JISC

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

Overview

The project will compare and contrast different approaches to the use of mobile and other technologies to support HE programmes which have WBL (work-based learning) elements. Three FE Colleges have each identified different target audiences and different technology options with which to put together personal support systems for the work-based elements of their HE programmes.

The 3 consortium colleges will pilot existing technologies with new approaches, focusing on personalised learning and in particular e-portfolios and PDPs. Three strands of the project, one in each of the partner colleges, will each look at particular aspects and implementations of e-portfolios/PDPs. A distinctive and critical feature of this project is that whilst each partner will use different approaches and technologies, a framework of metrics, designed at the outset and refined through the life of the project, will be used to ensure that a consistent and accurate comparative analysis is available to report on the sub-projects

Aims and objectives

This project aims deploy contrasted e-porfolio/PDP systems across four collaborating colleges and provide a comparative analysis of their effectiveness and efficiency. To assist the HE in FE community with implementation choices in the future, this project will:

• develop a framework of metrics covering the operation and the collection of results data from the project operation.
• use this framework to provide unique, comparative and consistent information about the effectiveness of the four different approaches to the support of work-based learning.
• research and follow good practice demonstrated elsewhere in the sector
• significantly enhance the capability of WBL learners in the four different environments to document learning activities and experiences and record their personal development as a lifelong learner
• support course managers in administering their programmes
• achieve efficient and reliable recording of Work Based Learning and Skills within HE programmes.
• allow supervisors and employers to play an active part, providing feedback, engaging in dialogue and monitoring the progress of their employees.
• capture feedback from learners and employers, involving them as much as possible to ensure effective solutions meeting their needs
• provide reports on the comparative results obtained within this project of heterogeneous elements using consistent applied metrics and reporting styles
• indicate the strengths and weaknesses of a range of four approaches applied to the on-line support of work-based learners

Project methodology

Exploring the implementation and use of existing technologies is the priority rather than developing new systems or products.

The project will seek to extend knowledge about best practice in using e-portfolios. This will emphasise student ownership of e-portfolios and encourage the view of e-portfolios as a tool for personalised and lifelong learning.

A key aspect is to establish at the outset a set of metrics which will be used to consistently produce comparative data about the four approaches being taken to these different groups of learners. The creation of these metrics will occur at the start of the programme taking input from JISC, RSC Northern and other sources identified by research. It is envisaged that further metrics will be evolved and applied consistently across the four sub-projects during the life of the project.  Metrics will (e.g.) include cost of implemented technologies and ILT staff set-up time: resources spent per learner on induction and support; learner use levels (profile of access frequencies and hits); learner progress data; learner completions and results; overall engagement of tutors, mentors and employers. There will also be consistent collection of qualitative data through learner, staff, mentor, and employer diaries and blogs.

Anticipated impact

This project will provide carefully controlled comparative data to assist the HE in FE community with their implementation choices.

Key deliverables will be:

• short rule-of-thumb definitions of good practice in establishing WBL support
• case studies of the four approaches
• a report defining key issues and success factors
• the proposal to pilot the use of more than one e-portfolio system by different partners within the consortium will allow a comparative study to be made as to the various features of each of the e-portfolio systems which best support the project objectives. This will be documented as a report.

Lead institution

• Gateshead college 

Project partners

• City of Sunderland College 
• South Tyneside College