Learner experiences across the disciplines (LEaD)
The Learner Experiences across the Disciplines (LEaD) project is a study of the use of learning technology by first-year University students. The project will concentrate on the critical transition needed to study effectively within a University environment. Learners’ expectations of, and engagement with, a variety of learning technologies, including Web 2.0, will be explored through the use of learner video diaries together with in-depth interviews and questionnaires.
Aims and objectives
The project aims to capture aspects of the whole learning experience, including the role played by technology, during students’ first year at University. Its focus is on 'critical moments'; more specifically, the involvement and impact of learning technology on learners' transition to University and how this changes as they progress through the year.
The main research questions addressed include:
- What are learners' expectations regarding the availability and use of e-learning at University?
- How do learners adapt and change their approaches to e-learning during their first year at University?
- What are the key factors that influence learners' choices of e-learning strategies and how these are utilised?
- To what extent do learners use non-institutional / personal e-learning technologies to support their learning?
Project methodology
Student groups will be selected from a number of different disciplines at the University of Edinburgh, including Physics, Divinity and Veterinary Medicine. The project will use a mixed-mode approach, building on work done in earlier Phase 1 studies.It will centre on a series of video diaries followed by in-depth interviews. Selected diaries will also be made available to groups of learners in order to stimulate collaborative and group discussion, for example via web logs or wikis. Additional data collection methods will also be considered, including online questionnaires and analysis of online activity, for example from logs.
Anticipated impact
The project will contribute to the wider JISC community in a number of ways, it will:
- provide rich and detailed data on the ways that learners utilise both institutional and personalised learning technologies, in particular as they make the critical transition to studying within a University environment
- explore learners’ expectations of ,and engagement with a variety of learning technologies, including Web 2.0
- provide teaching staff with pointers, insights and examples of good practice for the use of learning technologies to support student learners, especially during (although not necessarily limited to) their early years at University
Lead institution
University of Edinburgh
Project Plan
Project plan (Word)
Project Staff
Project manager
Project team