How to use blocks to improve the teaching and learning experience

January 2013

Ofsted Report 27th September 2012

"Colleges should improve teaching, learning and assessment by using information

learning technology (ILT) and their virtual learning environments (VLE) more

effectively.“

• http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/how-colleges-improve

Key Statements 27th September 2012

• "Information learning technologies (ILT) and virtual learning environments (VLE) were useful in improving teaching and

learning and sharing good practice.“

• "The level of staff training, however, lagged behind.“

• "Although there were examples of good and excellent practice across curriculum areas, overall the consistency of

use, effectiveness and impact varied.“

• "The impact of these technologies has been to improve access to learning."

Blocks

• Can be used to:– Link to a website or web address– Link to a glossary (definitions)– Provide links to magazines and textbooks– Provide access to RSS feeds (BBC News)– Allow learners to access support

Blocks

• Can be used in various ways• The most useful are:

– HTML– Random glossary entry– Remote RSS feeds

HTML

• Provide a platform that allows you to:– Link to a website or URL

through a picture.

• Used for:– Employability– Higher education– Topical information– Differentiated material

• Games• Text-books

Random glossary entry

• Links to your on-line glossary

• Lists a different definition on the moodle page every time the page changes

• Useful for courses that require precise definitions

Remote RSS feeds

• Can be linked to any site that has an RSS feed.

• Can be subject specific or provide topical stories to link theory to practice.

Demo

• http://moodle.leggott.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=430

FYI…

• This is not a perfect or definitive demonstration that will satisfy all OFSTED requirements.

• It does, however, improve interactivity, assist with aspirational educational goals, promote employability and provide differentiated activities.

• Since reformatting our moodle pages, user figures have increased dramatically!!

Sep 2012 Oct 2012 Nov 2012

AS Economics 860 801 1925

A2 Economics 734 664 1134

What do students like?

• The ease of use• Differentiation• Study plus and revision games• Topical information that changes at least

once a week.

Questions?

• PowerPoint file • Help sheets from this session• Assistance from Benn or Susannah

• Evaluation form (anonymous)

moodle.leggott.ac.uk/help