All Ireland Society for Higher Education
| Name: | jaswinder dhillon |
|---|---|
| Email: | j.k.dhillon@wlv.ac.uk |
| Institution: | university of wolverhampton |
This paper will consider e-learning as a means of increasing innovation and flexibility in teaching and learning by focusing on a programme for academic staff in a university. The aim of the programme is to develop individuals who reflect on their practice and apply current research and theory to the design and implementation of learning and teaching in their work with students. The majority of participants on the programme are new academic staff who are required to undertake the programme as a condition of their appointment to the university though more experienced staff are now participating in the programme and thoroughly enjoying the learning experience.
The discussion will focus on the factors that led to the development of a blended learning programme which is perceived to be more innovative and flexible than the previous semester-based programme. In the context of this programme blended learning refers to face-to-face sessions, peer support through learning sets and on-line support through a virtual learning environment (VLE). The programme also incorporates the use of other innovative activities such as webquests, podcasts and the use of an e-portfolio. The factors that drove this change include the demands from key stakeholders for more flexibility, in particular line managers of new academic staff, and the arrival of a senior manager strongly committed to innovation in learning and teaching. Data on participation, achievement and the student experience will be used to reflect on the benefits and risks of this model of delivery. In particular, comments about the on-line tasks and their contribution to learning will be examin ed to reflect on the question of whether e-learning offers an exciting way of engaging participants in deep learning or whether participants are merely engaging in surface learning and strategic compliance.