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Meeting the needs of online learners; the
challenges to shaping a new approach to online
learning.
Dr Esther Jubb
Academic Manager,
University of Derby Online Learning.
University of Derby Online Learning: Some Context
10 years of online distance learning delivery
Across a variety of programmes – foundation degrees to MBA
Developed as a response to local initiatives
Recruitment, admission, delivery and support all localised within
individual departments
Some areas of excellence but other areas where attention to detail and
consistency of student experience was patchy.
A little more context….
2008/9 creation of a central customer services/operations team to provide
support to online distance learners – one stop shop for information
2011 Executive decision to create separate business unit solely focused on
Online Distance learning.
January 2012 Senior Academic Team in place
Senior Development and Delivery Manager
2 Academic Managers
The Academic Team
8 Senior Online Tutors (Programme Leaders) – Disciplinary Specialists
1 Quality Manager
Bb 9.1, SP8 with a very (!!!) tight integration with SRS (Peoplesoft)
The Guiding Principles
What do we want to deliver and how do we want to deliver it?
The learner will:
be provided with stimulating, relevant and current content and activities
specifically designed for online distance study
receive timely feedback and support from dedicated online tutors.
have opportunities to learn with and from their peers.
have flexible and simple access to learning resources and key
programme information
receive dedicated support and guidance about how to be a successful
Learning Content, Activities and Resources Appropriate for
Online Study. 193 modules!
What is the current state of our module materials?
Rubric
Review of library resources
Review of learning activities
Streamlining of Independent Study process
Institutional transition to new credit framework
Some programmes already transitioned, some transitioning in 2012/13
More flexible way to deliver learning content (CMS)
The VLE
Same instance used for on-campus and online delivery
Merging of courses
‘Threshold Standards’
Trial of esubmission
Use of ‘Campus Pack’ technology
Our challenge to ‘owners’ of the VLE
Review of roles – enhanced access for Derby based Academic Team
Self management of Online modules and programmes
Templates
Live classroom technology
What was missing?
A sense of the sequence (a designed experience)
A clear indication to students of what they should DO
with this content
A clear indication of where there are opportunities to
receive feedback from the tutor
Coherently organised content – reviewable,
maintainable content
Blackboard
Introduced structure
Introduced a common template in Blackboard
Introduced optional learning activities (and
therefore initial opportunities to receive
feedback from tutors)
Introduced a content management system -
reviewable, maintainable content in one place
Other early ‘wins’
Common student orientation
Materials in CMS, delivered via Bb
Common independent studies module content
Materials in CMS, with localised disciplinary content
and learner experience managed in Bb
Online tutor induction
Delivered via Bb, using same tools and environment
that they will teach in.
Bb functionality which allows us to manage our online
tutors locally
Responsive Online Tutors
Who are they?
Where do they come from?
What are the issues and challenges?
Contractual
Systems and processes
Quality assurance
Where next?
Consistent approach to assessment and feedback.
Framework of assessment providing formative and summative
assessment opportunities appropriate for online study
Assessment tasks that can be managed more easily by external online
tutors
Overhaul of content so that it is maintainable, reusable and reviewable.
Greater use of the CMS
Development of resources to be used across multiple modules
Independent Study
Research Methods
Project Management
Lessons Learned
Internal University processes are designed for ‘core business’
Be clear about what you want and why you want it
Institutional timescales are often slower that a ‘new business’ needs
External tutors are both a blessing and a challenge
Huge enthusiasm
Performance management
Payment scales
