The IB Diploma Programme Online: Opportunities and Challenges

Room: Michigan A and B

presented by Paul Fairbrother, Head of Online Learning, International Baccalaureate

The creation of an online version of the Diploma Programme has been identified as a means of increasing subject choice for students in IB World Schools and also reaching out to students unable to attend an IB World School. Online learning offers the possibility for students to develop 21st century skills that will equip them for life after school, whether at university or in the work place. Additionally, online learning can help students to develop the attributes described in the IB learner profile. This session will explore the potential of online learning and the implications for teachers, schools and the IB.

Paul Fairbrother, Head of Online Learning, International Baccalaureate
Paul has a Ph.D. in Chemistry, a master's degree in Elearning and a certificate in Distance Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Paul joined the IB curriculum and assessment office in 1997 as a subject area manager in group 4 of the Diploma Programme and became curriculum area manager for groups 4 and 5. Recently, Paul became head of online learning and is currently working on the Diploma Programme Online project. Prior to joining the IB, he taught chemistry and undertook research at a university in Paris, and taught at a college in the UK.