Richard Everett e Learning Consultant Further Education Sector

Richard Everett e. Learning Consultant Further Education Sector

Curriculum Learning Clusters (CLCs) a ‘front of house’ for the new Oaklands College building

Basic Principles • Off central atrium – public multi-use space • Always open • Front of house /Flexible • Mixture of: – – Reception Learner Services Learning resources First line of security • Mixed staffing – Staff area (hot desking)

More principles An Educational Space – – Small groups Drop in Individuals High quality technology • • • Interactive tables Plasma information screens Always on wireless connection Wired connections Laptops Smart plasma interactive ‘whiteboards’ – portable/fixed – Spill over into the atrium – Books and/or Technology?

Even more principles • Equipment – – – – Innovative, technology rich leverages the investment in IT supports the culture change VOIP VC high bandwidth wireless ’n’ modern AV equipment robust portable IT • Why – – exciting exemplary leading edge technology bleeding edge learning experience

Independent Learning Facilitators (i. LFs) • Directed/Independent Support for learners • To be trialled at Alban II – opens September 2008 • Hybrid position – e. Study Assistant – lecturer • Skills – technology – pedagogical • Enhanced – e. Mentors – experienced students = an innovative approach

i. LFs Aims and Objectives Aim • To support the curriculum in achieving its aims of supporting learning in an innovative, exciting and efficient manner, utilising independent and active learning in a blended Learning/Independent learning environment. Objectives • Create a ‘drop in’ facility to support independent directed learning • Develop skills in staff to use and support directed learning opportunities • Deliver e. Learning engagement • Create an emergency structured ‘cover’ service for absent lecturers • Encourage ‘active’ supported learning • Develop the use of independent research skills in students • Motivate LRC staff

i. LF - Staffing • Status – e. Study Assistant – Lecturer • Progression – Stepping stone between • Salary – 18 -22 K • Qualification requirement – PTLLS • Desirable Qualification – CTLLS – e. Learning

Research • Positive impact on – behavior – attendance • Behaviour – Previously easily disruptive classes – noticeable difference in CLC • on task • learning • compared to a more conventional classroom (same groups) • Layout Improved classroom management – enabled lecturers – and students – to use more resources • Attendance (and retention) – increased

Environment - feedback • Staff feedback: – Transformed the learning experience • Student feedback: – ‘want’ to learn in the CLC – rather than ‘having’ to learn • Colours – informal and bright – very modern and appealing

Staff feedback • One lecturer commented that the layout of the CLC made him more creative in his teaching methods. • The layout allows for differentiation as learners can choose where they want to sit to get on with a task. • Learners were seen to be interacting more with other learners and helping each other in their learning.

Student feedback 1 “I think that the new clc is a really good idea because it's spacious plus i like the colours in the room. ” “Well ergonimicaly designed and therefore the working conditions in this room are well designed. The facilities in this room are very helpful when learning and also the idea of using laptops when doing work is a great idea, for comfort and mobility. ” “i think that the cluster room is a good investment in the college the whole design of the room works really well together although i think u should find something different to put on the walls, the tables are my favourite part as they look cool and feel nice. the sofa's are a good investment and give the whole room a relaxed feel which is good, it makes for a good learning environment. i thikn all the classrooms should be like this so that everyone gets to benefit from it. ” “The idea of using laptops is brilliant. The room is so spaciuos and the funiture is great. It makes me feel like one of them powerful CEO or MD because it is designed like a board room. ”

Student feedback 2 I think the CLC is different. Its not the sort of room that you would find in a college or school. As it is different people treat it well and i think it will be kept clean and tidy for now and beyond. The tables and chairs are how young people say "cool". The pink and blank compliment each other. Also the funny/odd drawings/pictures on the walls with blue lights behind them is very different. Its makes the room look more colourful and busy. Most of the classrooms at WGC look plain and boring and doesnt, i think anyway, interest you to learn. So i think most of the classrooms should be done in this way! I think that the CLC is a fun social learning area, it in a way makes you feel at ease as in you dont feel you have to learn but rather want to wilingly. I like the new room and all the facilities avaiable. The layout of the new furniture gives much more of a group atmosphere.

Educational, Work or Social Space? …all!

CLCs - A final quote “I think it's quite nice and a different concept to what the traditional classroom usually is. . . stops me from falling asleep!!!!!! I love it” Anonymous student from CLC research Dec 2007

Thank you Richard Everett – e. Learning Consultant The Old Coach House r/o 9 High Street Old Town Stevenage SG 1 3 BG 01438 215 447 richard. everett 01@ntlworld. com