1. Dr. Gemma Towle

2. Structure of the presentation Project background Proficient e-communicators Methodology Emerging results Interactive case studies

3. Project background To investigate learners' opinions and experiences Core themes: transitional periods, use of shadow technologies and light bulb moments Adult and Community Learners (ACL), Further Education (FE), Higher Education (HE)

4. Proficient e-communicators Participants who were sampled needed to be proficient e-communicators Determined through the use of tasks completed in a virtual learning environment Mapped according to a modification of Salmons 5 step model

5. 1. Access and motivation Setting up system Welcoming & & accessing encouraging 2. Online socialisation Sending & retrieving Familiarising & messages providing bridges 4. Knowledge construction Conferencing Facilitating Process 5. Development Providing links to Supporting outside closed conferences responding 1. Access and motivation 2. Online socialisation 3. Information exchange 4. Knowledge Construction 5. Development Proficiency according to stage Tasks Sign into the virtual learning environment (VLE). Explore the site. Complete questionnaire. Post on the discussion board. Entry to the wiki including external links. Email answers to structured feedback. 3. Information exchange Searching, personalising Facilitating tasks & software supporting use of learning materials Proficient e-communicators

6. Methodology

7. Educational Flowchart Mandarin Chinese Hardware Desktop computer Laptop computer Software Moodle email Hardware Desktop computer Laptop computer CDs Interactive pen Music player Software Internet site Hanban Chinese Learning Hardware Desktop computer Laptop computer CDs Software Internet site Cambridge University Language Project Hardware Desktop computer Laptop computer IT whiteboard DVDs TV Software Microsoft Word, Excel, Access & PowerPoint Email International Baccalaureate

8. Card sorting MS Office Facebook Yahoo mail Desktop computer PDA Television Created in focus groups Used in interviews

9. Card sorting Mandarin Chinese (ACL) Hardware 1) Desktop 2) Laptop 3) USB memory stick 4) IT whiteboard 5) Portable Hard Drive 6) TV 7) Webcam Software 1) Microsoft Excel 2) Hotmail 3) Microsoft media player 4) Microsoft Publisher 5) Google Map 6) Microsoft Word 7) Open Learn 8) Microsoft PowerPoint 9) Skype 10) Microsoft messenger 11) YouTube

10. Emerging results Many learners tend to use what their tutors recommend and dont deviate. The majority of learners who participated are audio-visual. Learners need choices and options.

11. Emerging results Proficient e-communicators have had little problems with transitions. One stop shop. E-learning is not just computers.

12. What are Interactive Case Studies? Themed and categorised video and audio of learners talking about their experiences with technology and learning Available freely online complete with transcripts With the facility for you to leave comments, reflections and recommendations

13. www.northampton.ac.uk/e4l/ics

14. Thanks for listening! Any questions?

15. Interactive Case Studies www.northampton.ac.uk/e4l/ics E4L project wiki https://mw.brookes.ac.uk/display/e4L/E4L+Home