JISC

Using ideas and outputs from previous JISC projects, this project aims to enhance effective, inclusive staff development. This will be achieved by supporting staff to engage in recording, reflecting on and [re]presenting their development activity in ways that make sense to them, making use personal learning technologies, especially Pebblepad.

Overview

Following the publication of the 2006 UK Professional Standards Framework for teaching and supporting learning in higher education, staff development in HE has become a key sector-wide issue. HEFCE funding and numerous HEA projects sought to support the implementation of this framework, focusing on initial staff development. The University of Worcester’s PG Cert in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education has recently undergone reaccreditation. Discussion with other programme leaders as part of this process, including colleagues at Cumbria working on a related JISC project, highlighted the value of patchwork text approaches to assessment and the use of personal learning systems.

Aims and objectives 

This project will go beyond initial staff development, engaging established academic staff and others to use a personal learning system to support their CPD. This will be underpinned by the University of Worcester’s new staff development framework, which is values-based, includes all staff and seeks to tie development to employment processes such appraisal, review and promotion. Building on previous JISC projects, it will report on the process of developing and implementing a high level project to develop learning across an institution, providing a case study on the use of a personal learning system to support initial and continuing development activity.

Project methodology

The project plan is to (1) raise awareness of JISC information and opportunities, (2) develop the processes and the use of technology, (3) support implementation and (4) pull together the deliverables of the project. The Project Officer will take first responsibility for the project, organising work through regular meetings with the Project Lead. Support from JISC, members of the Project Oversight Group and external consultants will also be critical for success. The Project Officer will be involved in research, planning and evaluation throughout, liaising with others for support and implementation.

Anticipated outputs and outcomes

Outputs:

• Review of JISC projects, mapped to institutional needs and goals
• Case studies on the adoption of a personal learning system in staff development and embedding JISC outputs within an institution
• Supporting documentation, multimedia and workshops and individual support
• Resources and guides for other institutions
• Testimonials from executive management team

Outcomes:

• Increased adoption of personal learning systems to support CPD
• Support in implementing the new staff development framework
• Greater awareness of JISC outputs and opportunities
• Greater understanding of the challenges in improving staff development processes through ICT and effective solutions