Presentation Name December 05 Embedding blended learning into mainstream Higher Education “Developments” Debbie Reynolds Clare Denholm

Session Format Brief background to the study What we thought we could do using a virtual learning environment (VLE) Capability context and unit design Implementation What we learned, student and staff perspectives Priorities for the future Presentation Name December 05

Developing the use of VLE Perceived opportunities Enhance student engagement & use VLE tools to closely monitor student understanding and progress Provide opportunity to “respond” quickly where students require further support Exploit the dynamic and responsive nature of the Moodle environment and its functions Opportunity to meet perceptions that students enter HE “techno savvy mode” and ready to “learn on line” Develop understanding and inform best practice in teaching Presentation Name December 05

Context

Unit Delivery Design

VLE Tool Box Wiki Forums Assessment Feedback Resources Audio Quizzes Blog Scheduler

Implementation Traditional Teaching Model Year 1 Introduction Year 2 Development Year 3 Feeding Forward Basic Moodle Resource dump Formal lecture plus seminar Assignments submitted on paper Resource Centre VLE replaces formal lecture + BL concept adopted with 2 hr. workshop style replacing seminar, plus 1-1 support tutorials. Narrated Power- points (4/12) using Camtasia On line survey Non-integrated quiz Resource Centre + integration into range of SSU on line resources Full adoption of narrated power- points with integrated quizzes using iSpring Post workshop formative activities On line submission for assessment adopted via Turnitin Tracking engagement - dynamic and flexible responses to learners needs Utilise integration of other media to include learning guide On line submission AND marking Introduce WIKI’s for group project development Introduce e- portfolio Mahara

Presentation Name December 05 What we have learned Importance of collaboration and partnerships between academics and learning technologists

Presentation Name December 05 Lecturer Perceptions and Challenges Developing academic engagement (CPD) “why do we have to keep changing everything every year, we are doing ok aren’t we?” “they [students] won’t do the on line stuff before coming to my workshop so what can I do!!?” “only half of them [students] have ever watched the on line lectures, or done the quizzes so I do it in the lesson with them” What we have learned

Presentation Name December 05 What we have learned Making assumptions: Homogenous learners? Photo by Clevercupcakes Shared by creative commons

Presentation Name December 05 Making assumptions Just 52% had had experience with using an on line learning system before entering Solent University Photo by Clevercupcakes Shared by creative commons

Presentation Name December 05 “Have you used on line tools to aid your learning before coming to Solent? 5.8% Frequently 54% Occasionally 24% Seldom 16% Never

Presentation Name December 05 Did they engage? 54,000 hits from 500 students over a 12 week period

Presentation Name December 05 Pre-workshop engagement

Presentation Name December 05 Pre-workshop engagement A challenge “Making sure the online work is done before the lesson is a challenge” “Making sure on-line preparation is done before the lesson” “VL sessions are a bit of a hassle, they seem a tad unnecessary to be honest” “Keeping up with what to do prior to each lesson can at times feel slightly overwhelming”

Presentation Name December 05 Flexible learning Time, space, place

Presentation Name December 05 Flexible learning Time, space, place “The combination of on line study and seminar is excellent” “I can have a basic knowledge through online study first” “The advantage is that I can do my online study whenever I want” “This arrangement gives me more flexibility in time management”

Presentation Name December 05 What do they find useful?

Presentation Name December 05 Maintaining contact with tutors

Presentation Name December 05 Maintaining contact with tutors “Teacher was approachable and to the point” “Good student lecturer interaction and involvement” “Good lecturer, clear about tasks and also easy to contact if help is required” “Most of the learning comes from the lecturer herself, this is a very strong part of the unit”

Presentation Name December 05 Virtual motivation !

Presentation Name December 05 Feeding Forward Where do we go from here?

Presentation Name December 05 Issues and priorities for the future VLE’s challenge established traditional approaches VLE’s challenge staff and students Technical confidence and competency required Support academics and students Maintain a “pedagogic” perspective Don’t get carried away!!

Building on the Blend Scaffolding students in online learning a priority Future emphasis on creating transparent and effective relationships between : Face to face interactions Virtual learning environments

Presentation Name December 05 Thank you for listening Questions?