1. UCP Marjon@ JISC RSC Conference, Bristol 8 th April 2008 Embedding e-Learning in everyday practice David Benzie & Adam Read March 2008 USB_B\Pathfinder\RSC April 2008\UCP Marjon session at RSC Bristol conference 8 th April 2008 (0.1)

2. Overview Background: HEA Benchmarking & Pathfinder A strategy for embedding e-Learning Examples of what we have tried, and plan to try – including discussion

3. HEA Benchmarking & Pathfinder 2006/7: HEA Benchmarking of e-Learning project; OBHE/ACU methodology; led to Institutional Review Document 2007/8: HEA Pathfinder institution; focus on e-Learning strategy development and on embedding e-Learning

4. Developing an eLS E-Learning Strategy Development Informed by HEA Benchmarking Project Staff & student surveys Staff Conference - Easter 2007 Other institutional strategies

5. Staff & Student surveys Some key messages Most staff regularly use ICT in their teaching but…mostly for PowerPoint, resource provision and straight-forward communication (e.g. e-mail or making announcements)

6. Staff & Student surveys Some (more) key messages Staff & student reactions to the Bb VLE differ markedly; students more positive & higher levels of use. VLE contains little-used functions; students want staff to make more use of Bb Need major awareness, training and support programme for staff

7. Key perspective on learning “Social constructivism” is a common shorthand for the leading perspective on learning Learning is a social activity Learners actively construct new knowledge and understanding through collaborative activity with peers and knowledgeable others Diligent independent activity by learners is valued

8. Alias-C: Active Learners in a supportive community Alias-C Active learners in a supportive community Support from staff ICT infrastructure Access to resources Data & regulatory infrastructure Flexible learning opportunities Links to other communities Access to resources Flexible learning opportunities Links to other communities ICT infrastructure Data & reg infrastructure Support from staff

9. Aim 1: Expand learning resources Aim 1: Expand the range of learning resources that are available on-line Action plan includes: Promote a culture in which staff share resources *4 to 5 “e-Learning Lead Projects” per year (1 per school plus institution) *4 to 5 “e-Learning Lead Projects” per year (1 per school plus institution) Ensure that learning resources are discoverable via portal

10. Past projects & Aim 1 The concept of “Lead Projects” is a development of an idea that has worked well in the past We have curriculum development projects supported by an external developer Two examples: - Speech & Language Therapy - Cress Hills

11. Aim 2: Deliver flexible learning Aim 2: Promote the use of e-Learning for the delivery of an expanding range of flexible and accessible learning opportunities Action plan includes: Advice to staff from new e-Learning Support Service Advice to cover existing & new modules/programmes Advice on accessibility

12. Aim 3: Distance learning support Aim 3: Provide e-Learning support for learners who are studying at a distance (inc international students, on placement, in employment, community based or with a primary registration in another HE institution). Action plan includes: Promote facilities that can support students on placement (eg video conferencing, e-Portfolios…) Improve data exchange with 3 rd parties (eg UoP) Review provision from this perspective

13. Aim 4: Enabling & valuing staff Aim 4: Develop, enable and value staff as e- Learning practitioners (academic) or enablers (support) Action plan includes: Establish e-Learning support service (pedagogic support) Structured staff development (PG Cert) New induction programme Training for legal (copyright/accessibility) & ethical issues Create an incentives framework

14. Aim 5: Data & regulatory framework Aim 5: Promote data management practices and academic regulatory arrangements that are supportive of e-Learning Action plan includes: Enable staff & students to interact with data via e-Learning portal Revise validation & review procedures to add an e-Learning dimension Extend “One stop shop” to cover data issues

15. Aim 6: ICT infrastructure for L&T Aim 6: Promote the provision of an ICT infrastructure for learning & teaching based on the holistic needs of students and staff Action plan includes: Move towards “One stop shop” help services Single log-on to all networked services Automated Unite to LS data link Revise LS to address staff criticisms (LS 2) Develop a unified e-Learning portal Address issues associated with computers in teaching rooms Give pre-registration students access to LS

16. Questions & discussion… Contact details Dr David Benzie Director of e-Learning University College Plymouth St Mark & St John Derriford Road Plymouth PL6 8BH Tel: 01752 636880 Email: dbenzie@marjon.ac.uk