JISC

The broad aim of this project will be to evaluate the effectiveness and consistency  of the learning, teaching, administration and support facilities provided by the e-College Wales MLE for students across the university and each of the partner institutions. In this it will be addressing theme one of the 01-03 project: Implementing MLE activities to support lifelong learners on cross-institutional programmes of study.

Objectives

• Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of sharing of teaching resources through the MLE by the University and its partner college network
• Investigate the academic support provided by programme teams at each institution and how the course delivery was effectively coordinated through the MLE
• Evaluate the technical support provided for learners, both centrally by the University of Glamorgan and locally by the partner colleges
• Evaluate the administrative systems provided through the MLE in support of the students
• Evaluate the learners’ experience in engaging with the MLE using computer resources in the workplace or at home
• Assess the effectiveness of the student tracking and recording systems supported by the MLE across the partner college network   
• Investigate the effect the MLE has on the pedagogic delivery model intended and the learning processes experienced by the students
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the cross institutional management and organisational activities operated through the MLE

Project Methodology

The project will be based at the University of Glamorgan and will operate, over a two year period, through the Glamorgan On-line Research Unit. Research staff will be appointed to design and implement the investigative methodology which will centre on focus group activity with students and staff at each of the partner institutions.  The methodology will seek to identify the critical features of the e-College Wales systems that support the cross-institutional learning and teaching process and to report on emerging good practice and areas for improvement.

Project Outcomes/Deliverables

The project investigations will be reported through a major published report with chapters covering each of the objectives. The report will derive its information from the experiences of 850 students participating in e-learning courses at graduate and post-graduate level through the MLE, as well as from academic, management and support staff at the University and each of the partner colleges.