Reflections of an e-Learning Project Manager: Lessons

LearntBy Paula Barnard-Ashton

Meet the team

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The story - summarisedOccupational Therapy Department (DOT) Strategic Planning Meeting 09 July 2008– Goal: “To develop an innovative,

internationally acclaimed curriculum”– Strategy: “Develop e- learning

modules” Key factor: Collaborative decision by all

lecturers

Year 1: WebCT• End 2008 = DOE funding provided

opportunity Project team created.• WebCT project team up skill to be able to

train DOT lecturers.• WebCT training for DOT lecturers• DOT off campus• Basic use of WebCT during 2009– Announcements, document portal, SafeAssign

Year 2: transition to Moodle• Update DOT lecturers on Moodle• Student user training to all years• Branding • Rehoused in Khanya – Upgraded teaching areas (improved

connectivity and IT infrastructure)– Small computer lab

• Lecturers start brainstorming ideas• Students start to pressure lecturers

Key factor: Server

capacity

Year 3: consolidation• Lecturers started exploring new ways to

use e-Learning activities – (chat rooms, learning modules, class tests)

• Attempted integration of TurnItIn• Full wifi through building.• Additional 10 computers added to the

building for student use.• Use of SMART technology:– Electronic whiteboard, clickers

• iPad (lecturers) and Galaxy Tab (students)

Snap shot

Look and Feel2010 = 27058 (495)2011 = 6547

2010 = 22282 (508)2011 = 31641

2010 = 37261 (1708)2011 = 45469

2010 = 13945 (198)2011 = 10199

Change management• University transition to

open source.• Lecturer hesitance to

change teaching strategy and technophobia.

• Concern about underprivileged students being marginalized.

• Rollout to other departments

Key factor: Don’t wait!

Key factor: Hold hands!

Key factor: Make a plan!

Key factor: Lead by e.g.

Challenges• Lack of backend technical

support.• Email vs virtual learning

environment communication

• The naysayers…

Key factor: Talk to people

Key factor: Create habits – needs

drivenKey factor: Just

do it

Affordances• Top level management support• Excellent funding• Acknowledgement of successes –

Awarded the DVC Team Teaching award

• International congress: – EDULEAR10– ODLAA Summit 2011-2021

Lead by example!

Take the leap!Thank you to: Prof. A Rothberg and Dr. P Mc Inerney