Integrating distance learning into an existing blended learning programme using Blackboard...

Integrating distance learning into an existing blended learning programme using Blackboard Collaborate

Karen Dinneen and Pascaline Fresneau

Aims of this presentation Describe how Blackboard Collaborate can be utilised to integrate distance

learning into an existing part-time programme

Recognise the benefit of applying a project management structure during the creation and development stages of a new project

Consider the potential challenges and successes associated with the technologies involved with this type of project

Identify the processes and the technologies involved with the integration of distance learning to a blended learning course

Trinity College Dublin

https://www.tcd.ie/Communications/pressreleases/pressRelease.php?headerID=1295&pressReleaseArchive=2010

Dublin Dental University Hospital

http://www.dentalhospital.ie/about-us

The atrium

Dublin Dental University Hospital

Patient care

National Dental Nurse Training Programme of Ireland

• 16 month part-time programme

• Trainee dental nurses in dental surgeries

• Utilising Online Learning Technologies

The Dental Team

7

Staff StructureDublin Dental

University Hospital

Dental Nurse Tutors

Evening Course

Coordinators

Admin & IT Support

Cork University Dental School &

Hospital

Dental Nurse Tutors

Evening Course

Coordinators

Admin & IT Support

• Designed and developed as a blended/hybrid learning programme – Videoconferencing

Rail infrastructure of Ireland http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_transport_in_Ireland

National Dental Nurse Training Programme of Ireland

• Designed and developed as a blended/hybrid learning programme – Videoconferencing

Rail infrastructure of Ireland http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_transport_in_Ireland

National Dental Nurse Training Programme of Ireland

• Distance Learning discussed for years – until the right technology available

National Dental Nurse Training Programme of Ireland

http://www.freeimages.com/photo/404310

The technology we needed

• Improve access for the external students

• User-friendly & simple

• No impact on the structure or delivery of existing course

Where it all began…

• January 2014: Blackboard Collaborate available in Trinity College Dublin

• March 2014: informal testing

Blackboard Collaborate – Informal Testing

15

Blackboard Collaborate – Informal Testing

Where it all began…

• March 2014: extensive software training received

• April 2014: beginning of testing and brainstorming

• June 2014: Project Management course

• Creation of project documentation1. Project Charter2. Project Management Plan3. Project Schedule

• Weekly project meetings

Project Management

http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2012/01/19/top-ten-most-ridiculous-comments-heard-at-an-iep-meeting/

Work Breakdown Structure

Adapted from DoIT Project Management Advisor, http://www.pma.doit.wisc.edu/templates.html by Pascaline Fresneau

Phase 1

Phase 2

Main areas driving the project:

• Technical

• Equipment

Phase 2 – Plan Project

Lecture Theatre set-up

Phase 3

Main areas driving the project:

• Training- Evening coordinators- Students

• Evaluations

Phase 3 – Execute and Monitor Project

Extract from training session handout

Main areas driving the project:

• Communication- Stakeholders- Regular status reports to heads of education

Phase 3 – Execute and Monitor Project

On a weekly basis

• Virtual classroom created

• Recorded lecture

Blackboard Collaborate in Blackboard Learn

• Online student training on 02/09/14

• Launched Blackboard Collaborate on 03/09/14

• 13 Distance Learning students

Integrating into the classroom

Room set-up in the Lecture Theatre

Equipment Video set-up

Preparation

How to connect the network point

Extract from checklist

Blackboard Collaborate in the classroom

Lecture delivered in the Dublin centre and to distance learning students

Lecture delivered via video-conferencing

Lecture delivered via Blackboard Collaborate

Blackboard Collaborate virtual room

Collaborate on the screen

Flexibility and ease of use

Example of use in the classroom

Flexibility and ease of use

Lecturers: “It was good to have someone managing the

online students”

“It had little or no impact to delivery of

lecture”

Coordinators:

“The most stressful part is waiting for Collaborate to

open ”

Feedback Received

Feedback Received

Distance Learning Students: Students in class:

“The quality was brilliant, the sound

was perfect”

“I preferred viewing lecture through PowerPoint – not Collaborate” “It was so

easy to set up and log in”

Phase 4

Project Analysis

• Project took over 200 hours• Many steps/processes

involved• Prepared for potential

challenges• Structure was extremely

beneficialhttp://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lz6fyxJLux1qexd82o1_r1_1280.jpg

• Java Launcher- Internet browser compatibility- Firewalls- Slow download• Unreliable Wi-Fi • Integrating the right set up of equipment into

the existing classroom

Challenges

• Various aspects to be checked on a weekly basis• Digital literacy• Students having to use Collaborate & Panopto• Support from different departments

Challenges

• Leading the way in Trinity College Dublin

• Coordinators embraced additional duties

• Ease of integration into the classroom – no impact on lecture delivery

Successes

• Dedicated coordinator during class for distance learning students

• Software flexibility and ease of use

• Strengthened teamwork

• Encouraged us to develop the course further

Successes

Activities implemented this year

• Webinar for student training

• Virtual classrooms

• Additional online discussion forums

• Integration of application to engage students

Future developments

• Develop teaching & learning activities further- Formative assessments including MCQs- Webinars and breakout rooms- Additional emphasis on the discussion forums- Digital badges?

• Module or full course online?

Acknowledgments

• TCD eLearning Team

• DDUH Nursing Education Dept

• DDUH Executive Team

• DDUH Directors of Undergraduate Teaching & Learning

• DDUH IS Department

http://wpbrainiac.com/acknowledgements/

Bibliography

• Blackboard Collaborate training course

• ‘Principles of Project Management’ online course (MOOC), Polytechnic West, Australia via Open2Study portal

• Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK) from the Project Management Institute’s Edition 4th guide as per MOOC above

Image from http://seattlecentral.edu/iris/copyright-mystery/bibliography.shtml

Questions?

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karen.dinneen@dental.tcd.iepascaline.fresneau@dental.tcd.ie