This project will provide the HE sector with reusable models and resources for an e-portfolio based pedagogy for SMEs. Such a pedagogy will take account of the particular conditions of SME employers and learners, namely: shortage of time, prior informal learning, need to match individual learning with needs of the enterprise, need for flexible delivery, quality assured, opportunities to record and build achievement, need for confidentiality and for ease of access to e-learning and feedback.􀀹

e-Portfolio based pedagogy for SMEs

Overview

This project will provide the HE sector with reusable models and resources for an e-portfolio based pedagogy for SMEs. Such a pedagogy will take account of the particular conditions of SME employers and learners, namely: shortage of time, prior informal learning, need to match individual learning with needs of the enterprise, need for flexible delivery, quality assured, opportunities to record and build achievement, need for confidentiality and for ease of access to e-learning and feedback.

Aims and objectives

The aim of this project is to provide the HE sector with reusable models and resources for an e-portfolio based pedagogy that will address the needs of SME based learners.

The objectives are to develop processes for:

  • addressing the specific needs of SME based learners linked to the performance needs of the enterprise and the individual learners.
  • enabling academic teachers to develop responsive, context sensitive, bespoke e-portfolio based curricula.
  • the negotiation of e-portfolio based learning experiences.
  • the speedy passage from learner needs’ analysis to deliverable, quality assured curricula.
  • generating a range of work based learning modules within a flexible accreditation framework.

Project methodology

This project will deploy an action research process over eighteen months using the e-portfolio as an important tool for the reflexivity and transformative learning required. Three retreats will be organised: to develop an instrument that can be used to negotiate SME learner needs; a dialogue with SMEs to devise reflexive, transformative work based learning and evaluation of the negotiation and delivery processes having particular regard for: QA processes, technical/infrastructural/resourcing issues, administrative burdens, ethical and privacy issues, design challenges, accreditation frameworks, progression pathways (through foundation degrees to higher qualifications, including masters), learner and employer experiences.

Anticipated outputs and outcomes

- Processes for:

  • addressing the specific needs of SME based learners linked to the performance needs of the enterprise and the individual learners.
  • enabling academic teachers to develop responsive, context sensitive, bespoke e-portfolio based curricula.
  • the negotiation of e-portfolio based learning experiences which have regard for: prior learning, flexible delivery, alignment of individual and organisational needs; confidentiality and ethical frameworks for work based inquiry.
  • the speedy passage from learner needs’ analysis to deliverable, quality assured curricula.
  • generating a range of work based learning modules within a flexible accreditation framework.

 - A project website
- A Special Interest Group

Lead Partner
  • University of Wolverhampton

 

Project Staff

Project Manager
  • Alison Felce, Co-ordinator of Work-based Learning, Institute for Learning Enhancement, The University of Wolverhampton, Tel: +44 1902 322361 a.e.felce@wlv.ac.uk
Project Team
  • Professor Glynis Cousin, University of Wolverhampton, Institute for Learning Enhancement, Tel: +44 1902 322361  g.cousin@wlv.ac.uk
  • Professor Chris Hockings, University of Wolverhampton, Institute for Learning Enhancement, Tel: +44 1902 322361 c.hockings@wlv.ac.uk
  • Dr Paul Brett, University of Wolverhampton, Institute for Learning Enhancement, Tel: +44 1902 322361 p.brett@wlv.ac.uk
  • Megan Lawton, University of Wolverhampton, Institute for Learning Enhancement, Tel: +44 1902 322361 m.j.lawton@wlv.ac.uk
  • Emma Purnell, University of Wolverhampton, Institute for Learning Enhancement, Tel: +44 1902 322361e.purnell@wlv.ac.uk
  • Kim White, University of Wolverhampton, Intelligent Career Development, Tel: +44 1902 321137 kim.white@wlv.ac.uk

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Summary
Start date
1 March 2009
End date
31 March 2011
Funding programme
Institutional Innovation Programme
Strand
Lifelong learning and workforce development
Project website
Committees
  • JISC Organisational Support committee
Topic