High Level Skills for the Digital and ICT Sectors Dr. Atif Waraich School of Computing, Mathematics and Digital Technology

Aims of the HLSP project Address CPD issues for Digital and Creative ICT sectors for areas of skills shortage –Multimedia, Web Development, Programming –Computer games included originally –Target audience both SMEs and large companies; & individuals –Schools Computing and Mathematics & Art and Design Development of 8 units –Stand alone “bite size” courses; CPD focus –But could be combined to produce a qualification Potentially to full MSc

Skills & knowledge covered Three broad themes: –Internet Java programming etc. –Multimedia Cross platform development; Adobe Flash CS5 –Mobile devices –iOS (iPhone) and Android

HLSP CPD units Multimedia Authoring (Flash) x 2 Object Oriented Programming (Java) x 2 Internet Programming x 2 iPhone development Android development

Units: Overview Original model 10 credit “units” –Over 12 weeks; 2 hours direct tutor contact per week –Blended learning approach to delivery [VLE] –Introductory and Advanced To cater for career changers; development of new knowledge and skills; –Units can be formally assessed If the student wishes to gain credit for a qualification; this is optional

iPhone course iPhone course developed after consultation with industry partners This has run 3 time with 15 learners Based on 4 day intensive delivery model Partnership with Shiny Development Advantages: Demand led Skills required quickly by delegates; intensive course Release from companies easier Local delivery 4 day model suited to most delegates

iPhone 8 hours per day (1 hour lunch) Split Lecture based delivery Lab exercises Day 4: Project to create a Twitter application; brought together first 3 days Joint delivery with industry input Future combined delivery on a session by session basis

Feedback: iPhone course ”[Tutor] was excellent, explained the theory very well and gave very good answers to all the questions asked. Very impressed.” “I was nervous about learning a new language but following 4 days of great tuition, excellent demos/examples and very helpful one to one assistance whenever I needed it I wouldn't hesitate recommending this course.” App: this-app/id ?mt=8

Sample Twitter App Produced

Revised delivery model We have discovered that the 12 week model is not popular with industry Preferred shorter more intensive courses Industry input (from practitioners) is highly valued This has required a partnership approach to delivery New model is not be applied to the Android course material we have developed Similar model to iPhone delivery with facilitation from industry practitioner Windows Mobile 7 course will also be developed

Issues raised Expectations of SMEs v. large companies –Different training needs? –Delivery model Recession has reduced investment in training for smaller companies –Viewed as a risk factor; lose staff? –Wanted competitive advantage –Challenge for universities; need for us to maintain currency; rapidly changing field –iPhone material delivered to our students is now better Qualification aspect not necessarily viewed as an advantage by some employers –Benefit to individuals

Links to business & other services MMU Usability Laboratory Remote monitoring; eye tracking; Web site analysis Publicity for this has led to other work Further course development Android Windows 7 Mobile Funding requested for an “Enterprise centre” Development services to local businesses e.g. iPhone apps Placement opportunities for students “”Ecosystem” of business focussed services Business Development Managers; RES centre

Questions ?