Enhancement Themes

FLEXIBLE DELIVERYWORKSHOP

THE INSTITUTIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Monday 6th December 2004

Heriot-Watt University

Thelma Barron,Assistant Director, QAA

The Institutional Perspective

DRIVERS:

• Increased student numbers/ diversity

• Increased part-time study

• Competition in the market-place

• Retention issues

• Learner- centred approaches

• Learner expectation

• Technological Development

• Efficiency and cost

The Institutional Perspective:

Current State of Development (1)

• Distance-learning moving to on-line delivery

• Some on-line application, registration

• Some flexible entry dates

• Developing APL, APEL

• Articulation with FE colleges

• Accelerated entry to Years 2 and 3

• Some integration of record systems –

e.g. Student Records, Library

• Introduction of VLE platforms - e-learning

I

First themes launched in 2003-04 Assessment

Responding to Student Needs• Themes for 2004-05

EmployabilityFlexible Delivery

Generic themes allow a sector-wide, strategic approach to big issues, working in tandem with institutional strategies

Current State of Development (2)

• Use of VLE to support campus-based students

• Increasing use of multi-media material

• Good on-line information, guidance, handbooks

• Developing on-line assessment tools (e.g. MCQ’s)

• Developing automated self –assessment tools

• Developing self-help tools

• Some access to e-books, e-journals

• Developing PDP and supporting material

• Increasing team-working across professional boundaries

Projects, Commissioned Reports

Future Developments :

Administrative Infrastructure

• Integration of support systems

• Business processes on-line

• On-line interactive enquiry services

• Closer working between Academic, Library and Learning Technology Staff

• Move to block timetabling?

• More e-learning

• Less pressure on teaching space

Future Developments : Curriculum (1)

• Development of student-centred approach

• More Information Skills courses (Library Staff)

• More blended learning – reduced contact hours

• More project work, group work, problem solving, case studies

• More work-based learning, more focus on vocational areas – more links with industry, other agencies

Future Developments : Curriculum (2)

•Simulations on-line (field trips, labs, practicals)

• On-line interactive discussion fora, tutorials

• PDP – Reflective learning- Folio technology

• Greater variety of assessment methods, including formative, on-line assessment

• More collaboration, in UK and overseas – opportunity to ‘internationalise’ the curriculum

Future Developments :Student Support

• Proactivity in meeting student needs

• Less onerous admin – more individual student support

• Changing role of Advisers of Studies – more specialised?

• Greater individual support for learning and development

• On-line provision of TIMELY information and guidance

• Improved interaction between academic staff and students

Future Developments : Quality Assurance

• Implications for role of External Examiners

• Implications for Programme Management Systems eg Monitoring and Review

• Development of on-line student feedback

Future Developments : Staff

• Staff development in on-line pedagogy and delivery

• More team working

• Closer working between Academic, Library and Learning Technology staff

• Changing work patterns – more flexible approach – need to teach outside ‘9 to 5’

• Greater awareness of student needs

Future Developments: External Environment

• Greater collaboration within and between HE institutions to develop flexible delivery

• Increased overseas collaboration in programmes

• More FE/HE articulation

• RESOURCES Need for increased investment- for development of new programme materials,- for IT training and support- for infrastructure eg PCs, computer labs etc

Enhancement Themes

Web-site :

http://www.enhancementthemes.ac.uk

Thelma Barron, Assistant Director (Enhancement)

QAA Scottish Office

Tel: 0141 572 3431

E-mail: t.barron@qaa.ac.uk