Joint Information Systems Committee 02/11/09 | | Slide 12 Methods How can we understand learners better? Greg Benfield, Oxford Brookes University

Learners’ Experiences of e-Learning Workshops: November 2008 – March 2009 slide 13 How have we investigated e-learners? Background survey of existing research Sharpe et al 2006Sharpe et al 2006 –‘Scarcity of studies on learner experience, often about very specific and narrow aspects of learning (e.g. CMC), often discussing observable behaviours rather than intentions, beliefs, feelings’ Phase 1: two large-scale studies Creanor et al 2006, Conole et al 2006Creanor et al 2006 Conole et al 2006 Phase 2: seven focused studies to investigate specific issues plus support and synthesis (ongoing) BLUPS | e4L | Lead | LexDis PB-LXP | STROLL | Thema

Learners’ Experiences of e-Learning Workshops: November 2008 – March 2009 slide 14 What were our questions? 1. How do specific groups of students experience learning with technology? 2. What is the experience of highly skilled online communicators and networkers? How can learners' existing skills be developed and exploited more effectively? 3. How do learners' experiences change through their learning journey, particularly at points of transition such as induction? 4. What are the critical choices that learners make about when, where and how to study? How do these influence their experience of e-learning?

Learners’ Experiences of e-Learning Workshops: November 2008 – March 2009 slide How do learners make use of technology for learning in ways that are not expected or supported by their institution? 6. How are learners personalising and adapting their learning tools and environments? 7. How do students conceive of the role of technology in their learning? Is there a relationship between students' conceptions of learning with technology and their success? 8. What, if any, is the impact of institutional strategies and course level practices - such as widening participation, developing skills for global citizenship, accessibility, designing for difference - on the learner experience What were our questions?

Learners’ Experiences of e-Learning Workshops: November 2008 – March 2009 slide 16 What methods did we use (and develop)? Interview (plus), card sort and other elicitation techniques Logs and diaries (video, audio) ‘Penpals’, learners-as-researchers Focus groups Case studies, ‘day in the life’ Learner profiles Surveys (institutional cohorts)

Learners’ Experiences of e-Learning Workshops: November 2008 – March 2009 slide 17 Methodological issues Elicitation Ethical issues Participatory research Recruitment and retention Using available technologies to collect data

Learners’ Experiences of e-Learning Workshops: November 2008 – March 2009 slide 20 Using these ideas in practice Researchers’ forum (ELESIG) Web resources on methods Learner-centred evaluation toolkit Methods ‘recipe cards’ (two more in your pack!) Listening to learners: check-list on embedding learners’ perspectives into institutional and personal practice research reflective practice