Learner Support
How You Will Learn
How open and distance learning works at Rivers State University: online study, e-tutors, live classes and residency periods.
Blended Learning
Our programmes use a blended model designed for the Nigerian context. About 70 to 80 per cent of learning takes place online, and 20 to 30 per cent takes place face to face on the main campus or at approved study centres.
| Component | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Online (70–80%) | Study materials, video and audio lectures, discussion forums, Tutor-Marked Assignments, quizzes, announcements and your gradebook, all on the learning platform. The platform works on mobile phones as well as computers. |
| Face to face (20–30%) | Residency periods of two to four weeks per semester, scheduled in advance, for orientation, intensive tutorials, practical sessions and supervised examinations. |
Your Learning Platform
The University Management System (rsu.studymateums.com) is your digital campus. With it you can:
- read course materials and watch recorded lectures;
- submit assignments and receive time-stamped receipts;
- take quizzes and track your grades and progress;
- join discussion forums with your e-tutor and other learners; and
- receive announcements, the course calendar and links to the library and helpdesk.
Live and Self-Paced Learning
Each course has a weekly live online class of one to two hours on RSU Live (live.rsu.edu.ng) or a similar platform. Live classes are recorded and posted on the learning platform, so attendance is not compulsory, although some courses, such as languages or mathematics, may set a modest attendance requirement. Learners without a suitable device may join live sessions by telephone audio.
Most of your learning is self-paced. You work through the study units on your own schedule, provided you meet assignment and examination deadlines. Each course begins with a delivery guide that sets out what happens online and face to face, and the dates of live sessions, deadlines and residencies.
Study Materials
Each course has self-instructional courseware written by subject experts and peer-reviewed for quality. It contains clear learning outcomes, examples, activities, in-text questions and self-assessment questions, so that you can learn effectively on your own. Materials are provided in print and digital formats, with audio and video where appropriate.
Your e-Tutor
Every course has an e-tutor who guides your learning, answers your questions, moderates discussions and marks your assignments. E-tutors check the course forums daily, respond to questions within 48 hours and hold a weekly live chat session.
Practical Courses
Courses that involve laboratory work, teaching practice or fieldwork are completed in intensive sessions during residency periods, or at approved partner institutions closer to learners.
Orientation
All new learners must complete orientation before starting their courses. It combines online modules on study skills, the learning platform, academic integrity and support services with a two- to three-day session on campus or online, where you meet your programme coordinator and e-tutors. On completion you receive a certificate and your course access is activated.