Congratulations to Dr Michael Curtis

Aug 3 / My Ancient World Learning
July marked a significant milestone as Michael celebrated the award of his PhD at the University of Leicester, bringing to a successful conclusion almost a decade of research into the maritime archaeology and coastal landscapes of Roman Crete. Michael began his doctoral journey in 2017 at the University of Nottingham after completing an MA with Merit. His master's dissertation, Contextualisation of Three Ports of the Hellenistic and Roman Period on Crete, provided the foundation for what would become an ambitious programme of research into the island's ports, harbours, and maritime networks.

In 2018, he transferred to the School of Heritage and Culture at the University of Leicester, where, under the supervision of Professors Simon James and Graham J. Shipley, he developed his research into the maritime landscape of Hellenistic and Roman Crete. His work culminated in the successful completion of his doctoral thesis,The Imperial Ports and Harbours of Crete: Characterising a Provincial Maritime and Coastal Landscape (Late First Century BCE–Third Century CE).

The thesis offers a substantial new contribution to the study of Roman Crete, providing the first comprehensive assessment of the island's Imperial ports and harbours within their wider maritime and coastal landscape. By integrating archaeological, historical and landscape evidence, the research enhances our understanding of the organisation, function and development of Crete's maritime infrastructure during the Roman Imperial period.

Everyone at My Ancient World Learning extends their warmest congratulations to Dr Michael Curtis on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to sharing the insights from his continuing research through future courses, publications and lectures.
Since the emergence of online learning, there has been a discussion on whether online classes are better than traditional classes. There have been competing schools of thought with valid arguments for and against both.

In the case of distance learning, it may be most appropriate at colleges and universities. Research data consistently indicate that students strongly prefer distance education.

Distance learning allows students to balance their other commitments more effectively, at least in cases they are adult learners, commuters, and part-time students. They don’t believe that they sacrifice a quality education for the convenience of utilizing distance learning.

However, both traditional and online learning comes with advantages and disadvantages. When is online learning more convenient than traditional learning? This blogpost indicates the real potential of online learning versus traditional classes.

What is Online Learning?

In online learning, students attend classes on the Internet and involve in real interactions with teachers and students at the other end. Students can attend the curriculum at their own pace and easily access the class from anywhere.

Online Learning is a reality and gradually becoming part of formal education. This educational model appeals especially to anyone who can’t attend a physical faculty or school. Online Learning also hops the national boundaries and is offered for dispersed college students that can have a wider choice of online programs.

How does online learning work? Learning management systems (LMS) provide an accessible exchange of information between professors and students. Τhis way, students can view learning material at their leisure or even attend scheduled conferences or lectures.

Concerning test-taking, learners can submit course assignments through the LMS, participate in a discussion, or submit other tasks. Lastly, professors may provide feedback to the student through comments or emails when using this LMS.
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