JISC

As of 29/2, 92 colleges and Universities are participating in Second Life, WAP-enabled mobile phones are the second most popular digital device in the UK (the 1^st is the personal computer) 90% of 12 year olds own a mobile phone and most of the action during last years NUS election took place in Myspace.  This is the context of the learner experience today.  Projects that have worked in this area expected students to be talking about institutional VLE’s, instead they are talking about social software and personal communications.  They are taking control of technology, sometimes without the sanction of the University and often without staff being aware.  There is an ‘underworld’ of communication which is not visible through texting and messaging amongst learners.

The student expectation is that there are consistent and accessible resources. That the internet is their primary source for information – because this is what they use in their personal life – what they need support with is how to select and find the right and trusted information.  One technology that is increasingly being harnessed by learners is the e-Portfolio

One technology that is increasingly being harnessed by learners is the e-Portfolio.  In the session it was described by a student as an addictive technology, and one that they are using even after their PGCE course has finished, for reflection in there first year teaching, but they have also opened it up to share with students going through what they were a year ago.  It has become an all singing all dancing portfolio, with video, audio, music, not just a binder of information.  It’s an opportunity to tell your story, to who you want, how you want.

So in conclusion some of the recommendations that have come from this work, and the way it will progress include focusing on social networking, having a community to learn with and to keep in touch.  Personalisation – being able to present yourself the way you want is really important, customisation has to be there.  There needs to be consistency, of course materials and environments.  Search and retrieval and access is important and will become more so.  But here is still value with face-to-face.  Progress does mean a blended learning approach.