eStudy Guides enhance learning @ Peninsula

Vicki Curry, Luke McGowan and Zac Gribble eLearning developers

eStudy guides enhance learning

@ Peninsula

for JISC RSC Turbo T.E.L.

Overview of 6 mins presentation

• about PCMD: 1 min

• the eSG approach: 1 min

• examples of LSRC and BCS eSGs: 4 mins

• questions

About PCMD• Peninsula Medical School started in 2002

• Partnership: Universities of Plymouth and Exeter and the NHS

• Distributed across a wide area: Truro, Plymouth, Exeter, Torbay and

Barnstaple

• Investment in eLearning infrastructure, staffing and online support which

delivers:

Learning resources, Information, communications, content

• PCMD now delivers medical, dental, clinical science and post graduate

• Innovative, integrated curriculum in all programmes

• High expectation of development of IT literacy in both staff and students

Background…• eSGs first used in Life Sciences Resource Centre• 4 years ago radical re-design of the delivery of

LSRC sessions• eSGs a major component

of the new curriculum delivery

• Evaluations and reviews each year

• Rolled out academic year 2007/08• Flash-based

•

Benefits

• Staff time used more effectively (particularly important with clinical academics)• e.g radiologists/medical imaging

• 300 hours of tutor time (360 in ‘06/’07) • 17% saving in staff time

• Added value to the learning experience • 24/7 access• increased preparation and revision

Benefits (2)…

• Re-usable each year and easily updated• No printing costs• Better use of staff time• Requests fed into the Year 2 LSRC eSGs:-

• more personalised learning experiences for students and the ability for them to edit/store their experiences

• more staff editability of online materials• next screenshots show these features

Year 2 evaluation study• Qualitative and quantitative methods

• Online questionnaires for students and staff

• Usage figures: Google Analytics

• Raised many questions about how students are using the eStudy guides

“What are the best aspects of the new Year 2 LSRC Format?”

• “The online study guide gives us more info”.• “Definitely the new study guide, running much smoother than last

year.”• “Better e-Study guide.”• “A better guide for prep.”• “E-guide tells you what needs to be learnt.”• “The study guides are available in time to prepare.”• “Ability to save notes to the Wiki.”• “The availability and integration of materials on the e-study guide is

comprehensive and extremely useful. As a learning resource I feel it is unmatched by the first year study guides and is invaluable in the facilitation of our learning.”

Batchelor of Clinical Science• Why use the eSG approach?

• Staff working in LSRC also now working on BCS

• Liked the eSGs format/approach

• Took best of previous experience with LSRC eSGs

• Merged this with new BCS course aims

• Developed the Integrated Clinical Science eSGs

ICS1 (and 2) eSG systems cover whole module/course

ICS1 – early feedback

• Usage stats using Google Analytics • can see how staff and students are using system• have also added an adminstrative log• regular pattern of use corresponding to cases,

deadlines and assessments etc

Oct to April

Next steps?• Strong drive from senior management level to use

the eSG approach in other areas e.g • Clinical Skills: now underway• Staff development

• Challenges ahead…• human resource • sustainability: e.g. changing MLE platform• changing the culture in other delivery areas

Questions…elsg@pms.ac.uk