The (Possible) Future of MLEs Dr. Andrew Oliver, Dr. Ian Glover, Learning Technology Development Unit (LTDU) 2 nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire

Topics Drivers Vision –User Benefits –Educational Benefits –Institutional Benefits What about Facebook, Blogger, Flickr, … ? The ‘Socialised’ MLE Considerations Conclusions Further Information 2 nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire

Drivers Student Behaviour Experience of technology increasing –Expectations of Web advancing Social Networks major part of life for many –Use interspersed with M/VLE accesses Comfortable being Content Producers –Gives a sense of empowerment Expectation of personalised experience 2 nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire

Undergraduate numbers falling –Need for new recruitment strategies Moves towards providing short courses to business. Desire to create ‘Brand Loyalty’ in Alumni. 2 nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire Drivers Sector Developments A possible ‘person lifecycle’

Vision User Benefits Knowledge Transfer –Students Business Employability –People Jobs Develop contacts Find new friends Restrictions on access may prevent future repercussions User Group Overlaps 2 nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire

Vision Educational Benefits Content creation – instant publication – connection with subject PDP extra value student defines learning pathway (learning & career goals) And share experiences (socially). And start arguing (communication, critiquing, creativity, competition) 2 nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire

Vision Institutional Benefits Engagement prior to enrolment Maintain up-to-date records of Alumni Improve links with business –Create collaborative projects –Generate placements for students –Spin-out research and products Marketing of courses and training 2 nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire

What about Facebook, Blogger, Flickr, YouTube, PebblePad, … ? Excellent systems, already in use –But who owns the data? –Same information presented to all users Institutional control allows: –Public & Personal personae –Data Protection/IP assurances –Integration with e-Portfolios + CPD/PDP Institutional Information available: –Fellow course members, modules studied, assignment info., etc. – accounts, work placements, club memberships, etc. 2 nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire

The ‘Socialised’ MLE All about content… Created through blogs, forums, profile updates, photo and video libraries, essays, project work, wikis, CPD, PDP, (remixed) course content, etc. etc. And where it ends up… Flows to / from the individual through profile matching, group & course affiliation, contacts, PLE settings, etc. etc. 2 nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire People-centric EducationSocial (icons from Wikimedia Commons)

The feel of the system... 2 nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire people matched based on similar, interests, study habits, learning goals, link trails and search patterns. ‘hubs’ (learning communities) includes current and prospective students, tutors, alumni, employers and professional experts.

Possible Elements of SMLEs Video portal Photo albums People matching –Core aspect for Hubs. Integration of OpenSocial technology –Possible inclusion of Facebook-like apps. Import/Export tools for Facebook, Flickr, etc. Curriculum Vitae generation 2 nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire

Considerations (1) Legal implications over: –Data Protection Retention and Reuse of User-generated content. –Licensing of subscribed materials –User Interactions and Accountabilities Users below age of Majority (Applicants at ~17) Non-students 2 nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire

Considerations (2) 2 nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire Content : what if it’s rubbish? –i.e. how to ensure academic quality? Competition from ‘Outside’ –Need to provide a ‘hook’ (such as e-Portfolio)

Conclusions Move toward people-centric system. Focus on the user experience –other aspects secondary. ‘Hooks’ needed to encourage sustained use. Opportunity for beneficial outcomes –Though some caveats exist. 2 nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire

Further Information Presentations around Topic: Ed-Media 2008Ed-Media 2008, July 2008: “Hybridisation of Social Networking and Learning Environments” – I. Glover & A. Oliver. ALT-C 2008ALT-C 2008, Sept. 2008: “Enhancing learner experience of managed learning environments through a dramatic expansion of the user type and the integration of social networking technologies” – A. Oliver & I. Glover. 2 nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire

Thank You! Questions? 2 nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire