1. Enhancement Themes FLEXIBLE DELIVERYWORKSHOP THE INSTITUTIONAL PERSPECTIVE Monday 6 th December 2004 Heriot-Watt University Thelma Barron, Assistant Director, QAA

2. The Institutional Perspective DRIVERS: Increased student numbers/ diversity Increased part-time study Competition in the market-place Retention issues Learner- centred approaches Learner expectation Technological Development Efficiency and cost

3. The Institutional Perspective: Current State of Development (1) Distance-learning moving to on-line delivery Some on-line application, registration Some flexible entry dates Developing APL, APEL Articulation with FE colleges Accelerated entry to Years 2 and 3 Some integration of record systems – e.g. Student Records, Library Introduction of VLE platforms - e-learning I First themes launched in 2003-04 Assessment Responding to Student Needs Themes for 2004-05 Employability Flexible Delivery Generic themes allow a sector-wide, strategic approach to big issues, working in tandem with institutional strategies

4. Current State of Development (2) Use of VLE to support campus-based students Increasing use of multi-media material Good on-line information, guidance, handbooks Developing on-line assessment tools (e.g. MCQ’s) Developing automated self –assessment tools Developing self-help tools Some access to e-books, e-journals Developing PDP and supporting material Increasing team-working across professional boundaries Projects, Commissioned Reports

5. Future Developments : Administrative Infrastructure Integration of support systems Business processes on-line On-line interactive enquiry services Closer working between Academic, Library and Learning Technology Staff Move to block timetabling? More e-learning Less pressure on teaching space

6. Future Developments : Curriculum (1) Development of student-centred approach More Information Skills courses (Library Staff) More blended learning – reduced contact hours More project work, group work, problem solving, case studies More work-based learning, more focus on vocational areas – more links with industry, other agencies

7. Future Developments : Curriculum (2) Simulations on-line (field trips, labs, practicals) On-line interactive discussion fora, tutorials PDP – Reflective learning- Folio technology Greater variety of assessment methods, including formative, on-line assessment More collaboration, in UK and overseas – opportunity to ‘internationalise’ the curriculum

8. Future Developments : Student Support Proactivity in meeting student needs Less onerous admin – more individual student support Changing role of Advisers of Studies – more specialised? Greater individual support for learning and development On-line provision of TIMELY information and guidance Improved interaction between academic staff and students

9. Future Developments : Quality Assurance Implications for role of External Examiners Implications for Programme Management Systems eg Monitoring and Review Development of on-line student feedback

10. Future Developments : Staff Staff development in on-line pedagogy and delivery More team working Closer working between Academic, Library and Learning Technology staff Changing work patterns – more flexible approach – need to teach outside ‘9 to 5’ Greater awareness of student needs

11. Future Developments: External Environment Greater collaboration within and between HE institutions to develop flexible delivery Increased overseas collaboration in programmes More FE/HE articulation RESOURCES Need for increased investment - for development of new programme materials, - for IT training and support - for infrastructure eg PCs, computer labs etc

12. Enhancement Themes Web-site : http://www.enhancementthemes.ac.uk Thelma Barron, Assistant Director (Enhancement) QAA Scottish Office Tel: 0141 572 3431 E-mail: t.barron@qaa.ac.uk