VLEs and meeting student expectations

Maria Tannant – Learning Technologistmtannant@ucreative.ac.uk

Tony Reeves – Learning Technologisttreeves2@ucreative.ac.uk

University for the Creative ArtsCanterbury, Epsom, Farnham, Maidstone & Rochester

VLEs and meeting student expectations

•Towards technology and infrastructure•Multiple passwords•Bad experience with VLE•No sense of ownership or control•No identity or flexibility

VLEs and meeting student expectations

tackling negative perceptions

Led to a rebrand exercise and new start

VLEs and meeting student expectations

VLEs and meeting student expectations

VLEs and meeting student expectations

evaluation: audit and dialogue

•VLE Use Audit of course and module areas•Elearning champions and best practice identified•Areas of low or no use identified•What Works, What Doesn’t workshops with course reps•Feedback from staff

Provides evidence of strengths and weakness

VLEs and meeting student expectations

evaluation: audit and dialogue

VLEs and meeting student expectations

parity and consistency

•Inconsistent layout from module to module•Inconsistent content from course to course•Mixed expectations•Frustration and poor experience from students•No clear guidance to staff or enforcement measures

Students where getting different experiences from course to course

VLEs and meeting student expectations

using a framework for guidance

•Module and course template to address inconsistencies•Minimum requirements to guide staff on content•Provides a model to build into staff induction training•Setting a standard to meet at least a basic level of expectation

VLEs are more than document repositories!

VLEs and meeting student expectations

changing the culture

•Addressing staff and students concerns head on•Providing better ‘video on demand’ help and support for staff •Working with support departments•Showcasing best practice for others to learn from•Embrace cloud technologies to work alongside the VLE

Review, evaluate and improve

VLEs and meeting student expectations

workshop activities – indentify and discuss

Group 1 - Evaluation1.How is the VLE used at your institution - what activities are occurring and by whom?

2.What methods of evaluating the VLE are used and how do you capture various activities?

You have 10 minutes – write down findings and nominate group speaker

Group 2 – Parity & Consistency1.How is inconsistent use of the VLE being addressed, and how is parity achieved at your institution?

2.What are the advantages/disadvantages of inconsistency? E.g. does consistency stifle innovation?

VLEs and meeting student expectations

workshop activities – indentify and discuss

Group 1 – Frameworks1.What measures does your institution put in place to ensure there is a minimum content requirement for the VLE.

2.If a framework to meet students’ online expectations has been implemented, what is it and how was it achieved?

You have 10 minutes – write down findings and nominate group speaker

Group 2 – Changing the Culture1.How has your institution developed a more positive approach to the VLE

2.How have you tackled pockets of resistance with using the VLE, and what (if any) compromises have you made?