Technology is the basis of today’s integrated communication, collaboration, learning, creativity and productivity. As technology and the forces of globalisation change the face of education, the Singapore-MIT Alliance (SMA) continuously refines its distance education facilities.


Combining the expertise and resources from MIT, NUS and NTU, SMA has created an interactive distance learning environment, facilitating dynamic exchanges between faculties and students in their intellectual pursuit par excellence.


In partnership with faculties from the three universities, the programme was designed to offer students full access to all forms of course delivery in both synchronous and asynchronous forms.


Synchronous Platform
Synchronous delivery of subject curricula is achieved using video conferencing hardware to conduct video conferencing and application sharing over the Internet2 infrastructure.


A dual screen setup consisting of a “video screen” and “computer screen” is available in all SMA classrooms. The “video screen” comprises content from various cameras in the classroom including the presenter, students, chalkboard/whiteboard and visualiser. The “computer screen” displays all computer-based materials such as PowerPoint slides, animations, simulations and other software used by the faculty in the classroom.


Combining the video and computer content provides a realistic learning environment, which enables both faculty and students from MIT, NTU and NUS to interact without having to be present in the same location.


Asynchronous Platform
Asynchronous delivery is achieved using Stellar, MIT’s course management system. This system was designed to provide a rich set of features, which includes posting and reviewing of class materials, making announcements, conducting discussions and many more. This offers faculty and students a customised and flexible way of organising course content.