India-UK Conference on Information & Technology (ICT) in Education & Training Kate Dickens “Reusable Learning Objects (RLOs): English for Academic Purposes” eLanguages, University of Southampton, UK

Overview Introduction –eLanguages at Southampton Learning objects Concepts of re-usability and re-purposing (RLOs) Southampton as a case study Feedback from students and tutors Future direction

Introduction Consortium of 6 UK universities led by Southampton: Bristol, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, York Funded to develop e-tutor supported online English for Academic Purposes (EAP) modules (IELTS 5.5 – 6.5) Initially designed for use on newly developed learning environment (SUN systems) Successfully used on UKeU/ Blackboard/ WebCT/Moodle virtual learning environments (VLEs) in both blended and distance modes

E-learning material Developed in the form of reusable learning objects (RLOs) The ‘building blocks’ for stand-alone online modules in EAP or online support programs in blended learning environments Designed to be interoperable and therefore, platform-independent

Learning Objects … are internally contextualised … are activity-based … use text, audio. Video, animation, interactive exercises, threaded discussion, real-time voice and text chat

Create LOsSubmit for editorial comment Carry out any revisions Checklist LOs Submit LOs to Southampton Final editing Final checklistingMove LOs from working to master folders Upload to web- based learning environment Learning Object Production

Design new course Retrieve suitable LOs from existing bank Carry out any revisions Create any new LOs needed Edit and checklist new LOs Review and revise course structure and content Create course structure in VLE Move LOs from working to master folders Upload LOs to VLE Reusing and repurposing

Use by tutors and students Tutor-supported online courses –Distance –On campus Online resource materials banks –Course enhancement by tutors –Independent study, guided by tutor –Self-access by students –In the classroom with the tutor

Current stage of development 1300 learning objects ( mins each) 4 x 12 week EAP modules (150 hours) 3 x 9 week skills-based short courses (50 hours) 5 x advanced skills self-access courses (up to 25 hours) Resource-banks of LOs for independent study (up to 150 hours)

Use at the University of Southampton 400 University of Southampton students will have used the materials Conducted research with students and tutors Received feedback from over 200 students who have already completed courses

Research methodology 58 observations of student online use of resource bank 194 student questionnaires 21 tutor questionnaires Up to 100 student comments from self-access learning logs Data from tracking within VLE

Feedback Overwhelmingly positive response to the learning materials Majority of users used them with both specific aim in mind and for browsing Emphasis on ease of use (90%) Most popular resources (in order): –Writing –Listening and notetaking –Reading and critical thinking

Students commentsTutor Comments “I feel that this is much more than useful and helpful” “They have been a real help!” “I want to keep on using the online materials after the course – please make it possible” “The materials were useful in addressing the specific difficulties students had …” “I very much appreciate the quality of the course, the structure of the material and the logic of the content” “Would you support the use of the online materials if they were available in a future course? Yes, definitely”