Ring in the Changes: Study by Mobile Phone with RDI in the New Year

December 15, 2008 - Press Dispensary - Resource Development International ( RDI), the world’s largest independent provider of UK university distance learning qualifications, is ringing the changes for the New Year. The visionary education establishment is offering its worldwide students a new way to study for a UK university degree in 2009 – by using their mobile phones.

Through its experience of supplying UK university distance learning qualifications to Africa, where fixed line broadband internet is limited but mobile broadband is more accessible and advanced, RDI has decided to redesign some of its learning materials for specific delivery via mobile networks. The scheme is being piloted with a major African telecoms company. RDI already has hundreds of Africans studying by distance learning, and the mobile initiative is designed to improve the learning experience and make it easier for students to complete their courses from any location with mobile connectivity.

The mobile technology deployed is similar to that used by the BBC to publish its mobile web pages, so it is optimised for mobile delivery and accessible on almost any handset with web access.

The new system will be incorporated into RDIs existing “ilearn” online university system. From January 2009, it will be unleashed on to 700-plus students based across Africa, who are studying for a range of UK university undergraduate and post graduate programmes through RDI. It will then be rolled out to RDI’s 5,000-plus students, located in more than 70 countries worldwide, throughout the year.

Dr Philip Hallam, CEO of RDI, comments: “We believe this is a world first and a milestone that makes British education more versatile, accessible and democratised than ever before. At a time when the rising cost of education - and of living - is prompting an increasing number of students to choose distance learning over on-campus education, their lives are about to become considerably easier thanks to the delivery of invaluable learning materials via mobile handsets. At RDI, we really are changing the face of education today.”

RDI offers distance learning courses at MBA, MSc, BA (Hons), Diploma and Advanced Certificate levels. All study at RDI is underpinned by its exclusive “ilearn” system. An online university, free online campus and classroom rolled into one, ilearn is designed to help students share knowledge, enjoy the learning experience and progress though their studies with the support they require. RDI students have constant access to course materials, tutors, RDI programme co-ordinators and fellow students - round the clock, from any location.

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Notes for editors
About RDI
Resource Development International (RDI) was launched in 1990 and is the world’s largest independent provider of UK university distance learning qualifications. Based in Coventry, UK, it offers a range of courses - from Certificates and Diplomas to MBAs – provided by institutions including: University of Wales, University of Bradford, University of Birmingham, University of Sunderland, Sheffield Hallam University, University of Teesside, University of Derby, University of East London and also Edexcel, ACCA, CIMA, CIPS and IAB.

RDI enrols 4,500 students each year on distance learning courses and employs over 100 people worldwide. RDI also works with corporate clients to offer a range of vocational pathways to improve organisational performance by increasing the skills and attitudes of employees.

For further information, please contact:
John Holden, executive chairman
Resource Development International (RDI)
Tel: 024 76515700
Email:
Site: www.rdi.co.uk