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.