JISC

Background and Context 
Aims and Objectives 
Project Methodology
Implications / Deliverables / Stakeholders 

Background and Context

The SHELL Project arose from the converging themes of lifelong learning and learner accessibility, at a time characterised by rapid growth in the use of Virtual and Managed Learning Environments.  Through a well established partnership (1989), the University of Plymouth and its associated colleges offer a firm foundation for the development of links to support learners as they move between further and higher education institutions.   

Aims and Objectives

The SHELL Project aims to develop the integration of technologies across a consortium involving the University and partner colleges.  In particular, the SHELL project will address the increased business need to have a single registration/information up-load for students who move between FE and HE in the region through a student-centred record (SCR).

The specific objectives (and deliverables) are to achieve:

• Single registration for all partnership students
• Rapid and efficient transfer of student data between consortium members
• A mechanism for the transfer of student results
• A permanent personal web portal for students to access their transcript/development profile.
• Access to relevant learning materials

Project Methodology

The project is split into two broad phases.  In phase one, four colleges will work closely with the University to develop the SCR database and associated interfaces (using IMS specifications) to existing student data systems. 

The four principal FE partners are: The Cornwall College Group, North Devon College, Exeter College, and Somerset College of Arts and Technology.  In phase two, the project will be rolled out to a wider range of partners in the South West of England.  Throughout the project, commercial vendors will work closely with the partners to develop and implement these interfaces.

Implications / Deliverables / Stakeholders

The whole JISC community will benefit from the development of this model of a student-centred database.  In particular, students will benefit from 'joined-up' approaches between institutions in which they study.  The SHELL Project will further develop a package of materials that can be used for staff development as part of the process of implementing the SCR within institutions. Finally, it is possible that the work of this project may lay the foundation for what could be a nationally adopted method for sharing data between institutions.