Increasing Access and Choice: The Diploma Programme Online Project

Audience: Diploma Programme
Session: Block 2: Friday 2:00 to 3:15, Room: Pacific J

The Diploma Programme Online project aims to help IB World Schools extend subject choice and reach out to students unable to attend an IB World School. The project will enhance intercultural understanding and help students develop the 21st century skills necessary for life after school. However, in order to realize the promise of online learning, course design standards, professional development, and student support must first be addressed. Come and find out about the courses available, what is being done to ensure the quality and "IBness" of the experience, and how you and your students can participate in this exciting initiative.


Paul Fairbrother, Head of Online Learning, International Baccalaureate

Paul Fairbrother has a master's degree in E-Learning and a certificate in Distance Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has worked at the IB Cardiff office for the past 11 years. Initially he joined as a Subject Area Manager in Group 4 of the Diploma Programme and became Curriculum Area Manager for Groups 4 and 5. In his role as Head of Online Learning, Mr Fairbrother is currently leading the Diploma Programme Online Project. Prior to joining IB, he taught chemistry, undertook post-doctoral research at a university in Paris, and taught at a college in the United Kingdom.


Organization website: http://www.ibo.org

Ruth Adams, Diploma Programme Online Consultant, International Baccalaureate

Ruth is the former Dean of Curriculum and Instruction for Virtual High School and has been involved with online education for more than 12 years. A professional educator with 30+ years experience teaching on the secondary, college and graduate school levels, she has designed and delivered web-based courses, has taught various graduate courses on online pedagogy, design and delivery and has published several articles and book chapters on effective online learning. She has been working for the IB on the Diploma Programme Online project since 2006.