JISC

The project has now completed. The final report is available from the bottom of the page.

Dynamic Learning Maps

Navigable Dynamic Learning Maps will be developed and evaluated to assist students and staff in actively mapping learning by drawing on formal curricular and personalised learning records, supported by easy-to use facilities to add and rate resources, and tools to support discussion and reflection. These maps will fuse both “semantic web” and, “Web 2.0” approaches, building on established technologies and standards to provide “mash-ups” of resources and curriculum information (managed learning environments) and personal learning records (ePortfolios/blogs). The project will meet a number of JISC Programme objectives and will be of value to the wider HE/FE community. The approach will be a participative Work Package/Case Study model, working closely with students, staff, employers and other stakeholders to develop and implement a scalable, manageable and sustainable system to support the use of Dynamic Learning Maps to meet diverse educational requirements, ranging from Personal Development Planning to assessment.

Aims and Objectives

This project aims to enhance curriculum delivery and student learning experiences through the use of dynamic learning maps, which fuse curriculum maps, learner content using elements of Web 2.0 and semantic web approaches to:

• Provide a navigable map of both formal (planned) curricula and personalised learning records. 
• To allow staff and student to add and rate resources as part of a actively mapping process. 
• Promote the synthesis of ideas, reflection on achievements, self-awareness and forward planning. 
• Give insight into the actual learning and perceived values of both internal and external learning resources. 
• Enhance curriculum delivery by providing a very flexible space in which learners can explore their curriculum, record and reflect on their learning and evidence their skills/learning outcomes.
  

Project Methodology

The project has been split into nine packages of work:

    1) Project Management and Setup
    2) Review of current practice
    3) Identify criteria suite for mapping curricula, external relationships and personal student experiences
    4) Develop and implement learning maps using degree programme based pilot
    5) Initial large scale pilot to prove the developed concepts and infrastructure
    6) Documented evaluation processes
    7) Refining and implementing sustainability strategy
    8) Dissemination activities - engagement and understanding
    9) JISC Documentation - review achievements, collate findings, document and assess outcomes

Anticipated Outputs and Outcomes

• Dissemination plan
• Detailed project plan
• Review of current practice 
• User needs analysis
• Learning maps prototype for pilot phase
• Piloted study with MBBS
• Documented case studies
• Evaluation process documentation
• Evaluation report
• Continuation strategy plan
• Project website and community blog
• Final report and evaluation

Technologies/Standards used

• XML 
• SCORM 
• Leap2a 
• HTTP 
• CSS 
• XCRI 
• OPML/OML
  

Lead Institution

• Newcastle University