CILL is a specialised centre in the promotion of Lifelong Learning through eLearning and Education Technology. The Centre was established in 2014 after the merging of the VCILT (Virtual Centre for Innovative Learning Technologies) and the CPDL (Centre for Professional Development and Lifelong Learning). CILL is committed to transform the educational practices at the University and to establish the University as a full dual-mode institution. Staff at the CILL adhere to the concept of openness and flexibility in educational delivery so as to provide a quality learning experience for our students.
CPDL was set up in January 1993 under the name of JBCDL (Jai Baguant Centre for Distance Learning) to facilitate the implementation of Distance Education (DE) at the University of Mauritius (UoM), with the objective of maintaining quality and increasing enrolment at UoM. It started with a set of on-campus DE modules to launch in 2004 the Diploma in Management on DE mode in collaboration with the Faculty of Law and Management. Since 2004, the CPDL has also engaged into the running and coordination of commissioned programmes, and the work-based learning project of the University of Mauritius.
Since 2001, the VCILT has come a long way in terms of its evolution and has gradually moved from being only a service unit to a full fledged academic research and development unit for the University of Mauritius. The VCILT is a pioneer in e-education in Mauritius with respect to public sector higher education institutions. In 2004, the VCILT acted as the catalyst for the setting up of a Lifelong Learning Cluster (LLC) at the University of Mauritius. The LLC acted as a virtual faculty regrouping the VCILT, the CPDL and the CITS (Centre for Information Technology and Systems).
The VCILT launched its first online Masters programme in 2004 in the field of Education Technologies. In 2009, other courses were launched in the field of Web and Multimedia Development. The active research and development activities of the VCILT and the expertise developed has led the VCILT to secure international consultancies in the field and to establish close ties with international institutions. In 2010 it received the prestigious Commonwealth of Learning awards in Distance Education.
CILL is responsible for developing and providing innovative programmes that can range from short courses to full-fledged programmes using e-learning or blended learning. In line with the effort to promote ICT, the Centre develops academic modules, pedagogical prototype projects, continuous education and lifelong flexible learning. CILL also supports UoM academics and tutors to engage with the technological, pedagogical and management tools for the conception, multimedia presentation and networking of their academic activities.
The Centre is currently supported by fifteen (15) dedicated staff members consisting of three (3) Academic staff, two (2) technical staff, three (3) Educational Technologists and seven (7) administrative staff.
