UCP Marjon JISC RSC Conference Bristol 8 th

UCP Marjon@ JISC RSC Conference, Bristol 8 th April 2008 Embedding e-Learning in everyday practice David Benzie & Adam Read March 2008 USB_BPathfinderRSC April 2008UCP Marjon session at RSC Bristol conference 8 th April 2008 (0. 1)

�Background: HEA Benchmarking & Pathfinder �A strategy for embedding e-Learning �Examples of what we have tried, and plan to try – including discussion Overview

� 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 HEA Benchmarking & Pathfinder

E-Learning Strategy Development Informed by �HEA Benchmarking Project �Staff & student surveys �Staff Conference - Easter 2007 �Other institutional strategies Developing an e. LS

Some key messages �Most staff regularly use ICT in their teaching �but…mostly for Power. Point, resource provision and straight-forward communication (e. g. e-mail or making announcements) Staff & Student surveys

Some (more) key messages �Staff & 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 Staff & Student surveys

“Social constructivism” is a common shorthand for 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 valued independent activity by learners is Key perspective on learning

Access to resources ICT infrastructure Data & reg infrastructure Support from staff ICT infrastructure Alias-C Active learners in a supportive community Data & regulatory infrastructure Flexible learning opportunities Links to other communities Support from staff Alias-C: Active Learners in a supportive community

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 Aim 1: Expand learning resources

�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 Past projects & Aim 1

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 Service � Advice to cover existing & new modules/programmes � Advice on accessibility Aim 2: Deliver flexible learning

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 3 rd parties (eg Uo. P) � Review provision from this perspective Aim 3: Distance learning support

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 programme � Training for legal (copyright/accessibility) & ethical issues � Create an incentives framework Aim 4: Enabling & valuing staff

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 portal � Revise validation & review procedures to add an e-Learning dimension � Extend “One stop shop” to cover data issues Aim 5: Data & regulatory framework

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 Aim 6: ICT infrastructure for L&T

Contact details Dr David Benzie Director of e-Learning University College Plymouth St Mark & St John Derriford Road Plymouth PL 6 8 BH Tel: 01752 636880 Email: dbenzie@marjon. ac. uk Questions & discussion…