Using the Internet to Deliver Audio Technology Patrick Quinn, Lynne Baillie, Don Knox, David Harrison Glasgow Caledonian University Martin Dewar Coatbridge College

Introduction Collaborative project involving –Glasgow Caledonian University –Coatbridge College Both providers of high quality education in audio technology for many years Extensive use of Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) First use of network technology within context of teaching audio technology

Aims To investigate the technologies and techniques that can be used to deliver and develop audio technology over the Internet To develop and appropriate system and programme to allow collaborative working in audio over the Internet To evaluate the efficacy and impact of the resultant systems To explore the effects of students at an FE college being exposed to University level teaching

Articulation Issues Successful articulation depends on –High levels of specific support both at pre-entry and during programme of study at HE –Good match between FE and HE syllabuses Achieved by close working links Problem exists of contextualising study in modular HE system Network technologies now allows audio recording to take place over existing infrastructure

Technology Background Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) used in audio industry Rocket Networks developed system in 1990s –Failed due to unacceptable Quality of Service Latest infrastructure allows audio recording to take place easily using industry standard software

Benefits to Students Allow them to expand and develop skills in the context of network technology Allow HND students to gain experience of higher education teaching –Principally reflective learning Broadens students exposure to potential opportunities within audio industries

Evaluation Use VLE to allow semi structured discussion on techniques and technology –Semi structured as students are unused to reflection as part of their work –Used to assess students reflections on education al experience Use wikis to document work involved in carrying our recordings –Used to assess students understanding of technology

Results A number of logistical problems mean that the no. of recording sessions was limited However the students seemed to enjoy the experience and gain a better understanding of what could be achieved using networks

Results continued Comments included –I found the whole experience very challenging and useful –Learning about network technology gives a good idea if how easy everything is getting through use of the Internet –I am really interested in how this whole thing works and hope that I can continue on with this next year

Results continued Evaluation also highlighted some needs of a visually impaired student Due to time constraints Wiki failed to be attractive to students Possibly too steep a learning curve at that time of year for students

Wider Use / Future Work System has potential particularly in a country like Scotland with communities at a distance from major cities University of Highlands and Highlands already has a model for delivery across distances Project team would like to expand across Scotland –Scotland has a very established network of colleges providing education in this area

Conclusions Aims were met with varying success –Good grounding in the use of the technology was developed –Basic system for using such technology was developed –Time constraints meant that systems were not tested as much as would have liked –Project provided some information on how students would fare in HE