The Ecosystem of E-Learning Technologies Ross Anderson This presentation builds on a previous presentation I did based on the ecosystem of Moodle. This was about how for Moodle use to be effective with learners it required certain characteristics. This presentation adopts the previous framework and applies it more generally to learning technologies.

Behaviours____ There is a change in behaviour: Culturally, Socially, Educationally. Disintermediation Digital Convergence New technology – Change in behaviours – Marshall Mcluhan – Medium is the Message This has impacted on Culture, Society, Education – The way we behave. Where there is any change to these systems – things have to adapt. Web 2.0, Technology

Learner Journey____ See learning differently Student centred design A personalised environment Fluid / Creative Meet expectations Technology is the enabler Perhaps we saw a learners journey as just attending a school then you got a job. No emphasis on progression? When we consider these behaviours – we should….. Teaching methods have remained static but it’s the delivery that is important. Technologies are more important than ever on the learner journey. From Induction to Progression they support learners by way of communication, teaching, developing learning and assessment. Important words here ‘Communication’ ‘Personalised’ ‘Supportive’ Links to Bandura (Social Learning Theory) & Vygotsky (Social Development Theory)

“there is no ‘Game Over’…..there is always an option” Snook & Scottish Government. (2012). Post 16 Education: Improving the Learner Journey. Available: http://www.slideshare.net/wearesnook/scottishgov-publish-fullreport. Last accessed 24th May 2013.

The Ecosystem of E-Learning Technologies Ecosystems: a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment. Oxford Dictionaries. (2013). Ecosystem. Available: http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/ecosystem. Last accessed 24th May 2013.

Eco-Systems____ Community Environment Interaction Co-Habiting Community – Us and our learners, learners and learners, peer groups (Communities of Practice: Lave and Wenger) Environment – the traditional Classroom or Virtual, Learning Space – Size, type, location etc Interaction – Communication, active learning, collaboration – Where is that happening Co-Habitating – Learners and Tutors together as one – All for one, One for all Starting to see the links with learning/education

Cyclic learning – Kolb. Ayres, R.U (1994). Industrial Metabolism: Theory and Policy. The Greening of Industrial Ecosystems. Washington, DC: National Academy Press. p23-37.

Ecosystem Of Technologies E-Learning This sits at the centre of our strategy with e-learning and teaching and learning. This ecosystem should be considered when looking to effectively use learning support technology. Student Led – Personalised to meet their needs. Its familiar, differentiates. Teacher Driven – Role Models of good practice, motivation and support. The tutor plays the role of facilitator but also maintains the balance Content – Quality, variety, differentiate Ownership – Fully owned by all to be worthwhile, team – Cohabitate / Real Life Leadership – To take action when things don’t work, be a voice of reason Design – User Centred Design, VLE Ofsted, Aesthetics, Curriculum Design a map for a learning provider's journey to the effective use of learning support technology

Impact: Challenges____ Students don’t know what they want Teachers own perceptions of confidence or skills/knowledge Information is easily accessible so there are questions of quality – Teacher driven Poorly designed methods to access resources Study Programmes / Blended Learning / Creative Teaching Uncreative teaching, learning and assessment

Impact: Reactions____ Positive response by staff & learners Creating a culture of shared experiences Clear vision for creative teaching, learning and assessment strategies. Learner involvement - E-Learning Interns Consistency with some core values - Mission Creativity with new ideas - Refreshing Moodle Survey – Staff perceptions Those who have considered the implications and worked on this process: Positive attitude towards using technology – Many staff are pro-active Creating a culture of shared experiences – Staff to staff, learner to staff – Conversations are being held Creativity – Staff enthused with new technologies, they can see the benefit when applied to their area. Staff starting to realise that technology changes teaching. More facilitate than control. Moodle Survey – Staff Perceptions; Staff knew what needed to be done. They lacked skills/confidence. They welcomed training.