JISC

Overview

Workbased learning has inherent difficulties associated with 1) limited access to direct tutor support; 2) efficiency of delivery for small numbers of learners; and 3) the quality of the learning experience for isolated students. 

The SWEET Project will develop and evaluate a course delivery methodology which addresses these issues using synchronous web conferencing with workbased learners within the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism sector.  BigBlueButton is an open source application which incorporates a variety of media to give employees an interactive, remote learning experience: desktop sharing, VOIP, presentation, webcam, shared whiteboard and text chat.   The project will integrate BigBlueButton with Moodle to create and evaluate a workbased learning environment which brings the qualities of simultaneous classroom delivery to cohorts of isolated learners.

Objectives

The project objectives are to: 

• Operationally set up BigBlueButton, integrate the application with Moodle and provide ongoing technical support for the system.
• Redesign REHIS course pedagogy, training materials and assessment to support synchronous collaborative learning.
• Deliver REHIS course through synchronous collaborative learning (SCL) to workbased learning students.
• Establish the potential for SCL to enhance the quality of workbased learning while simultaneously making course delivery efficiency savings.
• Conduct a cost/benefit analysis which establishes baseline data and includes both qualitative and quantitative evaluation criteria.
• Document project activities, processes, methodologies, findings and outcomes.
• Disseminate methodologies, knowledge and findings to stakeholders.

Anticipated Outputs and Outcomes

Outputs

• Open source SCL system built from BigBlueButton and Moodle;
• SCL user guides for students and tutors;
• Learning, support and assessment model for delivery of training by SCL;
• Case study of SCL course delivery, including cost/benefit analysis;
• Project completion report;
• Programme of targeted dissemination activities.

Broad & longer term outcomes

• Adoption of BigBlueButton within the UK Moodle user community.
• Adoption of SCL course design principles by other short workbased learning programmes.
• Provision of an SCL professional development programme to UK colleges via BigBlueButton/Moodle.
• Increased consortium delivery of courses using SCL across Scottish colleges.