessment plan. Summative Assessment shall be conducted either:

A. Face-to-face Summative Assessment. Conducted based on the approved Assessment Plan. 

B. Online Summative Assessment – will be conducted with the camera turn on at ALL times on the duration of the assessment. Turning off for any period of time will invalidate the assessment.

Any interruption caused by connectivity, systems failure and/or technical glitches will invalidate the assessment.

All summative assessment will be conducted by the MARINA authorized and accredited assessors.

5.  Tracking and Monitoring

• The NMPLMS tracks and monitor the progress of each trainee in completing all course requirements
• The system allows to track trainees progress including time spent on learning materials during asynchronous phase. Synchronous delivery will be recorded for trainees to view and review during self-learning phase.

6.  Reporting

To ensure that the required no of hours for the course based on the course standards, the NMPLMS generates reports of trainees’ performance. The reports generated details the access to the courses, including the duration and the total time accessing over multiple sessions.

7.  Content and Format

The NMPLMS ensures that content and format cover the information required by MARINA Circular 2021-10, section 15.7.5.

Uploading, organizing and designing of digital courses materials are done in accordance with the design and development processes 

All source information including Electronic resources shall be properly cited. 

Periodic review of the course materials is undertaken by the course design and development team. They are responsible for ensuring that course content and learning materials are reviewed and updated.

• The NMP ensures that the training course delivery through distance learning and e-learning mode is supported by strong and reliable internet connection.
• The NMPLMS allows trainees to receive all course materials in a timely manner, access to the course and course materials, interact with the teachers and receive support from the technical support staff.

NMP Learning Management System ensure that the trainees have seamless interaction and access through multiple communication channels and compatible devices

Communication Infrastructure

         The following are the required communication channel: 

1. Telephone for live communication for trainee support. A dedicated line/’s during operating hours.

2. Email with monitored inbox

3. Virtual classrooms for the synchronous, video conference platform (Zoom, Teams) The LMS integrates recording capability.

 

Trainee Device Compatibility

NMP ensures that hardware and software of devices used by trainees are compatible with the following minimum specifications:

• Processor: Dual-core or better

• RAM: Minimum 4GB (8GB recommended)

• Storage: Minimum 128GB SSD

• Network:  Broadband connection (minimum 5 Mbps download, 2.5 Mbps upload)

• Display: 13: inch minimum screen size

 

1. Operating System

The NMP operating system runs in Windows or MacOS

Windows – Minimum version of Windows 10 and supported versions : Windows 10; Windows 11

MacOS – Minimum version of MacOS 10.15 ad supported version : MacOS 10.15, latest version

2. Video and Audio Capabilities

The platform used by NMP supports the existing video and audio systems and acceptable older versions

• Video Codes: H.264,VP9,H.265 (HEVC)

• Audio Codes: AAC,MP3, Opus, FLAC

• Container Formats: MP4,WebM, OGG, AVI

• Video Resolution Support: Minimum 720p, recommended 1080p; 4K optional

• Audio Quality: Minimum 128 kbps; lossless formats supported

 

3.  LMS Multimedia Integration

• Embedded video player with playback controls

• Video progress tracking and resume functionality

• Adaptive bitrate streaming for varying bandwidth

• Closed captions (CC) and subtitles support

• Audio streaming for podcast-style content

4.  Internet Browser 

The NMPLMS supports modern browsers for optimal experience.

• Chrome/Chromium (latest 2 version)

• Firefox (Latest 2 versions)

• Safari (Latest 2 versions for MacOS)

• Edge (latest 2 versions)