Sestri Sept 2009 Repositories and the Learning Experience: Using a Repository for Learning & Support Prof Mark Stiles - Staffordshire University Sestri Sept 2009

Our initial drivers? To store and manage the University and SURF collection of learning resources and other associated scholarly outputs. –provide flexible delivery of e-learning content and resources –facilitate re-use and re-purposing of learning content –improve archiving, auditing and version control processes –facilitate avoidance of lock-in by freeing content from vendor systems –provide workflow for quality assurance processes, metadata, rights management, etc

Sestri Sept 2009 The VLE as straightjacket? VLE use “can” be innovative but: Are they creating a new orthodoxy? Do they encourage the “mundane” Are they tying us down for the future? Are they now a barrier?

Sestri Sept 2009 What are we doing with VLEs? From 2005 JISC MLE “Landscape Study” of UK HE and FE consultation document: …the results also show two thirds of modules of study being web supplemented which would seem to indicate that the ‘stuff your notes into your VLE’ model is prevalent and increasing

Sestri Sept 2009 Are we producing bloated systems?

Sestri Sept 2009 Other drivers… The “new” Web Sharing Collaboration Learner initiated Informal learning Diverse communities Outside institutional control Unstoppable?

Sestri Sept 2009 The future VLE?

Sestri Sept 2009 The future? Tutors and learners will build their own toolsets from: what is provided by the institution what they have on their own (personal) computer what is available on the Web Learners will: “opt out” of systems institutions and tutors might prefer them to use for formal learning activities initiate “sharing” and “community” activities outside of formal learning using tools they have chosen engage with wider and more diverse communities

Sestri Sept 2009 What we decided in 05/06… “Loosening the bonds”: Diversifying delivery Repository based Extraction of QAed resources Promote reuse and repurposing Include “novel” resources Delivery to VLEs, Portals, Portfolios and Web 2.0 tools Tested by JISC Projects (SURF WBL-Way)

Sestri Sept 2009 Consultant Recommendations… Choose a commercial ‘off the shelf’ solution Use internal resources to integrate repository with existing systems Ensure solution can support QA etc procedures and not impact negatively on them API functionality as selection criteria only for extending functionality or external integration Standards and specifications conformance for content and interoperability Integration with VLEs so resources may be delivered in a controlled environment Flexible and customisable set of features allowing different metadata schemes etc to be used

Sestri Sept 2009 Our Choice… Prime focus on being a learning repository Excellent integration with VLEs –Built in for Blackboard and Moodle –Can extract existing content and serve back to any system IMS conformance Technical compatibility with existing expertise Good workflow and metadata features Java-based APIs Successful demonstration of required features Flexibility in negotiation Willing to provide additional R&D licence Made University a research partner Good deployment support included

Sestri Sept 2009 So we… Training for “Propeller Heads” and “Repository Management” Updated to Hive 3.0 and contributed to revised BB integration Preparing for the “big suck” from Blackboard Working on Configuration with project sub-groups Developing ongoing roles, processes and policies Harvest Road partner in JISC project with SURF partners

Sestri Sept 2009 Some ways forward… “Agility and Flexibility” A repository to: –promote use of new technologies –promote reuse & repurposing –deliver to diverse systems –provide access at point of need –remove “one size fits” –escape lock-in –resources for more than the learner Portals to support the facilitator and learner… –work-based mentors, employers, admin –access to learner information for learners –contextual access

Sestri Sept 2009 Work-Based Learning

Sestri Sept 2009 Work-Based Learning Links to: Resources in Hive Thesis Colleges Twitter feeds RSS Feeds etc

Sestri Sept 2009 Managing Learning Resources Hive – feeding the WBL Support Point:

Sestri Sept 2009 An “opportunity” arose! University Executive Business Plan includes: To take a new approach to course and product development: Increase engagement with employers on work-based learning and other workforce development initiatives Establish a robust new product development process that is market-facing and customer-focused To grow and sustain alliances, networks and partnerships Further develop SURF college network and other appropriate FE partnerships To enhance customer experience Increase the number of students who stay and successfully complete their courses Integrate systematic customer feedback mechanisms into a robust framework for the measurement and improvement of customer satisfaction To exploit technological advances Develop a technical infrastructure (networks, mobile technology) that supports integrated business systems, administration, formal, informal and flexible learning Implement new and existing learning and teaching media to support effective e-learning and delivery

Sestri Sept 2009 I was empowered… University Technology Supported Learning (TSL) Plan includes: Implement effective management of learning resources and course related information – XCRi built into Hive Expand TSL for Flexible Learning, WBL and BCE and the strengthening of SURF and other partnerships – Hive linked to WBL Portals and facilities for partner colleges Put in place a system of learner-focused Quality Enhancement for TSL and diversify the delivery of TSL – Validation outputs in Hive linked to CoP, all VLE content moved to Hive Disseminate good practice and build effective staff development in TSL – Hive linked to POOT, ELearning Models and other CoPs Improve the administration of TSL Implement a technical infrastructure to allow TSL applications to be introduced/removed in a flexible and responsive way

Sestri Sept 2009 From the TSL Plan: need to respect the need for appropriately distinct and individual approaches by Faculties and course teams policy should be sufficient to guide practice but apply the minimum level of control necessary and avoid needless bureaucracy It is all about sustaining innovation…

Sestri Sept 2009 Managing Learning Resources Our repository – Hive from Giunti Labs Used for WBL, WBL-Way, DIVAS and ENABLE Media trials with Faculties Migration of Blackboard content tested Blackboard integration ready but waiting for BB and Hive upgrades Roll-out as full service by IS being organised

Sestri Sept 2009 Our “Hive” Experiences Single store of learning content - enables true management of content Scalability/distributed cache Allows quick scaling with demand Essential for a ‘centre-piece’ system High availability/enterprise pack Excellent technical support Comprehensive Web services - Essential for diverse delivery Hive 4 Java/application server platform Ability to run on Glassfish Fits nicely with our skill set and preferred technologies

Sestri Sept 2009 The University as organisation excessive hierarchy and over-heavy bureaucracy, the comfort of ingrained routines, strong vertical command structures and weak lateral and bottom-up communication, unbalanced and non-integrated authority across professional domains, conservatism and risk aversion, territoriality, defensiveness and insecurity as well as wilfulness (Middlehurst, 1998) The individual experts may be highly innovative within a specialist domain, but the difficulties of coordination across functions and disciplines impose severe limits on the innovative capability of the organization as a whole. (Lam, 2005)

Sestri Sept 2009 A major university change initiative supported by JISC funding Focused on the complete curriculum design/development process Designed to connect our many initiatives and join them up without holes Designed to find a way to sustain and manage innovation and change for the organisation Led by LDI, it involves Faculties, Services, Partners, Employers and Learners Senior Management Group chaired by Gill Howland Funded until April 2012 “Our last best hope” (Apologies to Babylon 5)

Sestri Sept 2009 Lack of Identity Management Resource ModelsCourse Information Documents fit for Audience Managing Partnerships Product Portfolio Management Assessment FeedbackTimetablesMarket Research Issues

Sestri Sept 2009

UK OER Pilots HEFCE funded one year programme – run by JISC/HEA subjectinstitutionindividual support function – covering technical, legal, strategic advice, workshops, support for deposit and aggregation of materials, communities of practice. Based around existing JISC services and the OU “SCORE” project. OER infokit – a “how to” guide for future work evaluation & synthesis function Programme Management

Sestri Sept 2009 OpenStaffs University is committed to making a wide range of learning and teaching resources freely available and easily discovered, with the facility and rights for the content to be re-used by both educators and learners. Mandate Giunti and Blackboard project partners

Sestri Sept 2009 OpenStaffs

Sestri Sept 2009 Information… WBL-WAY Project: Facebook Group on Control and Innovation: ENABLE Project: OpenStaffs OER Pilot:

Sestri Sept 2009 Thank you for your time and patience