Lessons in Implementing a Learning System in a University

This chapter examines the implementation of two learning management systems (LMS) in a university environment. Within the context of a case study and from the perspective of academic users, there is a review of the technological and organizational challenges that arise. There is an in-depth analysis of the implementation in terms of what went well and what should be done differently (i.e., lessons learned). Along with the macro-environmental factors that influence the global e-learning space, the related pedagogical issues, learning models, and technological toolsets are also explored. The authors hope that the experiences chronicled in the case study may act as a lesson to others contemplating such a project of the many technical and organizational issues that need to be addressed, with an emphasis on understanding the importance of the viewpoint of academic users.

Online Learning Activities in Second Year Environmental Geography

This chapter discusses the design, technical development, delivery, and evaluation of two online learning activities in environmental geography. A “blended” approach was adopted in order to best integrate the new materials within the existing unit. The primary aim of these online activities was to provide students with opportunities to develop and demonstrate valuable practical skills, while increasing their understanding of environmental management. A purpose-built system was created in order to overcome initial technological challenges. The online activities have already been delivered successfully to a large number of students over two academic years. Evaluation and staff reflection highlight the benefits and limitations of the new activities, and the chapter concludes with recommendations for others wishing to adopt a similar approach.

The Role of the Online Instructor as a Guide on the Side

We present research results and advice on the role of the online instructor in relation to a particular example of technology-supported learning and teaching — the use of asynchronous discussion forums. Pedagogical issues and studies discussed here are based on six years of designing, coordinating, and teaching into Swinburne Astronomy Online (SAO), an online international program. We discuss some implementation issues associated with the use of asynchronous forums and the induction of instructors, plus the role of the online instructor as a “guide on the side.” As an example of issues involved in maintaining a constructive online learning environment, we discuss strategies used to accommodate students with varying degrees of prior learning. We also summarise results of our research on student-instructor interactions, plus feedback on students’ and instructors’ perceptions of the online experience. The results of this research are used to inform the induction and mentoring of instructors in SAO.

Teaching Large Groups

This chapter describes the experiences of the authors as lecturers in the development of a new approach to teaching large groups of first-year undergraduate students in psychology. Drawing on constructivist and instructivist approaches, our mixed model incorporates both face-to-face and online components, capitalising on the relative strengths of each. Online material, with a strong emphasis on active engagement, is used to introduce students to the content before undertaking a more detailed reading of the key theoretical and research issues in the textbook. With this introduction to the material, lectures function as a “Review and Discussion” session rather than a didactic monologue. Outcomes of the mixed method suggest no adverse effects on student performance, and staff and students evaluate the new approach favourably. The mixed model approach to teaching large groups is one that might be adapted for a range of disciplines and content.

Using Asynchronous Computer Conferencing to Support Learning and Teaching in a Campus-Based HE Context

This chapter details research into the use of asynchronous computer conferencing (ACC) within a campus-based higher education (HE) environment. Drawing from the literature, the chapter will firstly highlight some of the issues impacting implementation. It will then go on to outline some of the findings from a piece of action research that was conducted over a period of five years with final-year undergraduates studying ethics/professional issues in computing. The main objective of this research was to investigate and subsequently develop Salmon’s (2000) five-stage strategy forimplementing ACC. Finally, the chapter will not only develop the Salmon (2000) model but will also challenge the necessity for e-moderating online discussions within a campus-based HE environment. As such, it will give practitioners a greater understanding of how the learner, the learning task, and a particular technology (ACC) interact within a campus-based HE context and will provide guidelines for developing best practice.

Constructivist E-Learning for Staff Engaged in Coninuous Professional Development

Professional development for academic staff in e-learning is currently a priority for higher education institutions in the Republic of Ireland, as lecturers experience increasing demands to incorporate e-learning into their teaching practice. This chapter reports on the design and implementation of a blended module in e-learning for the continuous professional development of such lecturers. In it the co-authors (who designed and developed the module) discuss the effectiveness of exposing lecturers as online students in order to experience first-hand the advantages and disadvantages of e-learning. It argues that a constructivist, collaborative interaction can provide the scaffolding for lecturers’ future journeys into e-learning and into constructivist practices within their own teaching. Although this approach is still in its infancy, important outcomes were achieved in terms of influencing lecturers’ thinking and approaches to both their own and to their students’ learning.

Academic Experiences of Using VLEs

This chapter describes the drivers which have influenced the adoption of e-learning within the UK HE sector and consequently resulted in the increasing adoption of VLEs within institutions. It identifies a range of issues at the institutional and individual academic staff levels which need to be considered and addressed when designing and implementing a VLE within an HE institution. The authors draw on their personal experience in supporting a diverse range of academic staff to integrate e-learning and VLEs within their academic practice and their experience in implementing VLEs in a range of institutions to develop a series of guidelines and lessons for institutions to consider. Evidence from a range of case studies undertaken by the authors is utilised to provide examples from academic practice, which illustrate how effective implementation of these guidelines and lessons can enhance the student learning experience and support the role of academic staff within the HE sector.

Staff Perspectives on ILT

This chapter examines staff perceptions of information and learning technology (ILT) in the UK learning and skills sector. It is divided into two sections dealing in turn with pedagogic and cultural issues. The section on pedagogical issues explores the use of the VLE/intranet as an alternative teaching method, and asks why these modes of learning are comparatively rare in the learning and skills sector. This section is also concerned with perceptions of the impact of ILT on students’ retention and attainment and explores the concept of variable use and variable impact by level and subject area. The cultural and infrastructure issues explored in the second section relate to staff development and training opportunities (such as the number and type of courses offered), the additional help requested, and the barriers to further uptake.

Patchwork E-Dialogues in the Professional Development of New Teachers

The encouragement of reflective writing within professional learning programmes is not new (Moon, 2003; Bolton, 2001; Winter, 1999). Electronic technologies, however, afford exciting opportunities to develop this practice to support participative and collaborative learning beyond barriers of time and place. This chapter explores the value of asynchronous dialogue in creating and sustaining communities of practice, with particular emphasis on the role of the e-mentor.

Staff Using an Institution - Wide VLE for Blended E-Learning

This chapter reports on an investigation into the institution-wide use of a virtual learning environment (VLE) in a UK University. The aim was to collect information on staff use of the VLE from the student perspective. It was used to evaluate -and reformulate- current e-learning strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the VLE-based student experience. The chapter examines how staff’s use of the VLE is impacting on the student learning experience. Three aspects were investigated: (i) the amount, mode, and location of the use of the VLE; (ii) respondents’ perceptions of the nature and value of their teachers’ VLE support; and (iii) respondents’ preferred uses of VLE-based learning. Analysis shows a predominantly information transmission mode of VLE use, with only some use of active learning. Respondents requested more VLE-based formative assessment opportunities. The chapter concludes with five considerations for strategic development of blended e-learning and with three for staff using VLEs.