The Learning Lab staff development initiative
Swansea University
I am really glad I chose this case study as I love it.
This is aimed at upskilling staff in elearning and giving them the opportunity to develop their skills.
IT involves research stages to look at why people were not engaging in elearning and built up a community to allow staff to build confidence in using the tools. (similarly to our Learning lab or practice area on OU). It started as information giving and grew as people wanted to use other tools and has grown into a virtual community.
There was a great emphasis on learning by doing, and a collaborative environment to support each other. It has taken time for staff to build confidence and enthusiasm and progress was slow, with some of the original community needed to allow others to grow. It also has suffered from the perennial problem of most imbedded communities, in that it has attracted spammers.
“A community of Practice is about relationships, sharing, support, sometimes collaborating, openness of opinions and being social. Most importantly its about the people and not the technology.”
Innovation?
This has to be classed as innovative, as it responds to a need, but greater than that, it empowers a workforce. We have already identified a need to ensure that our educators be empowered and open to using technology. This takes into account the development of our educators not just of our learners.
· Motivating staff motivates learners
· Allowing time for confidence building
· Listening to the needs
· empowerment
19 February, 22:09 by Alice Kerly
ReplyDeleteReally interested Sam in your comment about empowering the workforce. I didn't choose this case study, but one of mine seemed to be more about improving processes and efficiency of the institution... I just thought this was interesting as it's lead me to begin to collect some examples of innovation in elearning which aren't just about improving things for the students. Thanks!
20 February, 18:19 by Samantha Marks
ReplyDeleteThanks Alice. I think this is why I loved this one. Often we think about the learners/students and forget that those who are teaching also need support. I know that the biggest issue we have is retention of volunteers, and this is often because they don't feel motivated, encouraged or thanked.
There is a recurring theme running in many of the case studies, that where the teacher/staff were engaged in the process, they were empowered and ultimately motivated - making it a positive experience for staff and students. Not knowing what educational institutions are like, but picking up on others comments, I think that many staff are under immense pressure, so getting them feeling engaged and motivating is a win win.