JISC

Overview

In 2001, UCISA commissioned a survey into the issues relating to VLEs that were seen to be having a significant impact on Computing/Information Services. In conjunction with the JISC, further surveys were conducted in 2003, 2005 and 2008.

Following the 2008 survey and the longitudinal analysis with the previous surveys, HeLF saw much value in continuing with these surveys in order to identify trends in e-learning development, which they highlighted as being particularly useful to senior managers. ALT also highlighted the value of the surveys in monitoring changes in sector thinking in relation to e-learning technologies, providing useful context for internal based consultation on benchmarking. The longitudinal perspective was particularly valued.

Aims and Objectives

The survey will continue to focus on the support for technology enhanced learning tools and build on work and research from Section 4 of previous surveys (….2005, 2008). The 2008 survey included a redesign of the original 23 questions used within this section and we will wish to maintain the focus of these questions in order to develop and enhance the longitudinal analysis.

In addition, the survey will consist of a second level of analysis and interpretation through follow up interviews with a sample of respondents, which will aim to provide an in depth study of the evolving and maturing nature of TEL use. This will help to identify emergent trends, planned activity and support implications for the future.

Project Methodology

Our methodology for the 2008 survey proved very successful, and we were able to achieve a 45% response rate by directing the survey to VCs and Principals who, in turn, could identify the most appropriate individual(s) in their institution to complete the survey. Based on this success we will be adopting a similar approach for the 2010 survey. We will also make use of the UCISA website and mailing lists and the HeLF community to help publicise the survey.

The second level of interpretation will be in the form of follow up interviews with agreed respondents and will provide further information and evidence to help contextualise findings and trends. This will be carried out by members of the project team and others in the UCISA-SSG Academic Support Group.

Anticipated Output and Outcomes

The primary output, as with previous surveys, will be a report with an executive summary for senior managers covering the key trends and conclusions, and this will be made freely accessible from the UCISA website and publicised via JISCmail lists.

The results of the survey and the on going longitudinal analysis will help inform institutional and sector decision making on support, training and pedagogic issues related to the use of e-learning technologies.