E-Learning in the Disciplines| slide 1 e-Learning in the Disciplines John Cook Centre Manager Reusable Learning Objects CETL Helen Beetham Research Consultant JISC e-learning programme

E-Learning in the Disciplines| slide 2 Aims Articulate the essential features of learning and teaching across different subject areas and educational approaches –curriculum outcomes, challenges, learner characteristics… Relate these to features of different e-learning technologies and applications –to identify aspects of e-learning that may be of benefit to different communities Encourage discussion around: –differences between disciplines and approaches –similarities, and what we can learn from each other

E-Learning in the Disciplines| slide 3 Two key commitments e-learning is not a separate kind of learning –we need to re-articulate learning in a new technological context People learn in a multitude of ways –different subject areas and educational approaches rely on different capacities-to-learn –different communities have evolved different cultures of learning and teaching –we need to recognise these differences, while learning from one another

E-Learning in the Disciplines| slide 4 Reflective tools See the reflective questionnaire in the conference area (FINALReflective.doc) –articulate educational priorities, outcomes and challenges –consider relevant e-learning technologies and applications –can be shared with your own and other communities View examples of completed reflections –see summaries of previous ‘cognate’ group discussions –post your own completed reflection by ing it to –Thanks to the HE Academy for hosting these materials and for supporting the symposium

E-Learning in the Disciplines| slide 5 Format of the symposium This short introduction from John and Helen Summary of previous discussions in cognate discipline groups Position paper from Gordon Joyes –Sharing effective learning design processes versus labelling the pedagogy Online discussion –27 th and 28 th March 2006 –all welcome, particularly representatives of CETLs and Subject Centres Summaries and ways forward –posted evening of 28 th March

E-Learning in the Disciplines| slide 6 Useful questions In an ALT-C 2005 Symposium, Pearce, Gulc et al. asked: Is subject difference a factor in the use and uptake of e- learning? Put another way: What technologies and approaches are used in the different communities?

E-Learning in the Disciplines| slide 7 Blinded by our paradigms? First ATM was located inside a bank and was available only during banking hours. Real innovation did not occur until ATMs were placed outside the bank

E-Learning in the Disciplines| slide 8 Disciplinary patterns Academic tribes and territories (Becher and Trowler, 2001) –definitions of knowledge, disciplinary organisation Teaching and learning regimes (Trowler and Cooper, 2002) –tacit knowledge, troublesome knowledge... need to develop genuinely shared language

E-Learning in the Disciplines| slide 9 Disciplinary patterns of educational technology adoption “Discipline differences appeared to be potential barrier to the building of new communities of practice around educational technology, and there was a need to know more about how disciplinary factors are influencing the early adopters who form the core of our new communities.” Carol Russell (2005, p. 64)

E-Learning in the Disciplines| slide 10 appliedpure soft hard discoveries explanations processes protocols products techniques understanding interpretation based on Becher and Trowler (2001), taken from Russell’s ALT-C slides maths chemistry art theory sociology education engineering physics law design history medicine english literature biology information management Knowledge territories

E-Learning in the Disciplines| slide 11 Disciplinary patterns of educational technology adoption Note that the placing and configuration of the disciplines on the above model will vary between institutions Where do technologies and approaches fit in? Russell found the following.

E-Learning in the Disciplines| slide 12 Common features of strategies for hard applied disciplines External changes in profession/industry (industry and student context) Technology now essential in gaining core discipline knowledge Educational technology helps students learn –more engaging or flexible

E-Learning in the Disciplines| slide 13 Common features of strategies for soft applied disciplines Professional knowledge being redefined –technology can help develop new skills Technology for skills and information transfer –to free class time for developing core knowledge

E-Learning in the Disciplines| slide 14 Common features of strategies for hard/soft pure disciplines Technology can help students engage with core concepts –when staff time and resources are limited Knowledge is created through research –Technology can help develop research skills

E-Learning in the Disciplines| slide 15 Does this classification scheme help understand disciplinary differences? Are there better or different ways of expressing this? Do you agree that such differences are significant for the effective use of e-learning technologies and approaches?

E-Learning in the Disciplines| slide 16 References Becher, T. and Trowler, P. R. (2001). Academic Tribes and Territories (2nd Ed.). Buckingham UK: Society for Research in Higher Education and Open University Press. Pearce, L., Gulc, E., Grove, M., Lucas, B., and Whistlecroft, L. (2005). Different subjects/subject difference. Symposium 549. ALT-C 2005 Conference, September 6-8, 2006, Manchester, England, UK. Russell, C. (2005). Disciplinary patterns in adoption of educational technologies. In J. Cook and D. Whitelock (Eds.), Exploring the frontiers of e-learning: Borders, outposts, and migration. Proceedings of the ALT-C 2005 Conference, September 6-8, 2006, Manchester, England, UK (pp ). Trowler, P. and Cooper, A. (2002). Teaching and Learning Regimes: Implicit theories and recurrent practices in the enhancement of teaching and learning through educational development programmes. Higher Education Research and Development, 21(3),