JISC

This project is part of the JISC e-learning and pedagogy strand. It follows on from the Practitioner Trial of LAMS by looking at other tools which teachers utilise when designing for learning. The project will be undertaken by Dr Stuart Lee and Dr Liz Masterman of the Learning Technologies Group at the University of Oxford. The final report is now available.

Aims and Objectives

The project will seek to identify:

• The range of applications used by practitioners for learning design
• Specific analysis of the applicability of the three tools chosen (Mind Manager, VUE, and Office applications)
• How this might influence the functionality of future learning design tools
• The blended approach of using IT tools plus more traditional learning design practices
• Practitioners’ perceptions of the usability of these tools, covering the design, and orchestration of an activity or set of activities
• Practitioners’ perceptions of the impact of learning design tools on their pedagogy
• Practitioners’ perceptions of the cost-benefit aspect of using such tools
• Recommendations for practitioners wishing to employ and use learning design tools in their teaching

Project Methodology

The methodology for the evaluation is as follows:

• Establish network of practitioners
• Formulate and finalise design of evaluation tools
• Distribute and analyse a preliminary questionnaire to be completed by participants. This will establish basic demographic information (e.g. role and IT experience), and participants’ current practice in designing for learning
• Conduct individual interviews with representatives of specific tools
• Run half-day workshops focusing on the three classes of design tool identified in order to assess their potential in learning design. Participants will be invited to explore one or more tools which they have not used before. They will receive basic training in each tool, take part in a group discussion of its potential value in designing for learning and, working individually, use the tool to create a course or sequence of learning activities on a generic topic. They will then give feedback on their experiences.
• Collate and analyse all the data
• Produce a written report outlining the applicability and usability of the various tools on a generic basis according to the views of practitioners

Deliverables

A written report outlining the applicability and usability of the various tools on a generic basis according to the views of practitioners.

Stakeholders

Practitioners (HE, FE, ACL), e-learning specialists, learning design experts.