Minshull G. 2004 ‘VLEs: Beyond the Fringe and into the Mainstream’, Proceedings of VLEs: Beyond The Fringe... And Into The Mainstream, FERL, Online, February 2004, http://ferl.becta.org.uk/content_files/pages/news_events/events/Online_events/VLEs%20-%20into%20the%20mainstream.pdf
Context
"...both technically and organisationally. It requires a lot of resources, and significant cultural change within the institution." (P5)
· Providing minority subjects in remote areas is a real driver
Common Drivers
Good PD
· showcase for awareness raising
· short sharp sessions
· cascading - people can't be too techie
· "illustrate complementary practice that would enhance the learning and teaching process"(P13)
· surgery approach - available certain times for specialist assistance
· Course team training - peer support down the track and ownership by whole team
Followup practices
· how to guides
· online support
· replace manuals with FAQs
Common Barriers
· teachers do not feel involved in VLE selection process
· lack of opportunity to develop a vision or expectation of how to use VLEs
· perception that new technology and additional work is being imposed
· teachers do not feel that their specific needs are being addressed
Driving Change
"practices which may be considered acceptable in a pilot may not be considered reasonable on the larger scale required for mainstreaming" p3
Infrastructure
· Support staff need to understand how learners use eg library staff
IT support need to accommodate and plan for usage
Management need to be aware of potential for supporting teaching and learning, financial demands, hardware, software and training - best ways to maximise its potential in any strategy developments.
"Whatever the case, the VLE has to add something to the learning experience for the student, and not just be used for the sake of it. If it doesn't offer something more than the students already get within their classes, then there is no point in them using it" (P26)
Implementation
Practical steps needed to move from a pilot to the mainstream ? (p7) includes some good quotes including one about staff empowerment.
Summary
1. Get the technology right
2. Get the right VLE
3. Understand the costs and support needed
4. Decide how the VLE will be used
5. A supportive Senior Management Team is essential
6. The role of middle managers is also crucial
7. Other key staff should be involved
8. Make it easy for the teaching staff and provide them with good support structures
9. Show staff the advantages to them of using VLEs
10. Use champions (preferably non-IT specialists) to spread the word
11. Provide comprehensive and ongoing staff development
12. Remember the VLE is for the simple things too
13. Don't underestimate the value of the communications tools.
quality control should not become a barrier (p25)
If someone is producing materials solely for their own use, they should have the same quality control procedures as they would use if producing a handout for a face to face classroom session (P25)
Posted by Kirsty at October 16, 2004 08:36 PM