Learning LabLearning Lab 2.0 Embedding academic literacies to meet global and local learning support requirements. The repurposing, renewal and expansion of the RMIT Learning Lab.

Outline of presentation Part one: Background Learning Lab 2004 – 2010 Generic to discipline based integration of academic literacies Part two: Drivers for a repurposing of Learning Lab New technologies Student demand RMIT global requirements Redesign -visual makeover and branding requirements Accessibility on mobile devices Part three: Showcase of the Learning Lab project RMIT University©2011 Study and Learning Centre 2

RMIT University©2011 Study and Learning Centre 3 Part one: Background The development of the original Learning Lab Phase one (2006) Phase two Phase three Develop widely applicable (generic) resources for use and adaptation across RMIT both on shore and off shore Used student models across university million hits million hits Develop discipline specific resources SLC’s academic literacies integration projects Upload to course online classrooms Renewal and redesign

Learning Lab version 1 Learning Lab Multi mode delivery of resources Web sites – Company LawCompany Law – Global Studies- Argument AnalysisGlobal Studies- Argument Analysis Online presentations –Masters of Professional Accounting - Intro to academic writingMasters of Professional Accounting - Intro to academic writing Interactive PDF’s (Report writing for Logistics)(Report writing for Logistics) PDF’s ( Quick tips and handouts) Research reportResearch report RMIT University©2011 Study and Learning Centre 4

A resource model for academic literacies integration

Part two: Drivers for the repurposing of the Learning Lab in 2011 New technologies -from flat screen to web 2.0 Use Web 2.0 technologies to enable active student-to-student and advisor-to-student interactions consistent with constructivist online pedagogies Smith and Caruso (2010) proposes that the integration of online technologies in tertiary study is dynamically evolving as cloud services such as YouTube, iTunes U, Facebook and Gmail are poised to be the next wave of applications in use in programs. Student demand Changing nature and commitments of tertiary learners as students spend less time on campus -Digital learners expect increased flexibility and connectivity There is a need to cater for a new generation of students who require ’ convenience, connection and control‘ in their learning environments (Caruso & Kvavik 2005, p. 9). RMIT University©2011 Study and Learning Centre 6

RMIT University’s local and global requirements Increasing diversity of student cohort Total student numbers o Higher Education (HE) / VET o Domestic - 44,457 o International 29, 148 o Full time 45, 646 o Part time o Distance/ fully online 2,662 o Transnational agenda – expansion globally Off shore 11,590RMIT University Pocket Statistics ( 2011) RMIT Vietnam 5,708 RMIT University©2008 Study and Learning Centre 7

Learning Lab 2011 repurposing and redesign project 6 areas New Platform- web site to Drupal content management system Integration of new technologies –RMIT enterprise products –Student feedback mechanisms (social construction of content) Redevelopment of content and new content areas –English language development area –Post graduate research area –Online services –Getting started Redesign (Visual makeover) Multi platform delivery on mobile devices ( IPhones and IPads) Accessibility RMIT University©2011 Study and Learning Centre 8

RMIT University©2008 Study and Learning Centre 9

Getting started RMIT University©2011 Study and Learning Centre 10 Entry point for the Learning Lab Introduction to key transition issues (students don’t know what they don’t know) Scaffolds to targeted tutorials and resources

Online services RMIT University©2011 Study and Learning Centre 11 Online delivery of service Ask a maths adviser Ask a learning adviser Elluminate workshops for targeted cohorts Capacity to add blogs and forums in the future

English language development RMIT University©2011 Study and Learning Centre 12 Sub project funded by university wide intervention Purpose – to develop self efficacy and motivational resources for English as an additional language students Quizzes, student to student videos word games

Post graduate research RMIT University©2011 Study and Learning Centre 13 Large and growing cohort of research students Significant numbers from NESB Supports face to face writing circles initiative

Sample Assessment tasks – tutorial (Essay structure) Redesigned to be more visual – graphics carry the load “Just in time” design approach – key information is fore grounded and concise Based on deconstructed authentic text models RMIT University©2011 Study and Learning Centre 14

Sample extract- essay structure tutorial

Feedback mechanisms (each tutorial) RMIT University©2011 Study and Learning Centre 16 Student to student feedback Student information sharing Moderated and acts as an evaluation tool

Resources for courses RMIT University©2011 Study and Learning Centre 17 Discipline based repository for learning objects for students and staff Information is categorised for easy searchability

Architecture and building Design projects: the brief Art and design Referencing for Fashion design Art history essay Art find (lib) Fashion and textiles Study skills for fashion students Fashion and textile design toolbag (TAFE) Community services and social sciences Referencing for social science Argument analysis GSSSP first year essay Social science essay Resources for courses Business Referencing for business students College of Business: Guidelines for referencing and presentation of written work Writing a job application Sample co-op letter Introduction to referencing Literature review Introduction to report writing Accounting and Law Contract law Negligence Company law How to study company law MPA How to write a reflection Business TAFE Study skills for TAFE students Business law introduction Business law –negligence Business law- contract Economics and Finance Risk management (report) Information technology Introduction to academic writing (logistics) Health and medical sciences Study skills for dental assistants Study resources for first year Nursing students Engineering Maths for Civil, Aerospace, Electrical & Chemical engineering Applied Science Maths for Geospatial Science Report writing for Geospatial

Final stage Usability studies Placement Marketing Launch RMIT University©2011 Study and Learning Centre 19