UCP Marjon@JISC RSC Conference, Bristol 8th April 2008

Embedding e-Learningin everyday practice

David Benzie & Adam ReadMarch 2008

USB_B\Pathfinder\RSC April 2008\UCP Marjon session at RSC Bristol conference 8th April 2008 (0.1)

Overview

Background: HEA Benchmarking & Pathfinder

A strategy for embedding e-LearningExamples of what we have tried, and

plan to try – including discussion

HEA Benchmarking & Pathfinder

2006/7: HEA Benchmarking of e-Learning project; OBHE/ACU methodology;led to Institutional Review Document

2007/8: HEA Pathfinder institution; focus on e-Learning strategy development and on embedding e-Learning

Developing an eLS

E-Learning Strategy Development

Informed by HEA Benchmarking ProjectStaff & student surveysStaff Conference - Easter 2007Other institutional strategies

Staff & Student surveys

Some key messagesMost staff regularly use ICT in their

teaching

but…mostly for PowerPoint, resource provision and straight-forward communication (e.g. e-mail or making announcements)

Staff & Student surveys

Some (more) key messagesStaff & student reactions to the Bb

VLE differ markedly; students more positive & higher levels of use.

VLE contains little-used functions; students want staff to make more use of Bb

Need major awareness, training and support programme for staff

Key perspective on learning

“Social constructivism” is a common shorthandfor the leading perspective on learning

Learning is a social activity

Learners actively construct new knowledge and understanding through collaborative activity with peers and knowledgeable others

Diligent independent activity by learners is

valued

Alias-C: Active Learners in a supportive community

Alias-CActive learners in a supportive

community

Supportfrom staff

ICT infrastructur

e

Accessto

resources

Data & regulatory

infrastructure

Flexible learning

opportunities

Links toother

communities

Access to resources

Flexible learningopportunities

Links to othercommunities

ICT infrastructure

Data & reginfrastructure

Support from staff

Aim 1: Expand learning resources

Aim 1:Expand the range of learning resources that are available on-line

Action plan includes:Promote a culture in which staff share resources*4 to 5 “e-Learning Lead Projects” per year (1

per school plus institution)Ensure that learning resources are discoverable

via portal

Past projects & Aim 1

The concept of “Lead Projects” is a development of an idea that has worked well in the past

We have curriculum development projects supported by an external developer

Two examples:- Speech & Language Therapy- Cress Hills

Aim 2: Deliver flexible learning

Aim 2:Promote the use of e-Learning for the delivery of an expanding range of flexible and accessible learning opportunities

Action plan includes:Advice to staff from new e-Learning Support

ServiceAdvice to cover existing & new

modules/programmesAdvice on accessibility

Aim 3: Distance learning support

Aim 3:Provide e-Learning support for learners who are studying at a distance (inc international students, on placement, in employment, community based or with a primary registration in another HE institution).

Action plan includes:Promote facilities that can support students on

placement (eg video conferencing, e-Portfolios…)Improve data exchange with 3rd parties (eg UoP)Review provision from this perspective

Aim 4: Enabling & valuing staff

Aim 4:Develop, enable and value staff as e-Learning practitioners (academic) or enablers (support)

Action plan includes:Establish e-Learning support service (pedagogic

support)Structured staff development (PG Cert)New induction programmeTraining for legal (copyright/accessibility) & ethical

issuesCreate an incentives framework

Aim 5: Data & regulatory framework

Aim 5:Promote data management practices and academic regulatory arrangements that are supportive of e-Learning

Action plan includes:Enable staff & students to interact with data via

e-Learning portalRevise validation & review procedures to add an

e-Learning dimensionExtend “One stop shop” to cover data issues

Aim 6: ICT infrastructure for L&T

Aim 6:Promote the provision of an ICT infrastructure for learning & teaching based on the holistic needs of students and staff

Action plan includes: Move towards “One stop shop” help services Single log-on to all networked services Automated Unite to LS data link Revise LS to address staff criticisms (LS 2) Develop a unified e-Learning portal Address issues associated with computers in teaching rooms Give pre-registration students access to LS

Questions & discussion…

Contact detailsDr David BenzieDirector of e-LearningUniversity College Plymouth St Mark & St JohnDerriford RoadPlymouth PL6 8BH

Tel: 01752 636880Email: dbenzie@marjon.ac.uk