building a culture of flexible online learning
DESCRIPTION
A short paper presented at the ALT Conference 2013 by Kirsten Thompson and James Little.TRANSCRIPT
Building a culture of flexible online learning
James Little @jimjamyahauk | Kirsten Thompson @_KirstenT | University of Leeds
Peter Shanks BotheredByBees Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) http://www.flickr.com/photos/botheredbybees/245215927/
Overview
This session identifies the journey in building a culture of flexible learning from both a departmental, learner and
institutional perspective in order to deliver an enhanced ‘Welcome to the University’ orientation for staff
and build capacity for future developments.
Moyan Brenn Moyan_Brenn_BACK_FROM_ICELA Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) http://www.flickr.com/photos/aigle_dore/5849712695/
Need for change:Enhancing accessibilityBetter mobile device support (responsive) Informal learningFeesProfessionalisation of HE workforceRedesign of accredited programmes Policies: OER / Social Media)Meeting increasing demand
Drivers
Evaluating Current Platform
Current bespoke platform wasn’t able to meet needs:
XCompatibilityX Lack of extendibility / needed featuresXUsability for content creators
Project Aims
• Identify an effective and customisable technological solution to fulfill pedagogic requirements, now and in the future.
• Empower educators to create engaging online learning opportunities with minimal support.
• Foster a collaborative approach towards the development of online learning provision.
• Increase learner engagement with professional development.
How to implement?
Carried out comparison of available platforms:
Images copyright respective holders (linked images used)
How to implement?
Chosen: WordPressAlready some use on campusFlexibility of use/extendibility (plug-ins)Support for modern responsive web standardsSupported by established global community
ImplementationTechnicalNetwork of sitesPlug-ins (Security/Community/Collaboration/Social Media/Assessment)Access to content creation toolsEmbedding of third party content
Instructional AdviceAccessibilityUsabilityPedagogical
Picture from: http://wpmu.org/wordpress-multisite-guide/
Example: Welcome to Leeds
Examples: VLE Training (before)
Examples: VLE Training (before)
Examples: VLE Training
Examples: VLE Training
Examples: Community Site
Examples: Community Site
Future Directions
• 12 Months– Launch of online CPD as separate from existing
departmental website– Migration of existing content– Collaborative spaces
• Long-term– Badges for staff development / accreditation– Links to other institutional systems– Some resources OER’d
Image By Nepenthes (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons
Thoughts on journey so far• Starting small but planning for future aims• Existing content refreshed• Department given time to familiarise with new platform• Underpinnings enable future options already waiting in wings
(BuddyPress)• Testing and selection of plug-ins • Network of sites enables large amount of potential features to
be available – but enabled as appropriate for each resource.• Content creators given access to high quality tools both within
WordPress and through laptop loaded with tools
Thoughts on journey so far
The first steps to enabling a new approach to delivering online self-directed professional
development and interaction is possible, which may inspire educators to model best practice in
their own work.