High Level Skills for the Digital and ICT Sectors

Dr. Atif Waraich

School of Computing, Mathematics and Digital Technology

a.waraich@mmu.ac.uk

Aims of the HLSP project

• Address CPD issues for Digital and Creative ICT sectors for areas of skills shortage

– Multimedia, Web Development, Programming

– Computer games included originally

– Target audience both SMEs and large companies; & individuals

– Schools Computing and Mathematics & Art and Design

• Development of 8 units

– Stand alone “bite size” courses; CPD focus

– But could be combined to produce a qualification

• Potentially to full MSc

Skills & knowledge covered

• Three broad themes:

– Internet

• Java programming etc.

– Multimedia

• Cross platform development; Adobe Flash CS5

– Mobile devices

– iOS (iPhone) and Android

HLSP CPD units

• Multimedia Authoring (Flash) x 2

• Object Oriented Programming (Java) x 2

• Internet Programming x 2

• iPhone development

• Android development

Units: Overview

• Original model 10 credit “units”

– Over 12 weeks; 2 hours direct tutor contact per week

– Blended learning approach to delivery [VLE]

– Introductory and Advanced

• To cater for career changers; development of new knowledge and skills;

– Units can be formally assessed

• If the student wishes to gain credit for a qualification; this is optional

iPhone course

• iPhone course developed after consultation with industry partners

• This has run 3 time with 15 learners

• Based on 4 day intensive delivery model

• Partnership with Shiny Development

• Advantages:

• Demand led

• Skills required quickly by delegates; intensive course

• Release from companies easier

• Local delivery

• 4 day model suited to most delegates

iPhone

• 8 hours per day (1 hour lunch)

• Split

• Lecture based delivery

• Lab exercises

• Day 4: Project to create a Twitter application; brought together first 3 days

• Joint delivery with industry input

• Future combined delivery on a session by session basis

Feedback: iPhone course

• ”[Tutor] was excellent, explained the theory very well and gave very good answers to all the questions asked. Very impressed.”

• “I was nervous about learning a new language but following 4 days of great tuition, excellent demos/examples and very helpful one to one assistance whenever I needed it I wouldn't hesitate recommending this course.”

• App: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/tweet-trends-build-this-app/id368227792?mt=8

Sample Twitter App Produced

Revised delivery model

• We have discovered that the 12 week model is not popular with industry

• Preferred shorter more intensive courses

• Industry input (from practitioners) is highly valued

• This has required a partnership approach to delivery

• New model is not be applied to the Android course material we have developed

• Similar model to iPhone delivery with facilitation from industry practitioner

• Windows Mobile 7 course will also be developed

Issues raised

• Expectations of SMEs v. large companies

– Different training needs?

– Delivery model

• Recession has reduced investment in training for smaller companies

– Viewed as a risk factor; lose staff?

– Wanted competitive advantage

– Challenge for universities; need for us to maintain currency; rapidly changing field

– iPhone material delivered to our students is now better

• Qualification aspect not necessarily viewed as an advantage by some employers

– Benefit to individuals

Links to business & other services

• MMU Usability Laboratory

• Remote monitoring; eye tracking; Web site analysis

• Publicity for this has led to other work

• Further course development

• Android

• Windows 7 Mobile

• Funding requested for an “Enterprise centre”

• Development services to local businesses e.g. iPhone apps

• Placement opportunities for students

• “”Ecosystem” of business focussed services

• Business Development Managers; RES centre

Questions?