© 2009 ULearning - All rights reserved. 1 From eLearning to ULearning - A blended learning framework for effective organisational change Liam Brown 1, Prof. Vincent Wade 2, Prof. Eamonn Murphy 3 1. Enterprise Ireland 2. University of Dublin, Trinity College 3. University of Limerick

Work and Learning What is U Learning? An innovative connector of industry and academia Addressing individual and corporate skills gaps Through professional flexible learning

Present Future The Gap Flexible professional education self-directed, autonomous learners peer to peer learning Skills & Competency Needs Changing Nature of Employment

Key Drivers Future Delivery of Education Future employability of workforce Transferable skills Move across the value chain Development of indigenous base Exploiting efficiency gains Vulnerability of FDI in Ireland

Key Features Future Education Programmes Addresses skills and competencies gaps Customised according to need Incorporates professional certification Flexible learning methods External supports -e.g. paid study leave, tax breaks Academic supports -e.g. recognition of prior learning, credit accumulation

Organisational Learning Learning as an organisation Organisational benefits Embedding the knowledge in your organisation Combining industry and academic qualifications Collaboration in course design

Pioneering Approach Learner is in control Real organisational benefits Merging academic and professional certification Modular content/flexible delivery Build your own (masters) course Industry focused & designed Project connects theory to application Peer to peer learning & sharing experience Pioneering Approach

Learning Paths Follow your own path -Modules -Specialist diplomas -Masters -Professional doctorate

Professional Flexible Learning

Specialist Diploma Integrates theory and practice Subject specific focus 9 months in duration Postgraduate level 3 or 4 taught modules (theory) Significant Work-based project (application)

Build your own MSc M M M M M M M M Specialist Diploma Project +... Your MSc + + =

The Programme: Specialist Diploma Lean Systems This Lean Black Belt course, aims to develop participants' process improvement skills. The diploma provides education and practical application to a Black Belt level in Lean. The course enables participating companies gain competitive advantage through the application of Lean principles to drive improvement with measurable results.  Lean Thinking  Managing Technology Projects  Advanced Lean Thinking  Leadership and Change Management Modules  Programme commenced in Feb  7 Cohorts to date; In excess of 400 Students from 100 companies, with completion rates in excess of 80%  Analysis is based on first 4 cohorts of 135 Students from 46 companies Students

On Campus Peer to peer learning Interactive learning tutorials Lab & practical Expert workshops Library Exams Distance Learning Course manuals Text books Online material Online Components E-tutors Discussion boards Collaborative learning space Documents [Office / PDF] Multimedia Self-assessments Assignment support Library resources Virtual knowledge centres In House Project mentors Organisational learning environment Learning Environment

The Framework

Participant Breakdown by Company Size and Sector

The feedback Supervisor Feedback: the degree to which the participants overall knowledge, skill and attitude has changed arising from participation in the course At least >>>Some ChangeSignificant change Knowledge100%25% Skills88%25% Attitude88%38% Individual Feedback: the degree to which your overall knowledge, skills and attitude has changed arising from participation in the course At least >>>Some ChangeSignificant change Knowledge100% Skills100%93% Attitude100%86%

The framework has enabled participating companies to gain competitive advantage through the application of Lean Principles For Learners: Accreditation and career progression are paramount For large and small organisations: Impact and Results are key Modular content and flexible delivery incentivises learners and organisations Purely on-line: Lack of motivation, Self-discipline and lack of tutor contact Blended Offering – Timely Feedback from support staff and lecturers/ moderators essential – Content determines frequency of face to face sessions Critical that practical application of learning is related to content/theory The “U” in ULearning is to ensure that the individual is not just adequately represented but is central to the learning experience – Programmes need to be customised to individual needs Technology is a given - Pedagogy is key – Need to move from associative or behaviourism to cognitive constructivist to social constructivist to situated learning as appropriate Conclusions

Our many Industrial Partners and contributors The Leonardo da Vinci programme of the EU and Leargas the National Leonardo da Vinci Agency Enterprise Ireland The Dept. of Enterprise Trade and Employment’s Accel Programme, managed by Skillnets Services Ltd. The European Social Fund and the National Development Plan The extended research and development and admin. support teams at UL and TCD Acknowledgements

Further Information For further information and details, contact: Diploma/MSc Programmes: Thank You