JISC

Overview

The eTutor project will create and pilot two new modules for the Wales e-Training Network on-line Foundation Degree in e-Commerce. The modules will be created without developing any new on-line learning materials and will be delivered without using a VLE.

The project assumes that the materials required are already available on the Internet and that on-line learning environment for delivery can be constructed from Web 2.0 services and social networking software.

The two modules will be subject to the same academic quality requirements as the other FD modules and will be piloted as part of the 2008/2009 delivery programme.

Aims and objectives

The broad aim of the eTutor project is to explore the possibility of creating an effective on-line learning environment from currently available Web 2.0 services and social networking software, and to use this environment to deliver quality assured learning modules using existing on-line content and resources.

The project objectives are to:

• Apply the principles of the e-Framework to create a learning environment, using freely available software tools, based on user needs and specified collaboratively by learners and their on-line tutors.
• Develop two quality assured modules of higher level on-line learning using content and resources sourced from the Internet and based on discovery learning within a social constructivist pedagogic approach.
• Pilot the module(s) with learners as part of a validated on-line HE programme and evaluate the experiences of both learners and tutors in a real institutional and social community context.
• Draw conclusions about the current ability to create an effective service-oriented open-source on-line learning environment and to deliver a quality assured learning experience using freely available content and resources.

Project methodology

The project will be carried out by a small project team consisting of a project manager, two module authors/tutors and an educational technologist.

The team will work with the existing Wales e-Training Network programme team in developing, validating and piloting the two new modules. The team will also work closely with the JISC WALES project team already exploring the use of mobile technologies and social networking software in the on-line tutor/learner support system.

The two module authors will complete the module design by the end of July and, working with the educational technologist and existing tutors and learners, will finalise the on-line learning environment specification for launch of the pilot phase in the autumn of 2008.

The project will conclude with the evaluation of learner and tutor experience and will report on the findings.

Anticipated outputs and outcomes

The main outputs of the eTutor project will be the two on-line modules, developed and piloted as the central project activity. An additional key output will be the evaluation report that will assess the effectiveness of the methodology of developing and delivering on-line learning.

It is hoped that the main outcome of the project will be a significant contribution to the understanding of how global developments in technology and the growth of web resources can be exploited in the support of learning.

It is not anticipated that either the web resources or the learning environment will be found to be optimal at this point in the development of the Web. It is anticipated, however, that outcomes will confirm the view that the future of e-learning lies in this direction.

Technology / Standards used

The very nature of the project means that the technologies and standards used will emerge as the module design progresses. A key assumption of the project is that standards will underpin the resources and Web 2.0 technologies used, but that this will be transparent to the users.

Lead Institution

• Swansea Metropolitan University

Project partners

• University of Glamorgan
• Open University
• Coleg Sir Gâr

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