JISC

e-Learning online conference 09 programme

Presentation and associated materials

• Synopsis: introduction to the Develop Me! session and synopsis of the aims and approach taken in the session. Download the synopsis (PDF, commenting enabled).
• Develop Me PowerPoint presentation: This is the main part of the presentation. The slides include notes and audio (no audio on last two slides) - however, please note that the audio will not start until you click the slide (as opposed to clicking 'play'). Do not move on to the next slide until the audio has finished. View this in the Flash player (opens in a new window). Original PPT not available for download. Download a transcript (PDF, commenting enabled).
• Podcast: Why Create a Social Network and Why Use Ning. Download the podcast (MP3, 3Mb.). Listen to the podcast online in the Flash player. 3.39 minutes. Download a transcript (PDF, commenting enabled).
• How have we used Ning? video: of screenshots from the Develop Me! site. View the video (Flash, new window). Download a transcript (PDF, commenting enabled).
• U-SED diaries video: student feedback about experiences of being at university. You can also download a transcript (PDF, commenting enabled). On a Mac, you may need to download the Windows player to view these.
  

Abstract

Research has identified that the initial experiences of University can have a significant impact on subsequent student engagement (Tinto, 1995; Longden and Yorke, 2007). Work at Bradford and Bournemouth Universities has identified that students who make early contact with academic and social infrastructures are more likely to remain involved in their course (Currant and Keenan, 2008). To support this process, the University of Bradford has decided to use new technologies and e-learning during the crucial initial induction phase, as well as to support and improve student academic skills to aid retention. Social networking, e-portfolios and reusable learning objects have been used to create an integrated package (Develop Me!) of transition, induction and study skills support for students to complement the face to face work. This session provides an overview of the Develop Me! approach and highlights some of the extensive evaluation that has been conducted into the approach. Participants will also have the opportunity to find out more about a new digital storytelling initiative (called U-SED) which aims to capture students experiences as they happen and provide insight into the process of engagement.

Presenters

Becka Currant

Becka is the Dean of Students at the University of Bradford. During her career, Becka has implemented an innovative approach to supporting skills development which includes the establishment of a new Learner Development Unit creation of the SaPRA (Skills and Personal Reflective Activity) tool and the Develop Me! approach to skills activities. She has a keen interest in student engagement and is active in researching the student experience of e-learning, transition to University and initial engagement with Higher Education. Her current research is focusing on digital literacy and she has developed a typology of digital learners in conjunction with colleagues at Bradford. Becka is a regular speaker at conferences in the UK and overseas and is a prolific user of social networking sites.

Neil Currant

Neil Currant is a lecturer in e-portfolios and PDP at the University of Bradford and is responsible for supporting the pedagogic use of the university's e-portfolio system. Neil's work, as part of a JISC project, has also focussed on so called ‘web 2.0’ tools and how we can use such tools to provide personal learning environments for a wide range of learners and in particular during transition into higher education.

He teaches on the MSc in Training & Development at the University of Bradford and is a qualified school teacher.

His research interests are in using social and web 2.0 tools for building learning communities of practice and in using electronic portfolios to support learning. He is a member of the International Coalition for E-portfolio Research which involves institutions across the UK, the USA and the Netherlands. Bradford's research is looking at how e-portfolios can be used to help develop learner autonomy. He is also interested in how technology such as blogs and e-portfolios can help develop reflective writing and reflection as a means to enhance learning. He is also researching the benefits of e-portfolios for Continuing Professional Development.

Neil McKeown

I'm Learning Technologist at the University of Bradford. As part of the Teaching Quality Enhancement Group, I'm responsible for the development, support and training of the University's eLearning solutions including our VLE, Blackboard. I come from a support background and, before Bradford, worked at Sheffield Hallam and Sheffield College training, encouraging and, very occasionally, begging staff and students to engage with online technologies. I'm a MOUS Master, ECDL Expert and am currently studying toward my MEd in Training and Development.

Facilitator

Helen Whitehead

Helen Whitehead is an elearning online community and social media consultant, writer and researcher. She has worked with schools, colleges and universities including the Beyond Distance Research Alliance at the University of Leicester, the National College for School Leadership, creative industries, arts and literature, and business and media training. She is a consultant for the  Oxford Centre for Staff and Learning Development. She has researched and facilitated online communities of various kinds in HE and other sectors for over ten years, including currently the ELESIG community for evaluating learners' experience of elearning She has developed online course materials in a variety of subjects at levels up to Master's, and created and taught training courses in e-moderating, collaborative learning, course design and redesign, content development and writing, and learning technologies such as blogs, wikis and podcasting, She co-founded the online communities, elearning and social media consultancy Reach Further Ltd