VLEs and meeting student expectations

Maria Tannant – Learning Technologist Tony Reeves – Learning Technologist University for the Creative Arts Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, Maidstone & Rochester VLEs and meeting student expectations

Towards technology and infrastructure Multiple passwords Bad experience with VLE No sense of ownership or control No identity or flexibility VLEs and meeting student expectations tackling negative perceptions Led to a rebrand exercise and new start

VLEs and meeting student expectations

evaluation: audit and dialogue VLE Use Audit of course and module areas Elearning champions and best practice identified Areas of low or no use identified What Works, What Doesn’t workshops with course reps Feedback from staff Provides evidence of strengths and weakness

VLEs and meeting student expectations evaluation: audit and dialogue

VLEs and meeting student expectations parity and consistency Inconsistent layout from module to module Inconsistent content from course to course Mixed expectations Frustration and poor experience from students No clear guidance to staff or enforcement measures Students where getting different experiences from course to course

VLEs and meeting student expectations using a framework for guidance Module and course template to address inconsistencies Minimum requirements to guide staff on content Provides a model to build into staff induction training Setting a standard to meet at least a basic level of expectation VLEs are more than document repositories!

VLEs and meeting student expectations changing the culture Addressing staff and students concerns head on Providing better ‘video on demand’ help and support for staff Working with support departments Showcasing best practice for others to learn from Embrace cloud technologies to work alongside the VLE Review, evaluate and improve

VLEs and meeting student expectations workshop activities – indentify and discuss Group 1 - Evaluation 1.How is the VLE used at your institution - what activities are occurring and by whom? 2.What methods of evaluating the VLE are used and how do you capture various activities? You have 10 minutes – write down findings and nominate group speaker Group 2 – Parity & Consistency 1.How is inconsistent use of the VLE being addressed, and how is parity achieved at your institution? 2.What are the advantages/disadvantages of inconsistency? E.g. does consistency stifle innovation?

VLEs and meeting student expectations workshop activities – indentify and discuss Group 1 – Frameworks 1.What measures does your institution put in place to ensure there is a minimum content requirement for the VLE. 2.If a framework to meet students’ online expectations has been implemented, what is it and how was it achieved? You have 10 minutes – write down findings and nominate group speaker Group 2 – Changing the Culture 1.How has your institution developed a more positive approach to the VLE 2.How have you tackled pockets of resistance with using the VLE, and what (if any) compromises have you made?