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TLC AsiaSingapore 6 October 2016
Fredrik Klemming
University of Westminster
Presentation overview eLearning in the UK Response to challenges around global competitiveness
and increased student expectations Blackboard as part of the Westminster student
experience
eLearning in the UK Existed as a concept for 15 years Limited success in integrating online or blended
learning into the curriculum VLEs as digital filing cabinets Assessment submission
Why is this? Struggle with changing teaching practices in an
organisation that relies heavily on face-to-face teaching Lack of strategy, incentive and support Inadequate infrastructure e.g. wifi
eLearning revival – a new context Complex backdrop of cultural and social change,
advances in technology and shifts in educational theory and practice
Main drivers:- Technological advances- Pedagogical shifts- UK Social and political changes
1. Technological advances Increased digitisation across media Development of user-friendly interfaces Interactive web 2.0 technology and social media Emergent smart phone and device technology Students bringing devices into class Faster, better internet connectivity Changes to classrooms and teaching spaces
2. Pedagogical shiftShift in Learning theories from ‘behaviorist’ towards ‘social constructivist’ models
Pedagogy implications around:• student responsibility, initiative & engagement• shared development of learning strategies • creation of authentic learning contexts and assignments
3. UK Social and political changesSharp decrease in government funding and a corresponding steep rise in student tuition fees
Students with a consumerist ethos towards higher education, wanting ‘value for money’
Return of investment and maximise their chances of employability after graduation
Increased competition between education providers, both nationally and internationally
Transforming Learning & Teaching
Blackboard student portalObjective: to provide a student user experience integrating services and information comprising all aspects of student life and activity at Westminster
Aligned with Westminster 2020 vision Undertaken in response to direct feedback from students Blackboard at the center of the student experience Students as co-creators
Panopto lecture capture Available to all University staff as a way of recording
lectures, demonstrations and events Accessed via Blackboard Part of a blended learning learning approach Used by students to record field trips, observations in
class and to submit video based coursework via Blackboard
Learning Spaces projectReview of the infrastructure and environment for learning and teaching
Aims:• to find out what environmental factors limited the
learning and teaching experience
• to find out what prevented academics from exploiting different and more flexible teaching approaches with their students
Improve NSS and student achievement
Meet expectations of digital natives
Promote flexible learning
Aligned to University Strategies
Pilot Mobile Learning
Project for wider University
Paperless Faculty
Mobile Learning Project
Vision&
Drivers
Mobile Learning ProjectMade possible by the foundations laid by: A robust virtual learning environment New classrooms which affords and supports an interactive,
blended learning approach A Learning and Teaching strategy that emphasises blended
learning and exploiting technology A staff development training program linked to a wider digital
skills agenda
Barriers to blended learning Lack of strategy Changes to teaching practice Steep learning curve for academic staff Lack of academic buy-in and engagement Student engagement and participation Reliance on technology
Lessons LearnedTo drive the successful adoption of a VLE you need:
A robust virtual learning environment, such as Blackboard Links to University and Learning and Teaching strategies A staff development training program linked to a wider
digital skills agenda Dedicated support Promote best practice and foster student engagement
Thank you!
