Making the numbers stack up
Download the full report
The aim of this project was to produce a module structure that is adaptable, and allows flexibility in assessment, learning and teaching using diagnostic assessment to deliver appropriate reuseable learning objects.
Executive Summary
This project focuses on an existing foundation level module. The module covers basic ICT, numerical and financial management knowledge and skills for a range of vocational business courses. Vastly increased student numbers - and a widening range of abilities and experience – have made that module both more important and more difficult to teach.
It is intended to develop the module to provide better quality materials and support for these students – and form the basis of a generic business module that can be adapted for a wider range courses. The basic ideas draw heavily on the team‟s previous experience and research as teaching fellows and as teachers on this and similar modules.
The project seeks to improve the quality of materials and support for the existing module. However, its wider aim is to put in place systems and tools to allow the rapid development of vocationally relevant and well contextualised materials for the future. It is this 'rapid response' aim that is the core of the project's practical element.
It has been necessary to carry out an in-depth review of existing procedures, materials and tools. In addition discussions with staff and students have been necessary to identify their key needs. In parallel to this, a review of the available tools and learning objects was carried out. These investigations led to a more detailed project plan and initial equipment purchasing.
The most important principle (identified at an early stage) was to design and make all materials – and to plan and implement all systems – with the end user (typical teachers and students) in mind. Throughout the project the consultations with staff and students continued. Module evaluations were done regularly and a more detailed parallel research project conducted an in depth analysis of student experiences. These consultations form the basis of the project evaluation section of the report.
The project has not fully met all its aims or produced all the anticipated outcomes – at least not within the timeframe of the JISC funding call. The work will continue as many issues have been identified which will form the basis of all our future development.
Completed outcomes include:
- The creation of a rapid response toolkit of hardware and software (see appendix 6 of the full report)
- Improvements in staff skills (and approach) to materials design and production
- A range of standardised VLE module templates that have improved student participation and performance (and which will form the basis of several new modules across the University)
- Improved knowledge of IPR issues – and systems for managing these more easily and effectively
The primary aim of more effective, contextualised module support that has actively improved student uptake, retention and performance has been achieved. The project team will continue to develop these aspects over the coming months. Vital lessons have been learned which will also inform future work.
IPR issues need to be addressed much more thoroughly. A full support package is planned and will be produced over the next few months. The approach to design and production of materials should be revised to focus on the principles of easy modification and repurposing – and the needs of the end-user. Above all, there is a need to foster a greater culture of co-operation and the team will work to improve this via the dissemination stages of the project and other means.