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Individualised Support for Learning through ePortfolios (ISLE)

Dr Paul Rodaway

University of Paisley

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Structure of Presentation

The partnership Aims & Objectives of ISLE PDP and ePortfolio The Concept & Vision Outline Plan Transformational Changes

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The partnership University of Paisley University of Abertay, Dundee Angus College Ayr College Bell College of HE Dumfries & Galloway College Glenrothes College Fife College of Further & Higher Education James Watt College of Further & Higher Education Motherwell College Queen Margaret University College

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Aims Significantly improve progression,

retention & achievement, and support lifelong learning & wider participation

Develop a shared concept of PDP flexibly supported through blended learning

Transform staff perceptions of PDP Enable FE & HE to meet the diverse and

individual needs of learners in a radically more efficient & effective manner

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Objectives Establish & demonstrate effectiveness of a common

pedagogical framework grounded in a shared concept of PDP

Identify & exploit opportunities to sharing learning support expertise & resources (esp electronic)

Demonstrate & evaluate the application of shared ePortfolio platforms (effectiveness & efficiency) & inform strategic developments

Realise tangible benefits for learners in terms of effective learning, increased skills, self-awareness & employability

Identify, develop & deliver support & training for staff & students collaboratively

Disseminate results of project across the sector.

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PDP & ePortfolio

PDP - ‘a structured and supported process undertaken by an individual to reflect upon their own learning and/or achievement and to plan for their personal education and career development’

(Dearing, also adopted by ELF)

ePortfolio – ‘an electronic tool to support PDP, including an electronic archive, opportunities for diagnostic testing & interactive learning, feedback & support, and facilities to manipulate & present outputs, such as a CV’

(ISLE definition)

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The Vision

‘ePortfolio’ framework

(VLE/ePDP/eP tools)PDP in FE (SQA HN?)PDP in HE(QAA ELF)

common model?

Diagnostic Tools& Feedback

Communication & Signposting

Links to other on-line resources & f2f

processes

HE Support

FE Tutor

HE Tutor

FE Support

Utilising a dedicated ePDP/

ePortfolio tool

FAQ software -potential to give

an initial feedback & signposting

tool?

Utilising exisitng VLE resources

(Bb.WebCT etc)

Utilising diagnostic

software tools & integrating them to other systems

Links to on-line learning resources

(external & from within consortium)

Learner

Linking learners, support and tutors through a common eLearning framework

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Outline Plan Project Launch – internal/external (April-June) Establishing institutional benchmarks (May-June) Common Framework Development (June - Oct 2005)

Evaluation of common ePortfolio Platforms (June-Nov 05 with

ongoing refinement through project) Embedding Common eLearning Framework (Oct 05- June 07) 4 locally configured models:

– Implementation Cluster 1 (Paisley, Ayr, JWatt, D&G) – Implementation Cluster 2 (Abertay, Angus, Fife, Glenrothes) – Implementation Cluster 3 (Motherwell, QMCU, Bell)– Implementation Cluster 4 (Fife, Abertay, Angus, Glenrothes)

Support, Training & Development (staff /students) (Sept 05 – Feb 07)

Evaluation & Dissemination (throughout project)

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Transformational changes…

Embedding of an FE/HE ‘learning model’ based around the principles of personal development planning delivered/supported through blended learning strategies

A qualitative change in the nature of face to face interactions between staff & students, with an overall reduction; AND a changes in the balance of roles between teaching and support staff in and between FE/HE

More individualised, relevant and timely support to learners at each stage of learning, and the removal of duplication… a more seamless and enhanced experience for learners and a smarter use of resources to support learning

Significant improvements in student achievement, progression and retention – and ultimately gains to lifelong learning and employability