Session 1: Aims What can we learn from learners?

Why research learners’ experiences of e-learning? Learners’ experiences are a key measure of our success Does investment in ICT have benefits that are experienced by learners? Technology is pervasive in learners’ lives ‘We are trying to re-describe the whole of learning in this new paradigm’ Learner’ perspectives are surprising, demanding, innovative Technology in the hands of learners is a potent force for change Learners have new expectations of education, thanks to technology: flexibility, choice, ubiquitous access, personalised support, rapid feedback… Learners need new skills and strategies for the digital age

Researching learners’ experiences of e-learning Link here to the ‘researchers’ video clip which is available separately on the web site

Researching learners’ experiences… across the curriculum across the learning lifecycle/lifepath as learners make sense of their experiences themselves in all their complexity and diversity to enable/empower them as learners

Activity #1 Look at the ‘Aims, Audiences and Resources’ table from the Staff Development toolkit (available on web site) Begin to consider how you could use these outcomes and materials in your work Turn to Reflections sheet (available on web site) What do you hope to get from today for yourself? What do you hope to take from today that you can use and re-use with clients of your service? Icebreaker activity introduce yourself and share two ideas for using learners’ experience research with your immediate neighbour